Chest pain after a viral infection

Dear Ask The Doctor: Hi there. i have recently had a really bad viral infecton for about 5 days, the doctor has put me on antibiotics, and i am also taking some panadine (was taking anadin extras) for my headaches. today i started getting chest ache, (not a pain) but just an ache in my lower chest, in the middle underneith my breasts. it gets worse everytime i eat food, especially when i swallow it... have had it for 6 hours now, what do you think it could be?

Dear Jess: Your chest pain could be the result of pleuritis due to the viral infection. Pleuritis is an inflammation of the parietal and serous pleura of the lung. Viral pleurisy is a common cause of pleuritic chest pain in young adults. Viral infections normally run their course and no medications are required. Anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen can be taken to relieve the pain. However if you notice that the pain is worsening or you have difficulty breathing, I would suggest that you contact your doctor immediately or go to the ER. Take care.