Question Title: Sharp pain with deep breath

Hello, I have a question. I have been experiencing sharp pains in my left side underneath my left breast, all the way to my back, whenever I breath in. It comes very suddenly, and lasts a couple of minutes. Its as if each breath causes the pain to shoot to my back. I have noticed after burping a lot and going to the bathroom, it feels MUCh better. I think I take in a lot of air. I burp all the time. Could this be digestion related? Its mainly on my left side! I get all kinds of other pains as well. Sharp ones in my shoulder and behind my left breast as well. Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks! Kelly

Dear Kelly

These symptoms may represent a disorder of your digestive tract, such as acid reflux. However, it would be unwise to make a diagnosis without a thorough history and physical examination. Your symptoms could represent a serious problem with your digestive system, or your heart or lungs. You should make an appointment with your primary care doctor. If you do not have one, you should make an appointment with a general internist.

I hope this information is useful. Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only. Only your physician can provided specific diagnoses and therapies. Feel free to write back with further questions. Good luck!

If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.

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