Chest Pain

[Jess497]

I am a 23 year old female-nonsmoker/nondrinker/normal BMI who began having chest pain 4 months ago. I believe the pain was initially onset due to stress (I was switching jobs at the time). Stress is gone (went back to old job) but pain remains: blood test (hepatitis, h pylori), EKG, gall bladder/liver function, echo cardio/stress are all normal. I have been treated with arthritis medication for costocondritis and been perscribed both prilocec and nexium with no help. Pain is not constant and is not consistent (may be in am or pm; does not seem to appear after consuming certain food), doesn't worsen when I lie/breathe deeply, etc. Any clue?

[Ratnakar Kini]

Hi,
Since large meal precipitates the symptoms, it could be GERD.
Painkiller that you take for costochondritis can cause ulcer disease with similar symptoms.
Upper GI endoscopy and 24 hours pH monitoring test would be helpful in the diagnosis.
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D.

[Jess497]

Should also mention chest xray was negative and I often have bloating and nausea (i.e. eat a larger meal, I feel these symptoms next am).