Chest Pains

[ODNation]

Hi, Im a 22 year old male who doesnt smoke or drink. Im 5-11 165lbs and lately Ive been having chest pains - especially in the morning. I work 3rd shift - and last night my supervisor made me go see the nurse that we have staffed. What I described to him was this:

When I wake up, I feel as if my chest has been squeeze tightly together and it takes me a minute to catch my breathe. I told him that I sleep with the fan on. I also told him that my diet has majorily changed since I now have 2 jobs and eat fast food alot. Also, I use to be very active (was in the army). This guy seemed like a joke to me, but this is what he had to say...

He claims that its not a heart condition, rather its a bad case of heartburn. He claims that the reason that I wake up with my chest tight is because I have the fan blowing right in my face, and that would cause me to breathe differently, "forcely breathing" as he stated. He also said that alot of it could be musclar pain. At work we have to pull or push palletes (on rollers) that are from 5000-10000 pounds. And that Im stretching the muscle.

I tried his no fan theory. I woke up with a litttle bit of chest pains, but majorily better then days before where I would sleep with it on. I dont have any problems breathing heavy or taking deep breathes. I can play about an hour straight of basketball and not badly gasp for air (yes Im out of shape). As Im typing this, there is something going on, not under my rib cage(I guess)...but where the center of my chest and the edge of my left rib cage meet. Its not pain, but its very annoying.

Thax

[National Jewish]

The chest pain you are describing sounds a lot like muscular pain.  It is most likely related to the pulling and pushing you do at work.  The way to test this theory is to be relieved of this activity for a couple weeks.  Perhaps you have a vacation coming up.  Another possibility is lighter duty at work.  It probably has little to do with the fan.  Also this doesn't sound like heartburn.

[ODNation]

I also wanna note that I did check up the symptoms of heartburn, and I seem to have them, especially the belching. I have been randomly belching lately. About a week and a half ago, I cut out soda from my life, and I stritcly now drink water(mostly), juice, and tea.

I still think this nurse of ours is a joke and hope to get a more professional insight...

thanks