Chest pain

[Mads10189]

I am a 46 year old female.  Non-smoker, self employed.  I encounter chest pains on a daily basis.  EKG, etc  (although I have low blood pressure, which does not have any effect on my lifestyle). results are OK.  The pain is like a sharp stabbing sensation in the left middle area of my chest (heart).  The pains or cramps lasts for a few minutes.  

[Ltimm175]

This may seem crazy but I had chest pain at random that could last from any where from a few minutes, hours and some times even days. I never went to the Doctor for the pain because I thought I was to young to have any heart problems and blamed it on my anxiety. Finally while pregnant with my second son the pain got to where I could not shake it, I told my doctor and they sent me to a physical therapist. I remember thinking it was the most far fetched thing I had ever heard. The day I first met her she did an examination and found that a muscle in my back had pulled tight and pulled three of my vertebrates out of line. The muscle was attached to the first couple of ribs giving me the feeling of chest pain. They got the muscle to let loose and it was instant relieve! Since then when I start to get the pain in my chest I take a muscle relaxer prescribed by my doctor and the pain is gone pretty quick. I know you said your pain lasts only a few minutes and I remember that I could feel when the muscle would pull and it would be a sharp stabbing pain.  

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
Sharp stabbing pain on left side of chest could be due to acidity with gastric reflux or hiatal hernia (since heart causes are ruled out). Take a late night snack. Raise head end of bed. Take Omeprazole empty stomach in morning and an antacid gel at bedtime. Refrain from smoking, alcohol, fuzzy drinks and spicy food. Walking around also helps clear gas. I would strongly recommend you to see a gastroenterologist (a specialist who looks after the diseases of our digestive system) if these tips help you. Other than that it could also be costochondritis, pleuritis (inflammation of covering of lung) or pericarditis (inflammation of covering of heart). Since you do not mention any other symptoms, it is less likely to be any of these. IBS, Crohn’s, chronic constipation, spleen problems like bleeding, cyst, abscess etc can also cause pain under left ribs and left chest.
Please consult your PCP for primary examination followed by proper referral.
Take care!

[syedrules786]

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of chest pain and tightness. It is also useful to identify the triggers. In mild cases of a mild chest infection, the body’s immune system will try to fight the infection on its own. Bed rest, drinking plenty of water and hot drinks such as herbal teas are often the best treatments for speeding recovery from chest pain. Inhaling steam can also help to reduce congestion and kill germs on contact – and is particularly beneficial for your age. Antibiotics or pain relievers such as paracetamol may also be prescribed for pain .and fever

If serious complications develop, a chest x-ray, sample of your phlegm and blood tests may be ordered and you may also be admitted to hospital for further treatment. Elderly people and those who suffer from chronic chest conditions are generally advised to get a flu vaccination every year before the winter season begins.
Hope i helped!
Regards:
adeel