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chronic sternum pain

I am 41, not over weight, I smoke and have been under a great deal of stress, (just lost my job I was in for 16 yrs and my very healthy active father just had open heart surgery, YES I have some stress all at once) @ a month ago  I started having severe heart burn (i guess) I have never had anything like this.  I bought some otc prilosec and have been taking it for 7 days with some relief but still is very painful, I would say it is moderate.  I have also been eating hand fulls of tums.  Can this be caused by the stress or should I have it checked? Sometimes I feel like my chest is going to explode it burns so bad. It seems to be more on the right side of my sternum, I am not having any sweats, palpitations, no swallowing difficulties, it just hurts like heck.  I have not noticed that any one food increases it except for coffee (which I know is very acidic). It is less painful when I get up and seems to increase through out the day. I did have a sinus infection prior to this starting and was on augmentin for it.
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Avatar universal
First, sorry I posted on the wrong forum..... Thanks for the comments, you are right it probably is GERD. I took 2 prilosec this morning, and seems to be a little more under control, not so fiery, how long does this usually last?  I have been having this for a month.  Like I said, I have been under a great deal of stress and that to is getting more under control.  So maybe it will stop soon I am going to give it a few more days and if it is not gone I will call the doctor.  Thanks again.
Helpful - 0
351246 tn?1379682132
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum!
Personally, I do not feel your problem is related to heart. Chances are that you have esophageal reflux (GERD), where the food in your stomach is thrown up into your food pipe or esophagus. This also causes burning sensation or discomfort in the chest area. Another possibility is hiatal hernia, where a portion of stomach herniates into the chest cavity through the diaphragm. This causes acidity like symptoms. Stress and anxiety leads to acidity.

Omeprazole is a good drug to combat this. Along with it you can try over the counter antacids. However I would recommend you see a doctor and take medication under a doctor’s supervision. Avoid heavy meals. Avoid too much of caffeine, tea, fried food and drinks both alcoholic and non alcoholic fuzzy ones. Avoid heavy exercises within 4 hours of a heavy meal. Raise the head end of the bed by pillows to 30 degrees. Go to bet at least 2 hours after food.

Try deep breathing exercises, yoga or meditation.

It is difficult to comment beyond this at this stage. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!
Helpful - 0
701334 tn?1262853503
sounds like it could be gullbladder related.
does it extend into your back any?,,do you throw up,or do you notice it more with meals?
diahrea?
Helpful - 0
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