Aa
right-sided chest pain
Hi,
For almost two weeks now I've had this strange pain in my chest - under my right breast and armpit. The pain worsens when I inhale, sneeze, cough, laugh or move in a certain way. I went to my doc and had an x-ray (nothing there), an ECG (showed some rhythm abnormalities - the doc didn't say exactly) and a blood test (nothing significant - ESR 22). She prescribed me some pain relief pills and some to slow down the heart rate. I don't really worry too much about the tachycardia (anxiety?) but I would like to know what could be causing the stubbing pain. The doctor didn't explain it. I'm feeling better now (although I've stopped taking the meds) The pain is no longer present all the time (just with rapid chest movements) and isn't as bad as at first. Any insight would be appreciated.
For almost two weeks now I've had this strange pain in my chest - under my right breast and armpit. The pain worsens when I inhale, sneeze, cough, laugh or move in a certain way. I went to my doc and had an x-ray (nothing there), an ECG (showed some rhythm abnormalities - the doc didn't say exactly) and a blood test (nothing significant - ESR 22). She prescribed me some pain relief pills and some to slow down the heart rate. I don't really worry too much about the tachycardia (anxiety?) but I would like to know what could be causing the stubbing pain. The doctor didn't explain it. I'm feeling better now (although I've stopped taking the meds) The pain is no longer present all the time (just with rapid chest movements) and isn't as bad as at first. Any insight would be appreciated.
As for x-rays, sometimes yes and sometimes no. Inflammation does not necessarily show on an x-ray. A lot depends on the technique used by the tech, and it isn't worth fooling with twenty x-rays on a live patient to define an area of inflammation.
A physician will often prescribe a short dose of oral prednisone. Ibuprufin is a very powerful anti-inflammatory.
The good news is, these problems usually go away by themselves, with moderate rest, good hydration, and sunlight exposure or a D3 supplement, back to the land of the goblins and extraterrestrials, never to return.
A physician will often prescribe a short dose of oral prednisone. Ibuprufin is a very powerful anti-inflammatory.
The good news is, these problems usually go away by themselves, with moderate rest, good hydration, and sunlight exposure or a D3 supplement, back to the land of the goblins and extraterrestrials, never to return.
Thank you very much. There is some tenderness when I'm touching the painful areas so I guess it could be costochondritis indeed. Pleurisy was my bet at first but and x-ray would show it, wouldn't it?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
There is a strong possibility it is costochondritis (inflammation of the joint between rib and sternum. The inflammation around the joint area gives sharp pain on taking a breath. This can also cause tenderness on pressing the area which pains. An orthopedic doctor can diagnose this for you. Pleuritis and Pulmonary embolism are other possibilities of chest pain. A CT scan of the chest can rule out both.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
There is a strong possibility it is costochondritis (inflammation of the joint between rib and sternum. The inflammation around the joint area gives sharp pain on taking a breath. This can also cause tenderness on pressing the area which pains. An orthopedic doctor can diagnose this for you. Pleuritis and Pulmonary embolism are other possibilities of chest pain. A CT scan of the chest can rule out both.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!
The pain is pleuritic, and the cause could be a viral infection or inflammation.
The usual protocol is to take Ibuprufin (Motrin), 200 mg at least twice a day with food to tone down the inflammation.
The first day take 800 mg or four 200 mg pills, two at one time and twelve hours later two more. Prescription Ibuprufin is 400 mg.
About five days treatment usually does the trick.
Pain meds are usually not much good. Oxycontin is inappropriate.
Usually these problems are self-limiting and go away after six to ten days.
The usual protocol is to take Ibuprufin (Motrin), 200 mg at least twice a day with food to tone down the inflammation.
The first day take 800 mg or four 200 mg pills, two at one time and twelve hours later two more. Prescription Ibuprufin is 400 mg.
About five days treatment usually does the trick.
Pain meds are usually not much good. Oxycontin is inappropriate.
Usually these problems are self-limiting and go away after six to ten days.
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