Chest Pain

[ladeada]

I am 22 years old, and I have had chest pain for about two months now (aside from GI problems and the chest pain, I am otherwise healthy).  The pain is located on the left side, about a half an inch under my collarbone, and about half-way between the sternum and the start of the shoulder.  The pain is always there (although it is not exteremely noticeable most of the time), and it is very painful to press on that area.  It is not painful, however, to light touch, making me think the problem is fairly deep.  

I have been on, first non-prescription anti-inflammatories, and then prescription anti-inflammatories (as prescribed by my doctor)- neither of these change the pain whatsoever.

I have a history of acid reflux, which started around November 2004, and I have been on Protonix since February 2005, which seems to have helped the heart burn symptoms significantly, although lately I seem to have some problems with swallowing (this also happened in February, although it seems a worse now.  I used to suffer from Bulimia (on an off for about 2 years), but have fully recovered from this for about a year now.  

What I wonder is, #1 could the Chest pain symptoms and the acid/ swallowing problems be related?

#2 What are the possibilities for the root of the chest pain - could it be something serious such as a tumor?  Are there tests that I should have done to determine this? I had a chest x-ray, which the doctor has not given me the results of yet, but assuming there is nothing wrong with that, are there other things I should have done?

#3 When do swallowing difficulties become more than just that, and a medical problem that should be checked out?  I seem to have to chew food much longer than I used to, and sometimes it feels as if it is getting stuck, but I can still eat a normal diet.  Should I have tests done for this?

What should I ask my doctor to do from here?  I am very concerned about the chest pain and the swallowing difficulties.  I constantly worry about what's going on.  

Thanks,

Ladeada

[astros18]

Magnesium defiency can cause a multitude of symptoms. It is an excellent muscle relaxer and if you suffer from gall or liver stones you most likely have a magnesium defiency. I am so glad it helped you.

[CarlieChic]

Ok, I am not a doctor but I am 21 years old and have been experiencing the same thing.  Chest pain and even a swollen throat.  I have been diagnosed with everything in the book.  Stress, inflammation, allergies, athsma, post-nasal drip, magnesium deficiency, and most recently GERD.  The magnesium therapy actually worked for my chest pain.  I have been taking Magnesium Asporatates with Bromelain by Solaray brand.  I have been taking 2 capsules at night time.  It made my symptoms worse at first, but then they dissapeared.  I still have the swollen throat, but my chest pain is gone.  So I would recommend at least trying that for the chest pain.  Try buying those pills from a nutrition store or online.  Good Luck!!!

Carlie

[julian1234]

I am 36 Years of age. I have been just advised I I have GERD well this is a start.
My issue is that the medication is not working I have tried several medications. I have a constant chest pain and the feeling of Nausea.
I have been for 2 stress Tests, X-Ray,EKG, Ultra Sound and nothign with my heart.
I am now getting really down form all of this.

[astros18]

Pain in the pectoral area is usually muscle related. The one area that is particularly sore should be massaged using trigger point therapy by a qualified therapist.That kind of pain can be intense. Also, try standing in a doorway. Place your hands on each side of the doorframe about head high. Slowly lean into the doorway until you feel the stretch in your chest area. If you can feel the pain strongly in the one area that bothers you, it probably is muscle related.Do that stretch several times a day. Try a massage or two and see if that helps.Also try ice packs. If cold helps, repeat. If not, try heat. Do whatever works the best. Good luck to you.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

To answer your questions:
1) It is possible that the chest pains are associated with upper GI problems such as acid or swallowing-related.

2) Other possible causes can include muscle-based (i.e. costochondritis) as well as heart-related.  Regarding the latter point, things like coronary artery disease is unlikely at your age, but other diseases like pericarditis and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is possible.  

3) To evaluate for GI issues, you can consider an upper endoscopy or upper GI series.  These tests can evaluate for any swallowing problems.

To evaluate the heart, an echocardiogram would be a good place to start.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

[LukeL]

If your Chest X Ray came back normal then that pretty much rules out most serious conditions. Although your chest pain could be a sign of angina but at your age this is highly unlikely.  Acid reflux can cause chest pain and swallowing problems which may get worse over time.  If you are have difficulty swallowing you may need to go to an ENT and have an endoscope done.