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Gas in chest cavity
About a year ago I started having mild flutters in my chest. Over time the symptoms have become more acute and happen more frequently. I've had an EKG, and a stress echo and both were normal. In the last month, the symptoms have become severe. I've had an endoscopy and a barium esophogram also all normal. It seems to me that all the symptoms are related to gas in the chest cavity. The symptoms now include "gurgling" feelings in multiple areas of the chest and back and what feel like especially strong heartbeats that I can feel easily, but the pulse rate remains normal. Burping sometimes helps but is difficult to induce. Gas-x and Alka Seltser provide a little relief for a short time, but once they start the symptoms can go on for days. I'm taking Prilosec 2x/day and haven't noticed any acid type symptoms. What causes the gas, and how is it treated?
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Thanks for the help. I'll be fitted for a Holter monitor on Monday to rule out any arrhythmia, and hopefully finally rule out any cardiac issues. Even though my esophagus doesn't seem to have any obvious problems, it definitely appears to me to be related to GI issues, so I'll be trying some elimination diets at the suggestion of my doctor.
Thanks again for the suggestions.
Thanks again for the suggestions.
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Well, without a detailed clinical evaluation it would be difficult to determine the cause of your symptoms. With GI and cardiac causes ruled out, possibilities that may need to be considered include chest wall inflammation, muscle sprain, costochondritis, injuries to muscles/ ligaments, causes related to the respiratory tract etc. I would suggest getting this evaluated by a primary care physician initially and depending on the cause diagnosed/ suspected, it can be managed accordingly or specialist care may be sought.
Hope this is helpful.
Take care!