What is this small chest pains I'm getting?

[Torakirin]

I am 18 years old and I keep getting some small sharp chest pains. It last for a few seconds. I exercise healthy. I eat lots of fruits/veggies and drank a lot of water. Its been 3 days since i got it. My breathing is normal. It hurts unexpectedly.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
The first thing to do is rule out a heart cause by 12 lead EKG. If this is positive (to be done close to the pain) then this will need to be followed up with further tests.
The symptoms could be exacerbation of the GERD.  It could also be hiatal hernia. Treatment is a combination of drugs to reduce the acid and lifestyle changes. You will need to take a combination of medications (under medical supervision) like a proton pump inhibitor such as omeprazole,  lansoprazole or pantoprazole empty stomach in the morning and an antacid gel after meals for complete relief. Possibility of H pylori infection too should be looked into by a carbon urea breath test and a combination antibiotic tried. Many a times a persisting H pylori infection can be the cause behind acidity not responding to treatment.
Life style changes that will help include: Avoid heavy meals and eat frequent small meals. Avoid too much of caffeine, tea, smoking, 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. Avoid lying down for least 2 hours after food. Maybe these tips will help you.
You should consult a gastroenterologist (a specialist who looks after the diseases of our digestive system) or a physician for this if these tips reduce your symptoms. You may need upper GI endoscopy for confirmation and to know the degree of damage.
Sharp stabbing pains can also be due to costochondritis which causes pain and tenderness at points where your ribs attach to your breastbone.  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. Generally there is no cause. However it can be due to infection, blow, injury, or fibromyalgia. It usually goes away on its own. Otherwise it can be treated with muscle relaxants, and non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs. It can also be muscle pull. Shingles can also start this way.  
Please consult your PCP for primary examination followed by proper referral.
Hope this helps. Take care!

[ruffian50]

A few questions of my own. Do you smoke? (Cigerettes or pot?) Have you had anxiety problems that you know of in the past? Is it followed by accelerated breathing or the feeling of not be able to breath? Is the pain usually in the middle of your chest sometimes slightly to one side or the other? If these sound like issues that are related to yours it is most likely pain caused from anxiety. Sometimes things trigger that response, other times it is brought on by an unknown issue. It is harmless, other than the mild pain and uncomfortable overall feel. It can also mimick signs of a heart attack. Pain shooting down the left arm or side of your neck. Numbness in the arm. If you think you are having a heart attack, which would be highly unlikely at your age, close your eyes and touch your hand to your nose. Do this with both hands, one at a time. (Like the sobriety test.) If you are actually having a heart attack you will not be able to do this. If you seriously think there is a problem call 911 asap! Hope this helps. Side note- (I am not a doctor or medical worker. Just well informed.= )

[Roie]

I get this sometimes also. I believe it is caused by stress or anxiety so just think of wat u may be worried about or stressed about and try to see if it helps to use a diffrent method to deal with these two things.

[2877]

Ive been having sort of the same problem since I was 12 year old. For me, Its sharp pains when I try t take a full breath. It causes me to take short breaths and then it goes away in a couple of seconds. When it happens to me it is never when I am exercising, it is always when I am sitting or lying down. I've never asked anyone about it because it only happens once every 3-4 months. I hope you find your answer!