Right sided chest pains

[NikkiiSue]

My mother, 44, has been having pains in the right side of her chest for about 2 weeks. Once she burps, the pain goes away, but it always comes back. She refuses to go to the hospital saying that it is nothing serious and that there is probably nothing that can be done about it. She does not smoke or drink. Does anyone have any idea of what could be causing this pain? Thanks.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
Since the pain goes with burping it can 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.
If these tips do not help, then liver function test, pancreatic enzymes, and HIDA scan for gall bladder should be done. Food intolerance and inflammatory bowel conditions such as IBS, Crohn’s, celiac etc should be considered.
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. Your mother may need upper GI endoscopy for confirmation and to know the degree of damage. Take care!

[margypops]

sounds like gall bladder attack to me, tell her low fat diet do not eat late into the evening, goog;le it and much comes up about what to eat and what not to eat.. plenty of water . lemon juice  good luck

[ku111]

Knowing very little a couple of things come to mind.  If she takes an antacid (tums, prilosec etc...) does it go away?  It could be indigestion, it could be gallbladder/gallstones.  Does she have a family history of heart problems?  You don't have to smoke or drink to have a heart attack.  Family history plays a big part.  I hope everything goes well but tell her not to let it go for too long because heart damage can be repaired with medication.  Gallstones/gallbladder can be surgically corrected and sometimes with diet and is common in your 40's.  Goodluck!

[mayb1day]

Well a few things could be going on. But unfortunately they all end with seeing her dr. sometimes when the heart is in distress the pain its felt on the opposite side of where the heart is. It can be a clogged artery. Or even a strained muscle. Nut there os no for sure answer as her drs answer. Tell her you love jet and that you are worried. And to at least go for a check up. Good luck and I hope she gets well soon.