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What Causes Discomfort In Sternum Area While Doing Exercise?

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Posted on Wed, 17 Jun 2015
Question: I AM A 68 YEAR OLD MALE, 6'-3", 240 LBS, WITH A STRONG BODY MUSCLE STRUCTURE. THIS PAST MONTH OR MORE WHEN I LAY ON MY BACK AND LIFT MY FEET OFF OF THE GROUND TO DO LEG LIFTS WHAT APPEARS TO BE AN AIR BUBBLE POPS UP JUST BELOW MY STERNUM, ABOUT 3/4 INCH HIGH, 2" WIDE, AND DOWNWARD ABOUT 4 INCHES. THIS BULGE COMPRESSES EASILY TO THE TOUCH. WHEN I PROBE THE AREA JUST BELOW MY STERNUM AND ABOVE MY STOMACH MUSCLES IT FEELS LIKE THE SMALL TIP OF MY STERNUM IS A BIT LOOSE? NO HEARTBURN LIKE SYMPTOMS, OR OTHER DISCOMFORT EXPERIENCED. AND THE SIZE OF THE BUBBLE DOES NOT SEEM TO HAVE INCREASED OVER TIME. . . . . . PLEASE ADVISE AS TO WHAT BE MAKING THIS TO OCCUR, THANK YOU. XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
The likelihood of abdominal wall hernias

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Welcome to Health Care Magic.
Thanks for writing.

I am Dr.Saddiq-ul-abidin. I have read your question completely, i understand your concern and will try to help you in best way possible.

Based on the history, as you have put it in your clinical summary, it seems to be a problem with your abdominal wall.

Abdominal wall is composed of skin layers, muscles and fats. Any laxity in these layers will cause bulging of underlying organs or tissues outwards, and can present in the way, as you have explained earlier.

In your case, it appears to be that underlying contents are bulging out of lateral end of rectus muscle. Also the diaphragmatic hernia can present like this.

You can visit a surgeon and get a detailed examination done. You may also be asked for an ultrasound to exactly confirm the contents of the swelling. I should also clarify that there are multiple options and surgical cures available to such problem, and are not of extreme concern in any way.

I hope this answered your question.If you have more queries I am happy to answer.Otherwise close the discussion and rate my responces.

Regrads.

Dr.Saddiq ul abidin.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (1 hour later)
if simply ignored, what complications may occur?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:
complications and prognosis

Detailed Answer:
Well, that depends upon the contents of the swelling. If intestinal loops or stomach part is getting out pouched, complications can range from mild indigestion to obstructions in severe cases.

However that is unlikely, and the major possibility of omentum( the supporting tissue which keeps abdominal organs in an order) coming in between the deficient layers of abdomin is high, and that is not a concerning thing but quick reduction of the layer is associated with decreased extent of deformity and good surgical outcomes.

At this level, I would recommend you that there is no harm in getting a surgical consultation done, and go through an ultrasound to be sure.

Regards. Kindly rate me before closing the discussion.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 3941 Questions

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What Causes Discomfort In Sternum Area While Doing Exercise?

Brief Answer: The likelihood of abdominal wall hernias Detailed Answer: Hello, Welcome to Health Care Magic. Thanks for writing. I am Dr.Saddiq-ul-abidin. I have read your question completely, i understand your concern and will try to help you in best way possible. Based on the history, as you have put it in your clinical summary, it seems to be a problem with your abdominal wall. Abdominal wall is composed of skin layers, muscles and fats. Any laxity in these layers will cause bulging of underlying organs or tissues outwards, and can present in the way, as you have explained earlier. In your case, it appears to be that underlying contents are bulging out of lateral end of rectus muscle. Also the diaphragmatic hernia can present like this. You can visit a surgeon and get a detailed examination done. You may also be asked for an ultrasound to exactly confirm the contents of the swelling. I should also clarify that there are multiple options and surgical cures available to such problem, and are not of extreme concern in any way. I hope this answered your question.If you have more queries I am happy to answer.Otherwise close the discussion and rate my responces. Regrads. Dr.Saddiq ul abidin.