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What Causes Severe Heartburn, Pressure In The Chest And Nausea?
Question: I have a tight feeling in my chest, accompanied by a burning pain that started on left side but is now in the middle of my chest. The pain seems to go straight through my chest to my upper left side of back. My left arm is not in pain, but feels heavier than my right arm and my last 3 fingers are tingly on left side. I have a burning sensation that starts from by naval all the way to my throat, that feels like heartburn. i was nauseas earlier but not now. I feel very weak and I have a pressure like cough. For the past 2 days, I have felt like I may be coming down with something, but around 1:15 today, all this hit at once. I am at work and do not want to attract attention. I am 42 years old. I am under a tremendous amount of stress and yes, I do smoke.
Brief Answer:
Needs to be evaluated promptly.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Chest pain or pressure is most commonly either caused by the heart muscle not getting the blood and oxygen it needs, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), muscle strain, problem with the lungs, or anxiety.
Although you have symptoms that may go with GERD (heart burn, burning in throat, cough), this usually doesn't cause symptoms in the left arm. The safest way to sort this out would be in the ER. There they can monitor your heart and do blood tests for markers of heart problems, and they can also give you a strong antacid and acid blocker while making sure it isn't something more serious.
Your young age protects you somewhat from a heart attack due to higher levels of estrogen than after menopause, but as you do smoke, that can negate that protection.
I can understand that you don't want to call attention to yourself at work, but you have to do something, and it is going to involve leaving work. And the sooner you get this evaluated, the better. So please ask someone to drive you to the ER and get this sorted out.
Brief Answer:
Can you get some Zantac?
Detailed Answer:
Can you take some Zantac 300 mg (or 150 mg twice a day) to see if that helps you?
Needs to be evaluated promptly.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Chest pain or pressure is most commonly either caused by the heart muscle not getting the blood and oxygen it needs, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), muscle strain, problem with the lungs, or anxiety.
Although you have symptoms that may go with GERD (heart burn, burning in throat, cough), this usually doesn't cause symptoms in the left arm. The safest way to sort this out would be in the ER. There they can monitor your heart and do blood tests for markers of heart problems, and they can also give you a strong antacid and acid blocker while making sure it isn't something more serious.
Your young age protects you somewhat from a heart attack due to higher levels of estrogen than after menopause, but as you do smoke, that can negate that protection.
I can understand that you don't want to call attention to yourself at work, but you have to do something, and it is going to involve leaving work. And the sooner you get this evaluated, the better. So please ask someone to drive you to the ER and get this sorted out.
Brief Answer:
Can you get some Zantac?
Detailed Answer:
Can you take some Zantac 300 mg (or 150 mg twice a day) to see if that helps you?
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
My symptoms have calmed down. The cough is more persistent though. I still have heartburn and chest tightness though it isn't as bad.Yes, I will try that. Thank you!
Brief Answer:
OK
Detailed Answer:
If the Zantac doesn't help, then please do go in to be seen.
I hope you are feeling better soon!
OK
Detailed Answer:
If the Zantac doesn't help, then please do go in to be seen.
I hope you are feeling better soon!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you so much!
Brief Answer:
Your welcome!
Detailed Answer:
I hope you feel better soon.
Best regards,
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD
Your welcome!
Detailed Answer:
I hope you feel better soon.
Best regards,
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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