HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Sharp Pain In Chest With Nausea?

I am a 24 year old male, about 5'11 175lbs, so I am average height and weight, I eat fairly well and exercise from time to time. A few points in my life I have had a sharp chest pain for a few hours but then it passes and doesn't come back for a few months. Well on 10-10-10 I left work around 2pm and got a burrito from chipotle, came home felt nausea all night long until finally I threw up. The hardest I have ever thrown up in my life, my parents said I sounded like a monster. I felt better after and finally was able to sleep, the following day I had sharp chest pain but just assumed it was from a strain. Towards the end of the day it got to the point I couldnt breath and I had the cold sweats and was holding my chest until finally I went to the ER. They did an ekg on me and blood work and said my heart and lungs were fine and it was probably an anxiety attack or indigestion. Not satisfied with their diagnosis I saw a doctor 2 days later (I STILL had this pain and pressure in my chest) He ordered an Upper G.I. Barium swallow, chest xrays, ultrasound of the abdomen, and a scope test. They found that I had a Hiatal hernia and a significant case of GERD and gave me prilosec and said I'd be better in a few days and it was simply indigestion. It has been over a month and I still have these pains and the Prilosec did nothing for me, so finally I went back and he perscribed me another medication similar to prilosec and I am on day 3 of that. What really irritates me is he also gave me medicne for depression and anxiety and said I needed to take that because I was probably just stressed out, but if you knew me you would know I am the happiest go lucky person in the world. I still have these chest pains and I am truly scared, when I requested he send me for testing on my heart he simply said I was too young to have heart/lung problems. The pain the first few days was so intense I would just sit on the couch all day and it has been a few weeks it's finally calmed down to the point I can eat meals again. The first week I would eat a few bites of something and feel full. My chest pain is on the left side and sometimes feels like pressure on my chest, I get headaches all the time I dont know if thats associated, the pain will work its way up to the top left of my chest at times. I can see where he would think this is GERD or something with my stomache but why am I not feeling better with this medication?I drink quite often and I just picked up smoking cigarettes this year, can anybody give me any advice? Do these sound like symptoms similar to GERD and a hernia or am I crazy to think maybe something is wrong with my heart?
Fri, 17 Nov 2017
Report Abuse
Pulmonologist 's  Response
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
I have gone through the detailed history you have given.
Possibility of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) due to smoking is more likely in your case.
No need to worry for heart or lung related diseases.
GERD is due to laxity of gastroesophageal sphincter. Because of this, the acid of the stomach tends to come up in the esophagus and cause chest pain, nausea, vomiting, chest pressure, tightness etc.
Only drug (prilosec) is not sufficient. You have to follow below mentioned lifestyle modifications for better symptomatic relief.
1. Avoid stress and tension, be relax and calm.
2. Quit smoking and alcohol.
3. Go for walking after meals.
4. Avoid junk food. Avoid hot and spicy food. Avoid large meals, instead take frequent small meals.
5. Keep 2-3 pillows under head in bed to prevent reflux.
Don't worry, you will be alright with all these.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Omeprazole


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Sharp Pain In Chest With Nausea?

Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic. I can understand your concern. I have gone through the detailed history you have given. Possibility of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) due to smoking is more likely in your case. No need to worry for heart or lung related diseases. GERD is due to laxity of gastroesophageal sphincter. Because of this, the acid of the stomach tends to come up in the esophagus and cause chest pain, nausea, vomiting, chest pressure, tightness etc. Only drug (prilosec) is not sufficient. You have to follow below mentioned lifestyle modifications for better symptomatic relief. 1. Avoid stress and tension, be relax and calm. 2. Quit smoking and alcohol. 3. Go for walking after meals. 4. Avoid junk food. Avoid hot and spicy food. Avoid large meals, instead take frequent small meals. 5. Keep 2-3 pillows under head in bed to prevent reflux. Don t worry, you will be alright with all these. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.