Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes A Sudden Onset Of Pain In The Right Chest?
Question: I am a 62 year old female with a sedentary lifestyle. I have a sudden onset of a pain in my right chest. It is made temporarily better when I burp, and have tried to burp as often as possible... but the relief only lasts about 30 minutes. The pain is uncomfortable, but I would not describe it as severe. But am still concerned. Can I get some help?
Brief Answer:
Suggestions:
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
I'm sorry you are having problems. Given the location of the pain and the symptoms, it is likely to be GERD/gastritis or pain from gas in the intestinal tract. It may also be a problem with the gall bladder, which is on the right side. But gall bladder pain usually happens after eating and doesn't feel better after burping.
If the pain worsens and becomes severe, then do go in to be seen tonight. Otherwise, if you have a drug store that is open at night (some Walgreens are), get Zantac 150 mg and take 2 tonight. If that relieves the problem at least somewhat, continue taking 150 mg twice a day for a few more days. Also get some GasX (simethicone) to try to break up any gas that may be causing pain.
Please no alcohol until it is better, and try to quit smoking as it can cause problems in just about every system of the body. I know that is easier said than done, but give it a try if you can.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
Suggestions:
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
I'm sorry you are having problems. Given the location of the pain and the symptoms, it is likely to be GERD/gastritis or pain from gas in the intestinal tract. It may also be a problem with the gall bladder, which is on the right side. But gall bladder pain usually happens after eating and doesn't feel better after burping.
If the pain worsens and becomes severe, then do go in to be seen tonight. Otherwise, if you have a drug store that is open at night (some Walgreens are), get Zantac 150 mg and take 2 tonight. If that relieves the problem at least somewhat, continue taking 150 mg twice a day for a few more days. Also get some GasX (simethicone) to try to break up any gas that may be causing pain.
Please no alcohol until it is better, and try to quit smoking as it can cause problems in just about every system of the body. I know that is easier said than done, but give it a try if you can.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you so very much for the quick response. With my wife's on-going medical conditions, I wanted to get a response sooner than I could get her in to see her doctor. Your advice is spot on, and have given her a Zantac, it seems to be doing the trick.
I will follow up with her primary care doctor when he returns from vacation on Monday.
Again, Thank you very much.
XXXXXXX XXXX
I will follow up with her primary care doctor when he returns from vacation on Monday.
Again, Thank you very much.
XXXXXXX XXXX
Brief Answer:
Your welcome!
Detailed Answer:
I'm always glad when I can help. Have a good night.
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD
Your welcome!
Detailed Answer:
I'm always glad when I can help. Have a good night.
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
