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What Causes Pressure Below Sternum, Belching And Burning Sensation In Torso?

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Posted on Wed, 8 Apr 2015
Question: i have a sensation below sternum ,feels like a poker pushin in on me, i have more belching than normal, and a burning sensation in the upper torso, under ribs and in the under arm area also wondering taking an estimate since 2011 have been on @10-12 meds at anytime,could this be a problem,,,,,,,was on dexilant as needed for awhile.....seemed to help then
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
detailed below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

I read carefully your query.

The feeling of a poker pushing on you ,the burning sensation in chest match more with a heartburn caused from acid reflux.
Taking many meds every day can increase the acid production of the stomach and cause such symptoms.

You are taking Nexium (esomeprozole) which is a PPI drug that reduces the production of stomach acid.This class of drugs may need up to 1-2 week to be to effective.
Diet and lifestyle and very important to manage acid reflux symptoms.
You should avoid fatty,spicy,processed foods.Coffee ,alcohol, juices, can trigger the symptoms.
Eat small frequent meals instead of three major meals.Drink plenty of water and exercise regularly.
You should take Nexium at least 1 hour before meals.

If your symptoms doesn't seem to improve your doctor may increase the dosage of Nexium or add another medicine like Ranitidine at bedtime to control the symptoms.


Hope it helps.
Let me know if you have any other question or doubt to clarify.I will be happy to help.

Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rovena (54 minutes later)
will this cause stinging in back and underarms? i am very concerned because i also had stinging sensation when my aortic valve was failing
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (39 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
detailed below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

It is not very characteristic of acid reflux to cause stinging sensations under the arms and back .It can cause a burning sensation in the center of chest that sometimes can spread at both areas of the chest.
Fibromyalgia can be another cause of such symptoms.

If you had an aortic valve failure you also would have other symptoms like feeling out of breath, fatigue, pain in the center of chest or left side of chest.
Just to be on the safe side ,I would suggest to consult your treating doctor for a cardiac check-up to see if everything is OK with the aortic valve.

Take care,
Dr.Rovena

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Rovena

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2013

Answered : 1243 Questions

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What Causes Pressure Below Sternum, Belching And Burning Sensation In Torso?

Brief Answer: detailed below. Detailed Answer: Hello, Welcome to Healthcare Magic. I read carefully your query. The feeling of a poker pushing on you ,the burning sensation in chest match more with a heartburn caused from acid reflux. Taking many meds every day can increase the acid production of the stomach and cause such symptoms. You are taking Nexium (esomeprozole) which is a PPI drug that reduces the production of stomach acid.This class of drugs may need up to 1-2 week to be to effective. Diet and lifestyle and very important to manage acid reflux symptoms. You should avoid fatty,spicy,processed foods.Coffee ,alcohol, juices, can trigger the symptoms. Eat small frequent meals instead of three major meals.Drink plenty of water and exercise regularly. You should take Nexium at least 1 hour before meals. If your symptoms doesn't seem to improve your doctor may increase the dosage of Nexium or add another medicine like Ranitidine at bedtime to control the symptoms. Hope it helps. Let me know if you have any other question or doubt to clarify.I will be happy to help. Kind regards, Dr.Rovena Murati