Hello, I had continuous pain in the sternum area before two months. The pain would get severe when deep breathing or bending down or stretching or physical activity. I consulted a Doctor. He guessed it may be GERD. He gave medicines for that. The pain that was constant has reduced. Now even after two months the pain comes occasionaly (but daily) in the sternum, just around it and also on the left chest and side of the chest (left). This happens mainly during stretching, breathing deeply or any physical activity. Done an endoscopy. Results were that i have acute ulcer in stomach. I am taking meds to reduce acid. I am a smoker. But have reduced smoking to once or twicw a week for the past three years. What is the problem?