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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Left Sided Chest Pain During A Flight?

Hi,

I fly a lot and occasionally during a flight (not the take off or landing) I get a stabbing pain in the left side of my chest. It typically lasts about an hour. If I apply pressure to the are, the pain subsides somewhat. I would estimate that this has happened about three times over the past two years (during which time I have taken about fifty to sixty flights). Otherwise, I am generally healthy. Any ideas what could cause this?

Thank you in advance!
Mon, 9 May 2016
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Since your chest pain is subsided by pressure, possibility of musculoskeletal pain is more.
Awkward Sitting position in flights can cause muscle spasm and throbbiing chest pain.
So musculoskeletal pain is more likely.
But better to rule out heart diseases first because your pain is situated on left side.
So get done ecg and 2d echo. If both are normal then no need to worry for heart diseases.
For musculoskeletal pain, you should avoid awkward sitting postures.
Sit with proper back and chest support in flight.
Application of warm water pad on affected areas is also beneficial.
You can take simple painkiller like ibuprofen for pain.
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.
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What Causes Left Sided Chest Pain During A Flight?

Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic. I can understand your concern. Since your chest pain is subsided by pressure, possibility of musculoskeletal pain is more. Awkward Sitting position in flights can cause muscle spasm and throbbiing chest pain. So musculoskeletal pain is more likely. But better to rule out heart diseases first because your pain is situated on left side. So get done ecg and 2d echo. If both are normal then no need to worry for heart diseases. For musculoskeletal pain, you should avoid awkward sitting postures. Sit with proper back and chest support in flight. Application of warm water pad on affected areas is also beneficial. You can take simple painkiller like ibuprofen for pain. 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.