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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Pain In The Left Side In A Light Smoker?

I have had some lung pain for about 5 days now. In fact I am not even sure if it s the lungs or a heart, but its mostly on the left side. It is not so much as pain, but a very strange feeling (left chest) I don t know how to describe it. When I drink water for example, I even feel like it s actually going down on that left chest. Searching on google some people have said it s like butterflies in the stomach feeling, except in the chest, so it mite be that. I am 21, and extremely light occasional smoker (4-5 packets a year since 18) So I really doubt that would be much of a concern. There were some neighbours in the same apartment building we painting, and it just occured to me, maybe that could have been the cause, because of the smell it has been for 2 weeks? I am really not sure. I also havn t been going much outside lately, but I ve just went for a walk today and yestarday. I know that the only thing you probably have for me is to take an ex-ray, but is there anything that you may know that I could have? Thank you.
Wed, 21 Oct 2015
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your situation and problem.
Left sided chest discomfort in a smoker can be due to
1. Heart diseases
2. Lung disease like bronchitis or lung infection.
3. Gastritis.
So better to get done ecg and 2d echo first.
If both are normal then no need to worry for heart diseases.
Get done chest x ray and PFT. If these are also normal then no need to worry for lung diseases.
Sometimes gastritis can cause similar symptoms.
So quit smoking as soon as possible. It is not a good habit. Avoid stress and tension. Avoid hot and spicy food. Avoid junk food. Avoid large meals, instead take frequent small meals.
Take proton pump inhibitor.
You will mostly improve in 1-2 weeks.
So don't worry, you will be alright, but first quit smoking and get done above mentioned investigations.
Hope I have solved your query.
Wish you good health. Thanks.
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What Causes Pain In The Left Side In A Light Smoker?

Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic. I can understand your situation and problem. Left sided chest discomfort in a smoker can be due to 1. Heart diseases 2. Lung disease like bronchitis or lung infection. 3. Gastritis. So better to get done ecg and 2d echo first. If both are normal then no need to worry for heart diseases. Get done chest x ray and PFT. If these are also normal then no need to worry for lung diseases. Sometimes gastritis can cause similar symptoms. So quit smoking as soon as possible. It is not a good habit. Avoid stress and tension. Avoid hot and spicy food. Avoid junk food. Avoid large meals, instead take frequent small meals. Take proton pump inhibitor. You will mostly improve in 1-2 weeks. So don t worry, you will be alright, but first quit smoking and get done above mentioned investigations. Hope I have solved your query. Wish you good health. Thanks.