Suggest Remedy For Pain In Sternum, Abdomen And Throat

Posted on Tue, 27 Oct 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 27 Oct 2015 Answered on

Tue, 17 Nov 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi.My name is XXXXXXX I am experiencing since a few days pain in the sternum,sometimes in the throat,sometimes in the stomach,and it can irradiate to my sides and back.This can last for a week or 2 and then disappear/This has been going on for 4 years on and off . I had endoscopy 2 times and The test showed a mild inactive gastritis.I always hear the same answer,that is I have GERD although I never feel food sensation going up my throat and I take for that pariet and deanxit (a mild anxyiolitic).The doctors tell me it is psychosomatic and is due to stress and anxiety .Could it be something else because when I am in this situation,it is very very umpleasant and handicap my daily work.I also tried in the past small doses of tricyclic antidepressors (25 mgof anaphranil) and it would work but I do not want to return to these medicines if possible.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please find below explanations

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!

I read carefully all your concerns and I can say as follows:

1. You are reporting to have pain in sternum , throat, that irradiates to your side and back. These symptoms may be related with
- GERD acid reflux even you don't feel food coming up. Especially LPR ( laryngopharyngeal reflux has similar symptoms like you.
- gallbladder issues like sludge,stones, sphincter Odds dysfunction.
- cardiac issues.
2. With regards to stress, it can aggravate the symptoms of GERD and give anxiety.
Otherwise firstly you should exclude all organic issues that I mentioned above. After that we can say that your symptoms are due to stress and anxiety.
So If I were your treating doctor I would recommend doing:
- abdominal ultrasound
- esophageal manometry and 24 hour pH monitoring
- ECG
- stress test and cardiac ultrasound

Meantime suggest to change lifestyle like:
- eat often and small amount of meal
- eat 3-4 hours before go to bed
- use two pillows when you lay down
- avoid coffee, chocolate, tea, fatty and chilly foods
- try to loose weight if you are overweight
- avoid unnecessary stress
- continue to use PPI 's like Prilosec and anti depressants

Hope it was helpful to you!
Dr.Klerida

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (11 hours later)

Tks a lot Dr Shehu.I will follow it up with your recommendations.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome

Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXXXXX

I am happy to know that it was helpful to you.

Wish you all the best!

Dr. Klerida Shehu

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

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