Suggest Treatment For Dull Pain In Upper Chest Area

Posted on Wed, 17 Jun 2015

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

Wed, 17 Jun 2015 Answered on

Wed, 8 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a history of stomach problems and have recently been experiencing a dull pain in the upper left side of my chest just below the collarbone. It gets worse after eating but can flare up anytime. It also pains my shoulder and arm sometimes severe. It's not really a symptom of ulcers. What could
It be ?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Needs detailed examination to find cause.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
For the upper left chest pain under the left collar bone, three possibilities are coming to my mind, these include:
1)The first possibility is of Peptic ulcer disease or Hiatal hernia . Diagnosis can be confirmed by upper GI endoscopy. Try raising the head of your bed about four inches with blocks. It also might help to avoid eating or drinking for two hours before you lie down. To help control the stomach acid, one should not drink alcohol or drinks with caffeine in them, or eat chocolate or spicy or greasy foods. Also take some antacid but if the symptoms are severe, then you may need drugs like proton pump inhibitors.
2) The second possibility can be of myositis or muscle pull due to overuse of muscles. Mild antiinflammatory drugs and hot fomentation will help you.
3)The third possibility is of pleuritis - You may have VIRAL BRONCHITIS. Your pain may be caused by PLEURISY, an irritation of the lining of the lung that is usually caused by a viral infection. Hard coughing may also cause pain in the muscles and chest wall. Drink plenty of fluids, and try cold medicines and/or anti-inflammatory medicines to relieve your symptoms. See your doctor if the pain continues for more than a few days or if you develop a fever.
I suggest you to consult a physician and get these causes ruled out.
The pain can be related to cardiac cause also if you have risk factors like obesity, hypertension, etc.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (14 hours later)

Thank you for the response. I have had a history of ulcers and am

leaning toward that

diagnosis. However , the location of the ache (High chest below the

collarbone , shoulder and upper arm) had me wondering. Cardio issues

have also been checked and ruled out. I didn't mention that before. I

know that pain can be radiated to a different place other than the

particular spot so I'm gonna start with getting the possible ulcer

checked out. That's why I used this service so that I could get a

starting point. Do you think that would be the best starting point

and get the ulcer/hernia possibility checked out even though the pain

location is abnormal ?

Like I said , eating usually agrivates it.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hernia is a strong possibility.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
Hiatus hernia can cause a referred pain to the upper chest and even shoulder. It is best to consider getting yourself evaluated for hernia.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

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