Suggest Treatment For Left Sided Pain In The Chest Area

Posted on Wed, 21 Dec 2016

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

Wed, 21 Dec 2016 Answered on

Tue, 10 Jan 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I have recently experienced slight pain in the chest on left side. Its happening 3-4 times only when I go for a walk. What can be the reason? How to solve/ cure it?

Answered by Dr. Remy Koshy (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Need a few more details

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for posting your query,

I have read through your query and can understand your concern,

I would like to know a few details related in order to help you more:

- how long does that pain last?

- character of pain?

- are you able to pinpoint the exact location of pain?

- are you maintaining a healthy weight?

- any associated features like shortness of breath, heartburn, radiation of pain to neck or shoulder?

- when does it decrease or increase?

Kindly revert back with your answers

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Remy Koshy (1 hour later)

- how long does that pain last?
for 5-10 mins

- character of pain?
Medium

- are you able to pinpoint the exact location of pain?
Chest left side

- are you maintaining a healthy weight?
Yes. Limited fluctuations and BMI in normal range

- any associated features like shortness of breath, heartburn, radiation of pain to neck or shoulder?
no

- when does it decrease or increase?
It is present for a few minutes when I walk. Starts typically after half an hour of brisk walk

Answered by Dr. Remy Koshy (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Explained below...

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back,

From the description that you have provided, I would enlist a few possibilities:

- Anemia- low hemoglobin count causes chest pain on exertion. For this, I would suggest you to get a blood count done and if found to be low, you are required to start on oral iron supplements for a period of 1-3 months.

- Insufficient oxygen supply- hypoxia may also give rise to similar symptoms. For this, you are required to inhale huge bouts of air in intervals while walking. Also start your exercise in a slow manner and then gradually catch up the speed.

- Gastric disturbances- Some patients with gastritis have reported with similar symptoms.

- Cardiac- It is highly unlikely in your age provided you have no such history. Therefore, no worries on that is needed.

If I was your treating physician, I would suggest you to start on Omeprazole 20mg once daily for a period of 2 weeks. Also take Tab. Hifenac for pain.

Hope I have answered to your query.

Please revert back for any further queries or else kindly close and give your feedback.

Thanks and regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy