Suggest Treatment For Pain And Palpitations In The Lower Chest Area

Posted on Sat, 3 Oct 2015

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

Sat, 3 Oct 2015 Answered on

Mon, 26 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My housekeeper has had a sharp pain in the middle of her lower chest just below where the rib cage comes together for two days now.
It doesn't seem to be her heart. What could it be?

Answered by Dr. Nishad BN (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Most likely Costochondritis.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thank you for asking HCM.

I have gone through your query. Her problem can be most likely Costochondritis. Pain which palpation on the area is characteristic for this. But better have an ECG to rule out heart problems to be on safe side.

For Costochondritis you can apply Anti inflammatory gels containing ketoprofen or Nimusulide. If that is not helping then NSAIDs like ketoprofen or ibuprofen can be taken orally also.

Other condition which can give similar symptom is gastritis and acid reflux. In such case taking proton pump inhibitors like esomeprazole (Nexium) for 2 weeks will be helpful.

Hope this may help you. Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T