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Suggest Treatment For Severe Pain In The Ribs And Shortness Of Breath

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Posted on Tue, 3 Jan 2017
Question: occasional severe pain in upper rib cage, right below breasts. Feels like pressure and have had shortness of breath. Had a cat scan and found nothing unusual also had an EKG and heart is great. I am a 58 year old female in generally good health. I do take high blood pressure pills. This pain happens every 6 weeks or so. I have had 3 episodes. Possible gall stones or H-pylorie?
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
May be costochondritis.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
To recapitulate: Female/58 - occasional severe pain in upper rib cage - right below breasts - feels like pressure - shortness of breath - CAT scan, EKG and heart normal - HBP pills - every 6 weeks or so - 3 episodes - wants to know the possibility of gall stones or H pylori. ...

With the history you have provided, particularly with normal CAT scan which covers half of upper abdomen too when done for chest the most probable cause can be costochondritis.
Recurrent nature again supports this, as well as the location.

You may please discuss this with your Doctor now if your have symptoms or when you would get it.
I hope this answer helps you getting a proper diagnosis and management.
Please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (17 hours later)
Any suggestions for relief without a prescription, natural remedies, etc?
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Please see next

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I would suggest the following treatment:

- Rest to the area by means of strapping with the Adhesive tapes during the deep Expiration phase. This will limit the movement, reduce the pain and give rest for healing to occur.

- Anti-inflammatory medicines (eg. Ibuprofen/ Naproxen/ Paracetamol etc.) in appropriate dose as per the weight.

- Control of stress and anxiety helps a lot.

- Local rubrafacient liniments if the area is not covered by strapping.

- Confirmation of the diagnosis by local Doctor on palpation and clinical evaluation and to get prescription based medicines after discussing the above points.

- Steroids if required for its strong anti-inflammatory role.

This regimen of treatment helps all my patients. and should help you too.

Take care

Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. T Chandrakant

General Surgeon

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 19778 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Severe Pain In The Ribs And Shortness Of Breath

Brief Answer: May be costochondritis. Detailed Answer: Hi. Thanks for your query. To recapitulate: Female/58 - occasional severe pain in upper rib cage - right below breasts - feels like pressure - shortness of breath - CAT scan, EKG and heart normal - HBP pills - every 6 weeks or so - 3 episodes - wants to know the possibility of gall stones or H pylori. ... With the history you have provided, particularly with normal CAT scan which covers half of upper abdomen too when done for chest the most probable cause can be costochondritis. Recurrent nature again supports this, as well as the location. You may please discuss this with your Doctor now if your have symptoms or when you would get it. I hope this answer helps you getting a proper diagnosis and management. Please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.