HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Tightness Of The Chest And Pain In The Ribs

default
Posted on Fri, 30 Dec 2016
Question: what would cause a tight feeling where the rib cage comes together at the top of the stomach.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (15 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
Hello Ms. Terrill,

Without knowing all of your medications and medical history, I can only offer some ideas of what might be going on:

The tightness could be from:

acid reflux - acid going up the esophagus

costochondritis - if the feeling is at the sternum, it can be from inflammation of the cartilage of the rib cage (depends how high up you are feeling this sensation)

respiratory problems - if the tight feeling is when you try to take a deep breath

other digestive system problems - if it is near the first part of the small intestines, where the pancreas and liver empty their digestive products into the digestive tract

heart problems - if the sensation is in the chest

I hope this helps. It isn't clear to me from your description whether the sensation is in your abdomen or chest. If it is in your chest, then you should go in to an ER or urgent care clinic right away to make sure it isn't heart related.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3133 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Treatment For Tightness Of The Chest And Pain In The Ribs

Brief Answer: Information Detailed Answer: Hello Ms. Terrill, Without knowing all of your medications and medical history, I can only offer some ideas of what might be going on: The tightness could be from: acid reflux - acid going up the esophagus costochondritis - if the feeling is at the sternum, it can be from inflammation of the cartilage of the rib cage (depends how high up you are feeling this sensation) respiratory problems - if the tight feeling is when you try to take a deep breath other digestive system problems - if it is near the first part of the small intestines, where the pancreas and liver empty their digestive products into the digestive tract heart problems - if the sensation is in the chest I hope this helps. It isn't clear to me from your description whether the sensation is in your abdomen or chest. If it is in your chest, then you should go in to an ER or urgent care clinic right away to make sure it isn't heart related.