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What Causes Left-sided Pain In The Chest?
Posted on
Tue, 2 May 2017
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Tue, 2 May 2017
Answered on
Mon, 29 May 2017
Last reviewed on
Question : I have been having pain on the left side of my chest. Feels like it stabbing or sharp pain coming and going. It started about a week and a half ago when I started walking as exercise. Now it comes and goes and the pain seems to be getting worse. I had roun y gastric bypass surgery on December 13, 2016. I have lost 90 pounds so far.
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I would like to explain that the chest pain characteristics that you describe (stabbing, sharp pain) are not typical of a cardiac disorder (including myocardial ischemia).
I would like to know if the pain is triggered by deep breathing? This could indicate possible musculoskeletal pain underlying your complaints. In such case ibuprofen could be helpful.
Another possible cause to consider is gastro-esophageal reflux. Your past medical history for gastric bypass could be related to all this clinical scenario.
Coming to this point, I would recommend taking an antiacid or omeprazole. If it helps, it would be indicative of gastro-esophageal reflux.
If this does not improve your situation, I would recommend consulting with your attending physician for a careful physical exam and some tests:
- a resting ECG
- a chest X ray study
- complete blood count, PCR, ESR for inflammation.
A fibrogastroscopy may be needed, especially if your symptoms are relieved by omeprazole.
You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.
Hope to have been helpful!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I would like to explain that the chest pain characteristics that you describe (stabbing, sharp pain) are not typical of a cardiac disorder (including myocardial ischemia).
I would like to know if the pain is triggered by deep breathing? This could indicate possible musculoskeletal pain underlying your complaints. In such case ibuprofen could be helpful.
Another possible cause to consider is gastro-esophageal reflux. Your past medical history for gastric bypass could be related to all this clinical scenario.
Coming to this point, I would recommend taking an antiacid or omeprazole. If it helps, it would be indicative of gastro-esophageal reflux.
If this does not improve your situation, I would recommend consulting with your attending physician for a careful physical exam and some tests:
- a resting ECG
- a chest X ray study
- complete blood count, PCR, ESR for inflammation.
A fibrogastroscopy may be needed, especially if your symptoms are relieved by omeprazole.
You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.
Hope to have been helpful!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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