What Causes Persistent Pain And Pressure In Chest?

Posted on Mon, 1 Feb 2016

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

Mon, 1 Feb 2016 Answered on

Mon, 28 Mar 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : HI, I have been feeling discomfort / pain /pressure across my chest area very sporatically. Have been feeling it on and off for a few months, had a stress test done and everything came out ok. The past 2 weeks it seems to be more often and more consistent as in every day, it still comes and goes, but now its every day, the actual discomfort can last for up to 5 minutes .

Answered by Dr. Nishad BN (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It can be due to costochondritis.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thank you for asking HCM.

I have gone through your query. As your stress test is fine a pain due to ischemic cardiac cause is most unlikely.

Do you have pain while palpation on the area. ?.
Pain while palpation or on movement is characteristic for costochondritis. In such case using gels containing NSAIDs like ketoprofen or diclofenac for local application will be helpful.

Another cause is due to gastritis and gastro esophageal reflux. If you have any abdominal discomfort or heart burn this can be suspected and in such case taking proton pump inhibitors like esomeprazole for 2 weeks will be helpful.

Let me know if anything not clear.
I am happy to help you.
Thanks.

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