What Causes Sudden Sharp Pulsating Pain In Chest Area?

Posted on Mon, 30 Mar 2015

Question: What could cause a sudden sharp, pulsating pain in my chest under my right armpit? The first time it occurred was last week while driving a car, then twice more sitting it my recliner at home. Moderate pain and goes away after a few minutes.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
it can be due to chest infection or muscle pull

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case. Most common causes of such pain can be following.
1. muscular pain
2. Chest infection
3. gastric pain
To confirm the diagnosis I would like to know little detail about your illness.
1. Are you also having cough or fever?
2. is this pain also present during rest or sleep ?
3. Is this pain also associated with any burning feeling in abdomen or neck pain ?
please send me answers of these questions. I wil try my best to help you.
thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (7 hours later)

At the onset of the pain I was having no other symptoms. Since then I devoloped a sore throat this past Friday which progressed over the weekend into sneezing, coughing, nasal drainage, slight fever, and stuffy head. I went to a doctor this morning and was prescribed 3 prednisone a day for 5 days and cough syrup. I have had the daily dose of prednisone and one dose of cough syrup so far with some minor improvement.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
So it is due to chest infection

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for replying. Your answers confirm that it is due to cold and chest infection. But I am surprised why you were given prednisone. As it may increase the infection. If possible can you send me your doctor's prescription. I think you need antibiotics and decongestent.Prednisone is not going to benefit you.
thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (4 hours later)

The prescription was faxed from the Dr.'s office to my pharmacy yesterday. I take 3 tablets per day for 5 days, they are 20 mg tablets. She also prescribed Bromphen/pseudoep liq 2-30-10mg one dose every 4-6 hours as needed. From what the pharmacy insert says prednisone is being prescribed for lung inflammation, and allergies. When asked, during interview, I was asked if I had any allergies and I replied I only had seasonal allergies, grass, ragweed, that sort of thing.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I would suggest you to discuss about prednisone

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I do not think that you need Prednisone unless you are having severe allergy. Antihistamin can also help and they do not have so many side effects. Also Prednisione can not be stopped immediately. It should be tapered. So I would recommend you to talk to your doctor, If he feels it is must for you to take Prednisone.
You can discuss his opinion with me.
thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj