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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Taking Ibuprofen For Sharp Pain In Sternum Caused By Inflamed Xiphoid. What Is It?

I've been having sharp pains in the center of my sternum for the past 4 days anytime I walk (whether I walk 10 feet from the couch to the door, or 10 blocks). I went to my doctor this afternoon and all of my tests (heart, BP, oxygen, etc.) were totally normal. He diagnosed that I had an "inflamed xiphoid" and told me to take ibuprofen several times a day, and that it should go away. My question is, what caused this inflamed xiphoid?? I don't recall being punched in the sternum recently...
posted on Sat, 7 Dec 2013
Twitter Sat, 7 Dec 2013 Answered on
Twitter Sat, 7 Dec 2013 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi, I have gone through your query and understood your worries. If you feel the pain only after walking, then I do think that a heart problem has to be ruled out although the location of pain is not the classical location of pain originating from the heart. However, another possibility which is even supposed to be considered first is acute gastritis given the location and character of pain. If gastritis happens to be he cause of pain, then taking Ibuprofen will instead worsens the situation. In my opinion, I suggest you try antacids to see if you can get better.
I wish you good health
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Taking Ibuprofen For Sharp Pain In Sternum Caused By Inflamed Xiphoid. What Is It?

Hi, I have gone through your query and understood your worries. If you feel the pain only after walking, then I do think that a heart problem has to be ruled out although the location of pain is not the classical location of pain originating from the heart. However, another possibility which is even supposed to be considered first is acute gastritis given the location and character of pain. If gastritis happens to be he cause of pain, then taking Ibuprofen will instead worsens the situation. In my opinion, I suggest you try antacids to see if you can get better. I wish you good health