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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Severe Pain In Back And Around Chest Causing Breathlessness?

Hi, I have been getting a severe pain in my upper right side back which seems to penetrate through the front of what seems to Feel like inside my rib cage. I have difficulty breathing and eating, lying down or moving about with this pain. I went to a couple different doctors and was given pain injection and was told it could be muscle related which I do not believe. After a week of taking pain relievers and muscle relaxer I stil feel the pain mildy but now accompanied by nausea, headache, mouth springing water non stop and on and off fever. Could you help with my problem as I don t know what to do? Thanks
posted on Sun, 3 May 2015
Twitter Fri, 24 Feb 2023 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 28 Feb 2023 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

It is difficult to diagnose the cause of your symptoms without a physical examination and additional information, but several conditions can cause severe pain in the back and chest, which may also lead to difficulty breathing. Some possible causes include:
* Heart Attack: Chest pain and shortness of breath are common symptoms of a heart attack. This is a medical emergency, and you should seek immediate medical attention if you suspect that you might be having a heart attack.
* Pneumonia: Inflammation and infection of the lungs, called pneumonia, can cause severe chest pain and difficulty breathing, especially with exertion.
* Pulmonary Embolism: A blood clot in the lungs can cause sudden and severe chest pain, along with shortness of breath and rapid heartbeat. This is also a medical emergency.
* Gallbladder Disease: Gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder can cause pain in the upper right side of the abdomen and back, which may radiate to the chest.
* Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe abdominal and back pain, along with nausea, vomiting, and fever.
* Acid Reflux: Acid reflux disease or GERD can cause a burning sensation in the chest, which may be accompanied by back pain and difficulty swallowing.

It is important to follow up with your healthcare provider to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. Your provider may recommend additional tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or a chest X-ray, to help determine the cause of your symptoms.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
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What Causes Severe Pain In Back And Around Chest Causing Breathlessness?

Hi, It is difficult to diagnose the cause of your symptoms without a physical examination and additional information, but several conditions can cause severe pain in the back and chest, which may also lead to difficulty breathing. Some possible causes include: * Heart Attack: Chest pain and shortness of breath are common symptoms of a heart attack. This is a medical emergency, and you should seek immediate medical attention if you suspect that you might be having a heart attack. * Pneumonia: Inflammation and infection of the lungs, called pneumonia, can cause severe chest pain and difficulty breathing, especially with exertion. * Pulmonary Embolism: A blood clot in the lungs can cause sudden and severe chest pain, along with shortness of breath and rapid heartbeat. This is also a medical emergency. * Gallbladder Disease: Gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder can cause pain in the upper right side of the abdomen and back, which may radiate to the chest. * Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe abdominal and back pain, along with nausea, vomiting, and fever. * Acid Reflux: Acid reflux disease or GERD can cause a burning sensation in the chest, which may be accompanied by back pain and difficulty swallowing. It is important to follow up with your healthcare provider to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. Your provider may recommend additional tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or a chest X-ray, to help determine the cause of your symptoms. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician