[18F] Experiencing chest pain, neck soreness, and abdominal discomfort

Patient Description

An 18-year-old female has been experiencing a variety of symptoms including a constant, radiating, deeper chest pain related to breathing, rated 3 out of 10 in severity, ongoing for 36 hours. Additionally, she reports a sore neck with pain traveling down the left side when stretching, rated 4 out of 10, present for 18 hours. She also has central abdominal pain described as bloating, rated 4 out of 10, lasting for 6 hours. Earlier today, she experienced nausea which made it difficult to eat, lasting from approximately 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Yesterday, she had a fever of 100.5°F which subsided after medication. She also reports shortness of breath, palpitations, and dizziness. The patient has a history of bulimia from 2020 to 2023 and consumes an energy drink daily. She is currently on birth control medication, Blisovi, taken once daily for three weeks each month. No known allergies or other medications reported.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, here are some possible explanations for your symptoms:

  • Anxiety or Panic Disorder: Anxiety can cause a variety of physical symptoms, including chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and stomach discomfort. It can also cause feelings of fear or impending doom, rapid heart rate, and excessive sweating. Panic attacks, which are a feature of panic disorder, can cause similar symptoms.

    • Treatment typically involves a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication.
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This condition occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus and cause chest pain, heartburn, and nausea.

    • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. In severe cases, prescription medication or surgery may be needed.
  • Costochondritis: This is an inflammation of the junctions where the upper ribs join with the cartilage that holds them to the breastbone, causing chest pain. The pain can be exacerbated by physical activity or exercise.

    • Treatment typically involves pain relievers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and possibly physical therapy.
  • Peptic Ulcer: A peptic ulcer is a sore on the lining of your stomach, small intestine or esophagus. Peptic ulcers cause stomach pain that's usually felt anywhere from your navel up to your breastbone.

    • Treatment typically involves medications to decrease stomach acid. If an H. pylori infection is present, antibiotics will be needed.

Please note that these are just possibilities and not a definitive diagnosis. Your symptoms could be due to a different condition, or multiple conditions could be at play.

What you can do

You should seek immediate medical attention. Chest pain can be a sign of a serious heart condition, such as a heart attack, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, and nausea.

In the meantime, try to rest and stay calm. Avoid physical exertion and anything else that seems to make your symptoms worse.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe chest pain
  • Chest pain that spreads to your jaw, left arm, or back
  • Chest pain that gets worse with exercise
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sweating
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Nausea and vomiting

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've given me. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your symptoms in person.

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8 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of anxiety or panic disorder?

Common symptoms of anxiety or panic disorder include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, rapid heart rate, excessive sweating, and feelings of fear or impending doom. These symptoms can occur suddenly and may be mistaken for other medical conditions.


How can Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) be managed at home?

GERD can often be managed at home by making lifestyle changes such as avoiding foods and drinks that trigger reflux, eating smaller meals, not lying down immediately after eating, and elevating the head of the bed. Over-the-counter medications like antacids can also help relieve symptoms.


What is costochondritis and how is it treated?

Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone, causing chest pain. It is typically treated with pain relievers such as NSAIDs, rest, and sometimes physical therapy to reduce pain and inflammation.


What are the signs that a peptic ulcer might be present?

Signs of a peptic ulcer include burning stomach pain, bloating, heartburn, nausea, and in severe cases, vomiting or dark stools. The pain is often felt between the navel and breastbone and may improve with eating or taking antacids.


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