[20F] Experiencing sharp, stabbing chest pain with dizziness and breathlessness

Patient Description

A 20-year-old female is reporting episodes of sharp, stabbing pain located behind the left breast, which is severe enough to halt movement and breathing, rated 9 out of 10 in intensity. Episodes last between 5 to 30 seconds and are sometimes accompanied by sweating. The patient also experiences dizziness and significant shortness of breath during these episodes. There is no recent history of injury or accidents that could explain the symptoms. The patient has not indicated any other associated symptoms such as radiation of pain or palpitations.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible causes for your symptoms include:

  • Pleurisy: This is inflammation of the tissues that line the lungs and chest cavity. This condition can cause sharp chest pain that worsens during breathing.

    • Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying cause, such as bacterial or viral infection, and may include anti-inflammatory drugs or pain relievers.
  • Costochondritis: This is inflammation of the cartilage in your rib cage, and can cause sharp, localized chest pain.

    • Treatment typically involves pain relievers and rest.
  • Precordial Catch Syndrome: This is a benign and very common condition in young adults where sharp, localized pain occurs, typically on the left side of the chest. It's often triggered by a certain movement or deep breath.

    • Treatment is typically reassurance, as the condition is harmless and resolves on its own.
  • Heart conditions: While less likely at your age, certain heart conditions can cause chest pain and shortness of breath. These include conditions like pericarditis (inflammation of the tissues surrounding the heart) or more rarely, a type of heart disease.

What you can do

Given the severity of your pain and the potential for these symptoms to be related to your heart, it's important that you seek immediate medical attention. Please go to the emergency department right away.

What you should look out for

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

  • Severe chest pain
  • Pain that spreads to the arm, neck, or jaw
  • Severe shortness of breath
  • Sweating
  • Nausea
  • Fainting

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor. Please consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

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9 mo ago


People Also Ask


What is precordial catch syndrome and how is it treated?

Precordial catch syndrome is a benign condition that causes sharp, localized chest pain, often on the left side. It is common in young adults and is usually triggered by a certain movement or deep breath. Treatment typically involves reassurance, as the condition is harmless and resolves on its own.


Can pleurisy cause severe chest pain and what are its common treatments?

Pleurisy is an inflammation of the tissues that line the lungs and chest cavity, which can cause sharp chest pain that worsens during breathing. Treatment involves addressing the underlying cause, such as a bacterial or viral infection, and may include anti-inflammatory drugs or pain relievers.


What are the symptoms of costochondritis and how is it managed?

Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage in the rib cage, causing sharp, localized chest pain. It is managed with pain relievers and rest, and symptoms usually improve over time.


When should I seek immediate medical attention for chest pain?

You should seek immediate medical attention for chest pain if you experience severe pain, pain that spreads to the arm, neck, or jaw, severe shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or fainting, as these could be signs of a serious condition.

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