[21F] Experiencing sharp abdominal and breast pain with painful breathing

Patient Description

A 21-year-old female has been experiencing sharp pain in the left breast, lower right side of the back, and abdomen for about a week. The abdominal pain is described as cramp-like but sharp, fluctuating throughout the day without any identified relief measures. Similarly, the breast pain is sharp, radiating to the side and center of the chest, and exacerbated by lying down and coughing. The patient also reports painful breathing for the same duration, with pain located by the ribs, breast, center, and occasionally extending to the back, particularly worsened when lying down. There's a noted shortness of breath and chest pain that intensifies with coughing. No recent injuries, trauma, fever, swelling, redness, or warmth in the affected areas were reported. The patient smokes marijuana but is not on any medications and has no known pre-existing conditions or chronic illnesses.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

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

Musculoskeletal Pain: This is pain that affects the muscles, ligaments and tendons, and bones. The pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor posture, repetitive movements, overuse, or remaining in one position for too long.
- Treatment typically involves rest, pain relievers, and physical therapy.
Costochondritis: This is inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone (sternum). It causes chest pain that can mimic a heart attack. This pain can be sharp or dull, and it can start in your chest, and often radiates to your back or abdomen.
- Treatment typically involves rest, pain relievers, and heat or cold to the affected area.
Pleurisy: This is inflammation of the tissues that line the lungs and chest cavity. This can cause sharp chest pain that worsens during breathing.
- Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying cause of the inflammation, such as an infection.
Gallstones: These are hard deposits in the gallbladder that can cause abdominal pain. The pain is often sharp and may radiate to the back or the right shoulder.
- Treatment typically involves surgery to remove the gallbladder, or medications to dissolve the gallstones.

Please note that these are just possibilities and not a definitive diagnosis. You should seek care from a healthcare professional to receive a formal diagnosis and treatment.

What you can do

In the meantime, you can try the following to help manage your symptoms:

Rest and avoid activities that make your pain worse.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may help relieve your pain. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package.
Applying a warm compress or a cold pack to the painful areas may help reduce your pain.
Try to maintain good posture, especially when sitting or standing for long periods of time.
If you smoke marijuana, consider cutting back or quitting, as smoking can irritate your lungs and may contribute to your chest pain.

What you should look out for

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

Severe chest pain
Chest pain that is accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, or a fast heart rate
Abdominal pain that is severe, sudden in onset, or accompanied by fever or other signs of infection
Any new or worsening symptoms

Remember, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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1 yr ago

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