[21M] Experiencing non-severe chest pressure and pain

Patient Description

A 21-year-old male has been experiencing pressure and occasional pain around the left chest for approximately 2-3 weeks. The pain, described as a pressure as if something is pushing against the chest, worsens with activity and certain sitting positions. Although not severe, the pain has been gradually worsening over time. Specific positions can alleviate the pain, but there is a noted decrease in appetite. The pressure in the chest intensifies upon deep breathing or coughing and there is tenderness upon palpation, but no swelling, redness, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations are reported.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, here are a few possibilities:

  • Costochondritis: This is inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone (sternum). It causes chest pain that can be reproduced by pushing on the chest wall. Pain can be sharp or pressure-like and may get worse with deep breaths or coughing. It's often idiopathic (meaning we don't know why it happens) but can also be due to physical strain or a viral infection.

    • Treatment usually involves rest, avoiding strenuous activities that worsen your pain, and over-the-counter pain relievers.
  • Musculoskeletal Strain: This is when muscles or tendons in the chest wall get strained, often from physical activity. The pain can be sharp or pressure-like and is usually worse with movement or certain positions.

    • Treatment typically involves rest, heat or cold therapy, and over-the-counter pain relievers.
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This is 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 or discomfort.

    • Treatment usually involves lifestyle changes (like avoiding certain foods, not eating before bed) and over-the-counter or prescription medications.

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 if appropriate.

What you can do

  1. Try taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to see if they help with your pain.
  2. Rest and avoid activities that seem to make your pain worse.
  3. If you think your pain might be due to GERD, try avoiding foods that can trigger acid reflux (like spicy foods, citrus, chocolate) and don't eat right before bed.

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 with shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness or nausea
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat or pulse
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Persistent or worsening symptoms despite home treatment.

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10 mo ago

People Also Ask


What is costochondritis and how is it treated?

Costochondritis is inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone, causing chest pain that can worsen with deep breaths or coughing. Treatment usually involves rest, avoiding activities that worsen the pain, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers.


How can musculoskeletal strain in the chest be managed?

Musculoskeletal strain in the chest occurs when muscles or tendons are strained, often from physical activity. Management includes rest, applying heat or cold therapy, and using over-the-counter pain relievers.


What are the symptoms of GERD and how can it be treated?

GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, involves stomach acid frequently flowing back into the esophagus, causing chest pain or discomfort. Treatment includes lifestyle changes like avoiding trigger foods and not eating before bed, along with over-the-counter or prescription medications.


When should I seek immediate medical attention for chest pain?

Immediate medical attention for chest pain is necessary if you experience severe pain, pain spreading to the jaw, left arm, or back, pain with shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, nausea, rapid or irregular heartbeat, unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, or persistent symptoms despite home treatment.


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