[24M] Experiencing sharp, dull chest pains with transient blurry vision

Patient Description

A 24-year-old male reports experiencing sharp, dull pains across the upper chest, mainly on the left side, for the past 4 months. The pain is described as a cramping sensation, with a severity rating of 2 out of 10. The patient noted an incident where a 'pop' was heard following a dull pain, after which the pain temporarily subsided. The chest pain is exacerbated by sitting down but is alleviated by stretching. Additionally, the patient experienced a brief episode of blurry vision, described as out of focus, coinciding with a sharp chest pain on the left side while holding a child. This episode of blurry vision was a singular event. The patient does not report any shortness of breath, palpitations, radiating pain to the arm, shoulder, neck, or jaw, recent weight loss, fever, or cough. The patient's medical history includes depression and anxiety, with no high severity, and no significant past medical history of chronic illnesses. The patient smokes weed once a week, with the last use being the Friday before the encounter, and denies the use of tobacco, alcohol, or other recreational drugs. The symptoms have been occurring before the use of marijuana.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

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

Musculoskeletal Pain: This is a common cause of chest pain, especially if the pain is related to body position or movement. It can be caused by strain or inflammation of the muscles and tendons between the ribs.
- Treatment usually involves rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, and sometimes physical therapy.
Costochondritis: This is an inflammation of the area where the ribs join with the breastbone. It can cause sharp, localized chest pain that may worsen with deep breathing or coughing.
- Treatment typically involves pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications.
Anxiety: Anxiety and panic attacks can cause chest pain and other symptoms like shortness of breath, palpitations, and dizziness. Given your history of anxiety, this could be a contributing factor.
- Treatment typically involves cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, and sometimes medication.
Heart Conditions: Although less likely given your age and the nature of your symptoms, certain heart conditions can cause chest pain. These include angina (chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart) and pericarditis (inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart).
- Treatment depends on the specific condition and can range from lifestyle changes and medication to surgical procedures.

What you can do

Try over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for your chest pain.
Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing and mindfulness to help manage your anxiety.
Monitor your symptoms. If they worsen or you develop new symptoms, seek medical attention.
Avoid smoking and recreational drug use, as these can exacerbate chest pain and anxiety.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

Severe chest pain
Chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, or nausea
Chest pain that spreads to your jaw, left arm, or back
Chest pain that is sudden and unexpected

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.

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10 mo ago

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