[25M] Experiencing sharp chest pain with associated bump

Patient Description

A 25-year-old male has been experiencing sharp, deep chest pain on the left side for the past five days, rated as 6 out of 10 in severity. The pain worsens when transitioning from a lying down or sitting position, during coughing, and on taking deep breaths. Additionally, there is a palpable bump in the same area, which the patient is unsure if it is part of the rib cage. The patient has been coughing but reports no shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fever, swelling or tenderness in the legs, or blood in the cough. The patient has no known pre-existing conditions or chronic illnesses and is not on any medications except for recently mentioned Adderall. No alleviating factors for the chest pain have been identified.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

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

Costochondritis: This is an inflammation of the area where your ribs join with your breastbone. It can cause sharp chest pain, which can worsen when you cough or take a deep breath. The pain can also be felt when you press on your chest.
- Treatment typically involves pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Physical therapy exercises may also be helpful.
Pleurisy: This is an inflammation of the lining of your lungs and chest. It can cause sharp chest pain that worsens when you breathe in or cough.
- Treatment usually involves addressing the underlying cause, such as an infection. Over-the-counter pain relievers and rest can also help.
Chest wall injury: An injury to the chest wall, such as a bruised or broken rib, can cause pain, especially when you breathe in, cough, or move your upper body. You mentioned a bump in the same area as your pain, which could be related to an injury.
- Treatment usually involves rest, pain relievers, and avoiding activities that make the pain worse.

Please note that chest pain can sometimes be a sign of serious conditions like heart disease. Although your symptoms don't sound typical of a heart problem, it's important to get checked out by a healthcare provider to make sure.

What you can do

Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider as soon as possible. They can perform a physical examination and possibly order tests to determine the cause of your chest pain.
In the meantime, try to rest and avoid activities that make your pain worse. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen can help with the pain.
Keep track of your symptoms. Note any changes in the pain, such as if it gets worse or if you develop new symptoms.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if:

Your chest pain becomes severe or unbearable
You have trouble breathing or shortness of breath
You feel lightheaded, dizzy, or faint
You have pain that spreads to your shoulders, arms, back, neck, teeth, or jaw
You have a rapid or irregular heartbeat

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've given me. It's always important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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8 mo ago

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