[28M] Experiencing pressure-like chest pain

What might be happening

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

• Musculoskeletal Pain: This is pain that affects the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones. The fact that your pain is affected by movement and touch suggests that it might be musculoskeletal in nature. This type of pain can often be managed with rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, and physical therapy.
• Asthma: Asthma can sometimes cause chest tightness or pain. However, this is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, or coughing.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This is a condition where 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.

Please note that chest pain can also be a sign of serious heart conditions, such as angina or a heart attack. However, these conditions usually cause severe, crushing pain in the chest that is often accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or pain radiating to the arm or jaw.

What you can do

Given your symptoms, it's important to get a proper diagnosis from a healthcare professional. They may want to perform tests to rule out more serious conditions. In the meantime, here are some things you can do:

1. Rest and avoid any activities that make your pain worse.
2. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can help with musculoskeletal pain. However, always make sure to follow the instructions on the label and do not exceed the recommended dose.
3. If your asthma symptoms are not well-controlled, make sure to use your albuterol inhaler as directed by your doctor.

What you should look out for

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

• Severe chest pain
• Chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or pain radiating to the arm or jaw
• Chest pain that does not improve with rest or over-the-counter pain relievers

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.