[32F] Experiencing left-sided chest pain and mild heartburn

Patient Description

A 32-year-old female has been experiencing a dull chest pain on the left side for the past three days, which worsens when hungry but lessens slightly after eating. The pain severity is rated as a 4 out of 10. Accompanying the chest pain is mild heartburn and a sensation of needing to burp, with no relief from taking Advil. The patient has no known allergies, pre-existing conditions, or chronic illnesses, and is not on any medications. No difficulty swallowing or sensation of food getting stuck has been reported. There is no past history of acid reflux or GERD diagnosis.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, here are a few possibilities:

  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This is a digestive disorder that affects the ring of muscle between your esophagus and your stomach. This can cause symptoms such as heartburn and chest pain. The pain can be worse when you're hungry and may feel like it's coming from your chest.

    • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. In some cases, prescription medications or surgery may be needed.
  • Gastritis: This is an inflammation of the stomach lining that can cause upper abdominal pain, nausea, and heartburn. The pain can sometimes feel like it's coming from your chest.

    • Treatment typically involves taking medication to decrease stomach acid. If gastritis is caused by an infection, you may need to take antibiotics.
  • Peptic Ulcer: This is a sore that develops on the lining of the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine. Symptoms can include a burning pain in your stomach that feels worse when you're hungry.

    • Treatment typically involves medications to reduce stomach acid and protect the lining of your stomach. If the ulcer is caused by a bacterial infection, you may need to take antibiotics.

What you can do

You should make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms. They may want to perform tests to determine the cause of your chest pain. In the meantime, you can try the following:

  1. Avoid foods and drinks that trigger heartburn, such as fatty or fried foods, tomato sauce, alcohol, chocolate, mint, garlic, onion, and caffeine.
  2. Eat smaller meals.
  3. Don't lie down after a meal. Wait at least three hours.
  4. Elevate the head of your bed if you regularly experience heartburn at night or while trying to sleep.
  5. Don't smoke, and if you already do, try to quit.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Chest pain that spreads to your jaw, left arm, or back
  • Sudden sharp chest pain with shortness of breath, especially after a long period of inactivity
  • Nausea, dizziness, rapid heart rate or rapid breathing, confusion, ashen color, or excessive sweating
  • Very low blood pressure or very low heart rate

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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1 yr ago

Top picked over-the-counter products for Acid Reflux (GERD): American College of Gastroenterology Guidelines

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of GERD and how is it treated?

Common symptoms of GERD include heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation of food or sour liquid, and difficulty swallowing. Treatment often involves lifestyle changes such as avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, and not lying down after eating. Over-the-counter medications like antacids, H2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors may also be used.


How can gastritis cause chest pain and what are the treatment options?

Gastritis can cause chest pain due to inflammation of the stomach lining, which may feel like upper abdominal pain radiating to the chest. Treatment typically involves medications to reduce stomach acid, such as proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers. If an infection is present, antibiotics may be necessary.


What are the signs of a peptic ulcer and how is it managed?

Signs of a peptic ulcer include a burning stomach pain that may worsen when hungry, bloating, heartburn, and nausea. Management usually involves medications to reduce stomach acid and protect the stomach lining, and if a bacterial infection is the cause, antibiotics may be prescribed.


When should I seek immediate medical attention for chest pain?

Immediate medical attention for chest pain is necessary if the pain spreads to the jaw, left arm, or back, or if it is accompanied by shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, rapid heart rate, confusion, or excessive sweating. These could be signs of a more serious condition such as a heart attack.


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