HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Have Occasional Bouts Of Chest Pain. Pain Is Moderate To Severe. Do Plenty Of Physical Work During The Day. What Could It Be?

default
Posted on Fri, 8 Nov 2013
Question: I have occasional bouts of chest pain, sometimes I wake up from it at night. It never lasts longer than 20 minutes. There are no other symptoms. It is moderate to severe. I am a 54 yr old female, weigh 150 lbs. don't have high blood pressure, do plenty of physical work during the day.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Rakesh Karanwal (51 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Pain should get relieved by antacids

Detailed Answer:
Hi Ma'am,

Thanks for your query.

I wish that you had provided more details about the chest pain (which part of the chest), presence of acidity, nausea, associated breathlessness/sweating.

However, as you have mentioned that there are on other symptoms, I come to the conclusion- from the details provided- that you may be suffering from either :-

- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)- a condition in which the acid produced in the stomach regurgitates into the food pipe, causing burning severe pain.

- Hiatal hernia - a condition in which a part of the stomach goes into the food pipe and, thus renders the sphincter (unidirectional valve at the junction of food pipe and stomach) incompetent. Hence, during lying position, the stomach acid flows by gravity, into the esophagus (food pipe) and cause chest pain during sleep.

The exact diagnosis would be ascertained by endoscopy.

- Pain of heart origin- though unlikely- is the other possibility. A Treadmill Test (TMT), if at all required, will exclude the diagnosis of heart disease.

I will therefore suggest that you take antacid suspension 4 spoons four times a day; anti-acid pills such as omeprazole twice a day; sleep in a semi-reclined position by using extra pillows under the back; avoid alcohol, coffee/tea/beverages and spicy food; take small, frequent meals and a few snacks at bedtime. Observe the response over the next one week. If you improve, the diagnosis of either GERD or Hiatus hernia will be confirmed clinically. Then, endoscopy will distinguish between the two conditions.

You may discuss my opinion with your doctor/gastroenterologist, who will know what is best for you.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have further clarifications, I will be happy to answer them.

Fond regards,

Dr. Rakesh Karanwal
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Rakesh Karanwal

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1980

Answered : 1357 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Have Occasional Bouts Of Chest Pain. Pain Is Moderate To Severe. Do Plenty Of Physical Work During The Day. What Could It Be?

Brief Answer:
Pain should get relieved by antacids

Detailed Answer:
Hi Ma'am,

Thanks for your query.

I wish that you had provided more details about the chest pain (which part of the chest), presence of acidity, nausea, associated breathlessness/sweating.

However, as you have mentioned that there are on other symptoms, I come to the conclusion- from the details provided- that you may be suffering from either :-

- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)- a condition in which the acid produced in the stomach regurgitates into the food pipe, causing burning severe pain.

- Hiatal hernia - a condition in which a part of the stomach goes into the food pipe and, thus renders the sphincter (unidirectional valve at the junction of food pipe and stomach) incompetent. Hence, during lying position, the stomach acid flows by gravity, into the esophagus (food pipe) and cause chest pain during sleep.

The exact diagnosis would be ascertained by endoscopy.

- Pain of heart origin- though unlikely- is the other possibility. A Treadmill Test (TMT), if at all required, will exclude the diagnosis of heart disease.

I will therefore suggest that you take antacid suspension 4 spoons four times a day; anti-acid pills such as omeprazole twice a day; sleep in a semi-reclined position by using extra pillows under the back; avoid alcohol, coffee/tea/beverages and spicy food; take small, frequent meals and a few snacks at bedtime. Observe the response over the next one week. If you improve, the diagnosis of either GERD or Hiatus hernia will be confirmed clinically. Then, endoscopy will distinguish between the two conditions.

You may discuss my opinion with your doctor/gastroenterologist, who will know what is best for you.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have further clarifications, I will be happy to answer them.

Fond regards,

Dr. Rakesh Karanwal