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Suggest Treatment For Increasing Pain In Left Shoulder And Upper Arm
Question: Hi, I'm a 40 y/o male, 5ft 10ins, 14 stone, overweight slightly but reasonably fit due to physical job.
Non-smoker, alcohol 20 units per week.
For the last 6 weeks I've had increasing pains in my left shoulder and upper arm, not all the time but becomes a dull uncomfortable ache when I lie down to sleep.
I have also had several experiences of sharp breath taking pains in my left breast/chest area, they have stayed for 10 minutes at a time and made painful to breathe.
I am now experiencing a bubbling sensation in my left lung as I breathe in, not painful but worrying.
Both my parents passed away from cancer (bowel and ovarian)
Is it time to get it checked out?
Thank you XXXXXXX
Non-smoker, alcohol 20 units per week.
For the last 6 weeks I've had increasing pains in my left shoulder and upper arm, not all the time but becomes a dull uncomfortable ache when I lie down to sleep.
I have also had several experiences of sharp breath taking pains in my left breast/chest area, they have stayed for 10 minutes at a time and made painful to breathe.
I am now experiencing a bubbling sensation in my left lung as I breathe in, not painful but worrying.
Both my parents passed away from cancer (bowel and ovarian)
Is it time to get it checked out?
Thank you XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Cardiovascular cause to be ruled out
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for your query.
The symptoms as mentioned in your post can be attributed to:
1. Cardiovascular cause - You have not mentioned regarding any past history of systemic illness like Hypertension, Diabetes, Heart disease, etc. in your post. Under such circumstances, it will be better to get an ECG done to rule out any Cardiovascular cause for the symptoms.
2. Gastrointestinal cause- due to accumulation of gas and excess acid formation in stomach.
Presence of sharp breath taking pains and bubbling sensation in the region of left lung can be attributed to this.
Symptomatic relief can be obtained with intake of Proton pump inhibitors like Pantoprazole, which prevent acid formation in stomach (to be taken before meals)+ antacid gel (to be taken after meals).
3. Spasm of the chest muscles - aggravation of pain while lying down can be attributed to this. Management will involve application of muscle relaxant gel & intake of analgesic (like Diclofenac) + Pantoprazole preparation.
However, proper clinical examination is necessary for confirmation of diagnosis.
So, kindly discuss regarding this when you visit your Doctor.
Considering the fact that the symptoms are persisting for over 6 weeks, any further delay in seeking medical attention is not advisable.
Certain investigations like complete blood count, serum electrolyte estimation, X ray of chest might be needed to rule out any pathological cause for the symptoms.
There is no need to worry, you will be fine.
Take care.
Cardiovascular cause to be ruled out
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for your query.
The symptoms as mentioned in your post can be attributed to:
1. Cardiovascular cause - You have not mentioned regarding any past history of systemic illness like Hypertension, Diabetes, Heart disease, etc. in your post. Under such circumstances, it will be better to get an ECG done to rule out any Cardiovascular cause for the symptoms.
2. Gastrointestinal cause- due to accumulation of gas and excess acid formation in stomach.
Presence of sharp breath taking pains and bubbling sensation in the region of left lung can be attributed to this.
Symptomatic relief can be obtained with intake of Proton pump inhibitors like Pantoprazole, which prevent acid formation in stomach (to be taken before meals)+ antacid gel (to be taken after meals).
3. Spasm of the chest muscles - aggravation of pain while lying down can be attributed to this. Management will involve application of muscle relaxant gel & intake of analgesic (like Diclofenac) + Pantoprazole preparation.
However, proper clinical examination is necessary for confirmation of diagnosis.
So, kindly discuss regarding this when you visit your Doctor.
Considering the fact that the symptoms are persisting for over 6 weeks, any further delay in seeking medical attention is not advisable.
Certain investigations like complete blood count, serum electrolyte estimation, X ray of chest might be needed to rule out any pathological cause for the symptoms.
There is no need to worry, you will be fine.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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