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What Causes Armpit Pain That Occurs After Eating And Drinking?
Question: Whenever I swallow, liquids or food, I get a dull ache in my left arm/armpit. I'm a 25 year old male and I an overweight. Other than my weight, I have seasona asthma and a hypoactive thyroid. I have no pain elsewhere, slightly concerned about a hiatal hernia or possibly something worse.
Brief Answer:
try omeprazole
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
It could be gastroesophageal reflux so I would suggest a trial of a few weeks of omeprazole, 20 mg twice a day taken 30 minutes before meals. This is available over the counter. Make sure you also stay upright (don't lie down) for at least 2-3 hours after meals.
Reflux can be caused by hiatal hernia, being overweight, eating large meals, alcohol, tobacco, lying down after meals or just because the esophagus does not close down properly after you eat.
Since it only occurs after you eat or drink it is unlikely to be something like your heart. Pain from the esophagus can be referred up into the armpit.
There are also occasionally people that have blockages or strictures in the esophagus that can cause this problem.
If taking the omeprazole does not help then see your doctor for a referral to a gastroenterologist.
I hope this problem is resolved soon,
Dr. Robinson
try omeprazole
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
It could be gastroesophageal reflux so I would suggest a trial of a few weeks of omeprazole, 20 mg twice a day taken 30 minutes before meals. This is available over the counter. Make sure you also stay upright (don't lie down) for at least 2-3 hours after meals.
Reflux can be caused by hiatal hernia, being overweight, eating large meals, alcohol, tobacco, lying down after meals or just because the esophagus does not close down properly after you eat.
Since it only occurs after you eat or drink it is unlikely to be something like your heart. Pain from the esophagus can be referred up into the armpit.
There are also occasionally people that have blockages or strictures in the esophagus that can cause this problem.
If taking the omeprazole does not help then see your doctor for a referral to a gastroenterologist.
I hope this problem is resolved soon,
Dr. Robinson
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Are any of these problems particularly dangerous? Is the muscle strain not at all a possibility? What's the treatment for a Hiatal Hernia? Could the pain be a symptom of Lymphoma?
sorry for all the questions I'm just a little concerned. I've struggled with my weight all my life but have been working on getting in shape for awhile. I'm just worried that it's something exceptionally serious.
sorry for all the questions I'm just a little concerned. I've struggled with my weight all my life but have been working on getting in shape for awhile. I'm just worried that it's something exceptionally serious.
Brief Answer:
follow up
Detailed Answer:
It is possible the the symptoms could represent muscle strain but if that were the case they would probably happen with arm movement not with eating or drinking. Lymphoma is unlikely unless you have masses (enlarged lymph nodes). The reflux and esophageal blockages are not particularly dangerous in the short term but can cause some problems with eating and esophageal irritation in the long term if not addressed.
I do not think this sounds dangerous at this point but just something you need to address. I suggest you see a doctor if you are concerned about lymphoma or if the symptoms do not resolve after a trial of omeprazole.
Regards
K. Robinson MD
follow up
Detailed Answer:
It is possible the the symptoms could represent muscle strain but if that were the case they would probably happen with arm movement not with eating or drinking. Lymphoma is unlikely unless you have masses (enlarged lymph nodes). The reflux and esophageal blockages are not particularly dangerous in the short term but can cause some problems with eating and esophageal irritation in the long term if not addressed.
I do not think this sounds dangerous at this point but just something you need to address. I suggest you see a doctor if you are concerned about lymphoma or if the symptoms do not resolve after a trial of omeprazole.
Regards
K. Robinson MD
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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