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What Causes Burning Sensation On Left Side Of Chest?

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Posted on Wed, 21 Jan 2015
Question: I have a burning sensation in my left side of the chest. I think it originates in the middle.

I had a cardio stress test today with echo to hopefully rule out cardio issues. I passed fairly easily without any issues. I am a runner.

It seems like the burning sensation gets significantly worse after I eat. I have been taking protonix acid blockers over the past 3 days. My diet is extremely strict (brown rice with some Sautaited Kale/Onions/Garlic - small portions. I took 3 tablets of "tums" equivalent and it helped a little. Not as much as I would anticipate.

I had endoscopy / colonoscopy done last week. Nothing was found - i.e. no cancer.
What I don't understand is why it is primarily on my left side of the chest. That is puzzling.

doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr Samir Patil (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
GERD. continue protonix

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through the symptoms you have provided.
Your symptoms seem to be due GERD ( Gastro esophageal reflux disease).
The chest pain is caused by acid from the stomach entering the esophagus.

Protinix should help. I would advise you to take it for at least 4 to 6 weeks.

In case your symptoms persist or do not reduce by the end of 4 weeks then the dose should be increased.

I would suggest you avoid the following
Alcohol, tobacco, red meat, deep fried foods, carbonated drinks, citrus fruits, chocolate and mint,
Limit tea or coffee to less than 3 cups
Avoid lying down for at least three hours after meals.

Hope this helps
Regards
Dr Samir Patil
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr Samir Patil (15 hours later)
I am finally very confident that I have narrowed down the pain location - and it is very localized. The location is UP 1-2 inches above solar plexus LEFT 1-2 inches. It is this particular spot for sure on the inside. The pain is not muscular / external because when I press on that spot it does not hurt. Every time I take a deep breath however, I can feel the pain in this location - on the inside. On the scale of 1-10, the pain is about 2-3. When I eat something more offensive, the pain radiates to the left side of the chest and the whole left side has a burning sensation.


It is highly unlikely that it is a cardio issue. I had a stress test with echo yesterday and did very well. I run 4 miles daily.

My questions are, is it possible that something serious was missed during endoscopy? What in your opinion is the issue?

I am taking protonics and it does not seem to help. Although taking zantac tablet yesterday did help significantly.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr Samir Patil (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Gerd, zantac + protonix

Detailed Answer:
Hello, thanks for the detailed description

An endoscopy would not miss any major problem.
It would help if you could upload the endoscopy report. The symptom you are describing sound like GERD.
The only odd feature is that the pain increases on breathing.
In view of this symptom I would suggest to get a x ray of the chest to look for pleural disease which can cause similar pain.
I would advise continue zantac along with protonix as it has helped your symptoms.
Please follow the dietary Brest restrictions I have suggested.

Hope this helps
Regards
Dr Samir Patil
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr Samir Patil

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :1997

Answered : 551 Questions

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What Causes Burning Sensation On Left Side Of Chest?

Brief Answer: GERD. continue protonix Detailed Answer: Hello, I have gone through the symptoms you have provided. Your symptoms seem to be due GERD ( Gastro esophageal reflux disease). The chest pain is caused by acid from the stomach entering the esophagus. Protinix should help. I would advise you to take it for at least 4 to 6 weeks. In case your symptoms persist or do not reduce by the end of 4 weeks then the dose should be increased. I would suggest you avoid the following Alcohol, tobacco, red meat, deep fried foods, carbonated drinks, citrus fruits, chocolate and mint, Limit tea or coffee to less than 3 cups Avoid lying down for at least three hours after meals. Hope this helps Regards Dr Samir Patil