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What Causes Chest Pressure And Shortness Of Breath After Alcohol Consumption?
Question: For the past few months after a night of drinking alcohol I spend the next few days with chest pressure, chest wall tenderness, abdominal pressure and shortness of breath. I also have a lump in my left breast tissue that becomes more painful when other symptoms present. I have also had diarrhea for the past month or so that is temporarily relieved with one dose of Imodium but returns. I am a heathy 29 year old male and generally in good shape. I have tried a 14 day dose of omeprazole thinking it was GERD with minimal relief. Thanks.
Brief Answer:
Get your BP checked and an ECG done.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
These symptoms could be due to a number of issues. The top of the list would be Hypertension and heart issues. You should see your GP or a Physician who can check your Blood Pressure and get an ECG and Chest Xray done as a baseline. If these are alright then other causes can be thought about.
The next would be stomach issues like Gastritis and GERD as you mentioned. You said there was minimal relief with Omeprazole. How did you have the medicine and how frequently? For best results, Omeprazole should be had at least half an hour before meals twice a day. If this has brought only modest relief then Gastritis is probably not the reason for your symptoms.
Since all symptoms have been related to alcohol intake, have you tried abstaining from alcohol for a few weeks and then see? You might get completely relieved by that.
As for the breast lump it is probably Gynecomastia which is a harmless swelling of the male breast tissue. People do get it removed for cosmetic reasons. It can also be examined when you consult your GP or Physician. He can advice you whether anything needs to be done about it.
Do let me know if any reports and BP readings are available. Fell free to ask any queries you might be having.
Take care.
Dr Rishi, New XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Get your BP checked and an ECG done.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
These symptoms could be due to a number of issues. The top of the list would be Hypertension and heart issues. You should see your GP or a Physician who can check your Blood Pressure and get an ECG and Chest Xray done as a baseline. If these are alright then other causes can be thought about.
The next would be stomach issues like Gastritis and GERD as you mentioned. You said there was minimal relief with Omeprazole. How did you have the medicine and how frequently? For best results, Omeprazole should be had at least half an hour before meals twice a day. If this has brought only modest relief then Gastritis is probably not the reason for your symptoms.
Since all symptoms have been related to alcohol intake, have you tried abstaining from alcohol for a few weeks and then see? You might get completely relieved by that.
As for the breast lump it is probably Gynecomastia which is a harmless swelling of the male breast tissue. People do get it removed for cosmetic reasons. It can also be examined when you consult your GP or Physician. He can advice you whether anything needs to be done about it.
Do let me know if any reports and BP readings are available. Fell free to ask any queries you might be having.
Take care.
Dr Rishi, New XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Answered by
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