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

question-icon

What Causes Discomfort In Upper Chest Area While Breathing?

default
Posted on Mon, 15 Jun 2015
Question: Hello, I am 25 and went mountain biking with a group earlier today for about 3 hours. It was only my 2nd time doing this with them and it was Very cardio demanding. I am experiencing a very slight discomfort in my upper left chest area when I breath in. I have not did this much physical activity in a very long time and was wondering if I should be worried?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (21 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It doesn't sound worrisome

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

your description sounds like you were exhausted! For a young healthy individual no problems are expected except muscle aches (perhaps on the thoracic muscles too - mountain biking is a very demanding activity). So this slight symptom can probably be attributed to muscle exertion.

Despite that, since chest pain may hide serious diagnoses I would suggest you to do some basic testing for your chest including the following:
- chest X-ray (to exclude pneumothorax)
- d-dimers (to exclude a mild peripheral pulmonary embolism)
- electrocardiogram (to exclude heart related problems, like pericarditis).
- SpO2 (oxygen saturation measured with an oxymeter) to make sure your lungs work OK.

I'm not worried and I believe that all tests would be normal. It's just the type of symptom that makes me more cautious.

I hope I've helped!
Kind Regards!
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3818 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
What Causes Discomfort In Upper Chest Area While Breathing?

Brief Answer: It doesn't sound worrisome Detailed Answer: Hello, your description sounds like you were exhausted! For a young healthy individual no problems are expected except muscle aches (perhaps on the thoracic muscles too - mountain biking is a very demanding activity). So this slight symptom can probably be attributed to muscle exertion. Despite that, since chest pain may hide serious diagnoses I would suggest you to do some basic testing for your chest including the following: - chest X-ray (to exclude pneumothorax) - d-dimers (to exclude a mild peripheral pulmonary embolism) - electrocardiogram (to exclude heart related problems, like pericarditis). - SpO2 (oxygen saturation measured with an oxymeter) to make sure your lungs work OK. I'm not worried and I believe that all tests would be normal. It's just the type of symptom that makes me more cautious. I hope I've helped! Kind Regards!