What Causes Pain In Sternum Area, Rib Cage And Back In Adult Female?

Posted on Mon, 30 Mar 2015

Question: I am 42 year old female with pain in my sternum area, below my rib cage and in my back. I have been to the emergency room the past 2 nights. they said I have a UTI but it doesn't hurt or feel like that. the first night they gave me bactrim, the second night Prilosic and low-dose Norco 5/325. my pain has not diminished and is a steady 7 to 8. I am an alcoholic without any alcohol for about 60 hours. in the past, I've had pancreatitis several times and this is what it feels like. but the doctors say it's not. I have insurance but need to see someone who can help me. i have no regular physician. please help. my e-mail address is YYYY@YYYY

Answered by Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It could be a heart problem or Pancreatitis

Detailed Answer:
Hello
i had gone through your question and i can understand your concern

Looking at your history I come up any of following conditions
1. Acid peptic disease
2. A heart problem may be a heart attack
3. Pancreatitis
4. Hiatus hernia

i would advise you to consult a cardiologist to rule out a heart problem first by an ECG or echocardiography followed by a gastroenterologist for an upper GI endoscopy or an ultrasound

diagnosis of Pancreatitis can be ascertained by blood amylase test and an ultrasound or CT scan

have plenty of fluids
observe complete bed rest

I hope you will find my response helpful and informative
if you have further questions or clarification please write back to us I will be happy to help you

wishing you good health
regards
Dr BR Hudda

Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E