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What Causes Pain Under Rib Cage And Chest?
Question: I've been having pain under my left rib cage and some up to mid chest after smoking. Eating doesn't affect it only smoking and if I smoke heavy it gets worse. The only time it started without smoking was when I bent over for my boots one morning it started right away and was severe for a few hours. It's usually a dull pain but sometimes a sharp pain I've been a heavy drinker for years but have quit drinking a few months ago.
Brief Answer:
Rule out Cardiac Problem / costochondritis...
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
First of all I would request you get the EKG and relevant Heart tests and Heart Specialist's opinion to rule out cardiac problems as you have left sided chest pain which increases on smoking urgently. This is very important.
Other possible causes for such a pain which you explained are:
-Costochondritis on the left lower chest ribs.
-Some lung condition / Pleurisy
I would advise you the following::;
-Cardiac check up as already mentioned.
-X-ray of the chest
-Ultrasonography of the abdomen, helps to find if there is fluid in the pleural cavity,and any condition in the upper abdomen mimicking the pains you have.
-CT scan of the chest and for the chest wall in particular.
-Routine tests of blood, urine and stool.
If the pain increases on local pressure on the lower ribs, this may be due to costochondritis of the ribs.
Once the diagnosis is made, proper treatment can be instituted.
I hope this answer helps you to get a proper and early diagnosis and proper treatment Please feel free if you have further queries or need clarifications
Rule out Cardiac Problem / costochondritis...
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
First of all I would request you get the EKG and relevant Heart tests and Heart Specialist's opinion to rule out cardiac problems as you have left sided chest pain which increases on smoking urgently. This is very important.
Other possible causes for such a pain which you explained are:
-Costochondritis on the left lower chest ribs.
-Some lung condition / Pleurisy
I would advise you the following::;
-Cardiac check up as already mentioned.
-X-ray of the chest
-Ultrasonography of the abdomen, helps to find if there is fluid in the pleural cavity,and any condition in the upper abdomen mimicking the pains you have.
-CT scan of the chest and for the chest wall in particular.
-Routine tests of blood, urine and stool.
If the pain increases on local pressure on the lower ribs, this may be due to costochondritis of the ribs.
Once the diagnosis is made, proper treatment can be instituted.
I hope this answer helps you to get a proper and early diagnosis and proper treatment Please feel free if you have further queries or need clarifications
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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