What Causes Painful Popping Sound In The Chest And Heartburn?

Posted on Tue, 26 Jul 2016

Question: My 20 year old son just called me from college. He says there is a popping sound or feeling in his chest or esophagus, that is painful when pressed and also has some heartburn. He is 6'1'' 205 pounds, athlete. Works out every day. plays college football. off season in weight room every day and running.

He says it is a little to the right of his sternum.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome

I appreciate your concern

Based on his description its most likely GERD /Dyspepsia related. However a cardiac cause can in 5 to 10 percent of cases present atypically. Baseline EKG should be done to rule out a cardiac cause precipitating the symptoms acutely. If the EKG is clear then costochondritis and GERD are the likely causes which can be treated empirically to see for improvement. In costochondritis there is chest wall tenderness which is absent in GERD. NSAIDS would be required to treat costochondritis and PPIS along with gastrokinetic agents would be needed for GERD.

wishing you best of health

Thanks

please consult your doctor before taking any further course of action

Dr M.S Khalil

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (18 minutes later)

He went to clinic on campus. The Dr. said it was muscular/skeleton inflammation with a touch of bronchitis? said chest wall inflamed. put on anti-inflammatory prescription and a Z-pack for lungs.
Said Heart sounded good and strong. good BP. He had a cold a few weeks ago....
Does this sound like proper treatment or should we explore further?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.

The treatment is satisfactory and is based on the likely cause that I mentioned ie costochondritis.

I agree with the treating physician. The same treatment should be continued.

wishing you best of health

Thanks

Dr M.S Khalil

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (13 hours later)

Thank You!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Most welcome

Detailed Answer:
You are most welcome.

Dr. M.S. Khalil

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar