What Causes Severe Chest Pain, Fast Heart Rate And Nausea?
Thoughts on hearing these symptoms:
Detailed Answer:
Hello -
Without the advantage of having your son present to get a more detailed history and do an exam, I am limited by the information you shared. But I can provide a few thoughts:
Burning chest pain may be from acid reflux or gastritis. The tachycardia may just be related to that he has nausea and vomiting. It is not uncommon (via a vagal response from the nerve that runs behind the throat) to have rapid heart rate before throwing up.
I am not clear on why he is taking Advil, but with these stomach symptoms, he should stop taking Advil or any other NSAID (naproxen, Motrin, etc). These can directly irritate the stomach lining, even leading to gastrointestinal bleeding. It might be ok for him to take these when he is well, but not given the current stomach symptoms. If he is in need of pain relief for a headache or muscle ache, he should take Tylenol.
Any alcohol consumption should be absolutely entirely stopped - again, it too can directly damage the stomach lining.
Consider trying Zantac (generic is ranitidine) 150 mg twice a day for the next 4 - 6 weeks. This will help reduce the stomach acid production by approximately 70% so his stomach and esophagus can heal.
Eating small amounts at a time can help, and for now, avoid or reduce highly acidic foods such as tomatoes, and citrus. Decrease caffeine intake (coffee, cola, certain teas, chocolate). Avoid peppermint as it can relax the lower esophageal sphincter making acid reflux more likely.
If however, he doesn't see some improvement with following these suggestions, in the next few days, then he definitely needs to go in to see a doctor in person. Also, if the symptoms get worse such as vomiting blood, vomiting something that looks like coffee grounds, bloody or black tarry stools, or feeling very light headed when standing up.