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What Causes Severe Pain In The Middle Of The Chest?
Question: I have very bad heart failure and sometimes I have a very bad pain in the middle of my chest and I think its something related to my heart, but I check my BP, pulse and Oxygen levels and everything is fine . The only thing that relives the pain is something the VA calls (Magic Mouthwash) its a combination of Benadryl and Lidocaine. With all my problems I can't have a Colostomy done All the doctors tell me the risk outweighs the benefits but I don't understand why a C Scan won't detect something.
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome on HCM!
I carefully read your question and would explain that your symptoms could be related to gastro-esophageal reflux or esophageal spasms.
The fact that your heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen levels do not change during these episodes, indicates that these symptoms are not related to any cardiac arrhythmia, myocardial ischemia or lung disorders.
Have you tried taking antiacids or PPIs (omprazole, lansoprazole, etc.) during these episodes?
The fact that Magic Mouthwash relieves the pain, is another indicator of possible inflammation, esophageal spasms or reflux.
You should know that Benadryl and Lidocaine provide local analgesia in the gastro-intestinal tract and especially oral mucosa. They are used against local inflammation.
I recommend consulting with your attending physician for a careful physical exam and some tests:
- a resting ECG and cardiac ultrasound to examine your cardiac function and structure
- a chest X ray study
- some blood lab tests (complete blood count, PCR, sedimentation rate, kidney and liver function tests).
A fibrogastroscopy may be needed to examine better your gastro-esophagel junction and the mucosa and exclude possible inflammation.
Regarding the CT scan, It would not be the test of first choice, but it could exclude possible mucosal defects, especially if performed with oral contrast.
Hope to have been helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome on HCM!
I carefully read your question and would explain that your symptoms could be related to gastro-esophageal reflux or esophageal spasms.
The fact that your heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen levels do not change during these episodes, indicates that these symptoms are not related to any cardiac arrhythmia, myocardial ischemia or lung disorders.
Have you tried taking antiacids or PPIs (omprazole, lansoprazole, etc.) during these episodes?
The fact that Magic Mouthwash relieves the pain, is another indicator of possible inflammation, esophageal spasms or reflux.
You should know that Benadryl and Lidocaine provide local analgesia in the gastro-intestinal tract and especially oral mucosa. They are used against local inflammation.
I recommend consulting with your attending physician for a careful physical exam and some tests:
- a resting ECG and cardiac ultrasound to examine your cardiac function and structure
- a chest X ray study
- some blood lab tests (complete blood count, PCR, sedimentation rate, kidney and liver function tests).
A fibrogastroscopy may be needed to examine better your gastro-esophagel junction and the mucosa and exclude possible inflammation.
Regarding the CT scan, It would not be the test of first choice, but it could exclude possible mucosal defects, especially if performed with oral contrast.
Hope to have been helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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