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What Causes Shoulder Blade Pain, Indigestion And Unusual Upper Back Pressure?
Question: I am 58 years old female, my symptoms started with unusual upper back pressure and pain on my left side under the shoulder blade for a few days, for no reason and terrible indigestion for a couple of days. Then a few days later I had the same but much sharper pain but this time I had chest pain at the same time... It felt like tighting and pressure feeling for about a minute this was two weeks ago, now I am very tired all day even have to take naps which is unusual and flue like symptoms.
I'm also experiencing a lot of headaches and nausea and confusions which Is unusual. We are away for the winter months, should I go home.
I'm also experiencing a lot of headaches and nausea and confusions which Is unusual. We are away for the winter months, should I go home.
Brief Answer:
I would recommend performing some tests:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I would explain that it is important performing a comprehensive differential diagnosis of different causes that may lead to your symptoms:
1- Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) esophageal spasms of gastritis. Have you tried anti acids or PPIs (omeprazole, etc.)? Did they relieve the pain?
2- Musculo-skeletal pain. Are your symptoms exacerbated by respiration or body movements? This would indicate a musculo-skeletal issue (including inflammation or costo-chondritis).
3- A lung disorder, like inflammation or an infection. Do you have other symptoms like cough?
4- Myocardiac ischemia. Although your symptoms are not typical of coronary artery disease, a resting ECG should be performed.
The headaches, nausea and confusion could be explained by a viral infection or an inflammatory disorder.
I recommend consulting with your GP for a careful physical exam and some tests:
- a chest X ray study
- a resting ECG
- blood lab tests (complete blood count, PCR, sedimentation rate, Kidney and liver function tests, fasting glucose, blood electrolytes).
- a gastro-intestinal endoscopy may be needed to exclude gastro-esophageal reflux or any disorder of the digestive tract (especially if all the other tests result normal).
You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.
Hope to have been helpful!
Best wishes,
Dr. Iliri
I would recommend performing some tests:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I would explain that it is important performing a comprehensive differential diagnosis of different causes that may lead to your symptoms:
1- Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) esophageal spasms of gastritis. Have you tried anti acids or PPIs (omeprazole, etc.)? Did they relieve the pain?
2- Musculo-skeletal pain. Are your symptoms exacerbated by respiration or body movements? This would indicate a musculo-skeletal issue (including inflammation or costo-chondritis).
3- A lung disorder, like inflammation or an infection. Do you have other symptoms like cough?
4- Myocardiac ischemia. Although your symptoms are not typical of coronary artery disease, a resting ECG should be performed.
The headaches, nausea and confusion could be explained by a viral infection or an inflammatory disorder.
I recommend consulting with your GP for a careful physical exam and some tests:
- a chest X ray study
- a resting ECG
- blood lab tests (complete blood count, PCR, sedimentation rate, Kidney and liver function tests, fasting glucose, blood electrolytes).
- a gastro-intestinal endoscopy may be needed to exclude gastro-esophageal reflux or any disorder of the digestive tract (especially if all the other tests result normal).
You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.
Hope to have been helpful!
Best wishes,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Yes I am onmepresole everyday but this was an attck in the middle of the night to the point of throwing up.
Yes I have a cough In the evening... And feel pressure in my chest. Would this be okay to wait three weeks before I see my doctor? And is there anything I can take?
Yes I have a cough In the evening... And feel pressure in my chest. Would this be okay to wait three weeks before I see my doctor? And is there anything I can take?
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Thank you for the additional information!
Unfortunately there is no drug, which I could recommend in this clinical scenario, without performing some tests.
You should know that a viral infection can not be excluded (as it can cause cough, headache, chronic fatigue, etc.), although it is uncommon such a prolonged period with symptoms.
The fact that the attack happened in the middle of the night, can not exclude possible esophageal spasms or gastroesophageal reflux, even though you are taking omeprazole.
You need to perform those tests, in order to differentiate the real cause of your symptoms.
The fact that your symptoms have been progressing means that three weeks could be a long period before seeing your doctor.
You can wait some days, but if your situation keeps worsening, I would recommend consulting with him as soon as possible to make the above mentioned tests.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Thank you for the additional information!
Unfortunately there is no drug, which I could recommend in this clinical scenario, without performing some tests.
You should know that a viral infection can not be excluded (as it can cause cough, headache, chronic fatigue, etc.), although it is uncommon such a prolonged period with symptoms.
The fact that the attack happened in the middle of the night, can not exclude possible esophageal spasms or gastroesophageal reflux, even though you are taking omeprazole.
You need to perform those tests, in order to differentiate the real cause of your symptoms.
The fact that your symptoms have been progressing means that three weeks could be a long period before seeing your doctor.
You can wait some days, but if your situation keeps worsening, I would recommend consulting with him as soon as possible to make the above mentioned tests.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
You have been extremely helpful... Thank you so very much!
Brief Answer:
You are welcome!
Detailed Answer:
I am glad to have been helpful!
If you have any other uncertainties please feel free to ask me at any time at the link below:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=69765
I would be happy to answer to all your questions!
Greetings!
Dr. Iliri
You are welcome!
Detailed Answer:
I am glad to have been helpful!
If you have any other uncertainties please feel free to ask me at any time at the link below:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=69765
I would be happy to answer to all your questions!
Greetings!
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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