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Feeling Of Squeezing And Twisting In Sternum, Feeling Of Swelling In Throat, On And Off Stabbing In Jaw, Back And Armpit. Relief When Relaxing. Help
I am gettng a little nervious. My Sternum feels like someone is squeezing and twisting it like one would do to wring out a wet dishcloth. My neck feels like it is swelling up (it is not actually) and makes swallowing difficult. I get a occasional stabbing pain in my jaw, back and right arm pit area. I do not want to sound like a hypochondriac. I am a 67 yr old white male who was a smoker until 8 yrs ago when I quit. Should I make an appointment with my Doctor or should I maybe just wait and see? These uneasy feelings have been going on for about 3 weeks and seem to subside if I sit down and completely relax for a period of time.
Sat, 27 Jul 2013
Hi! I am definitely recommending that you see your physician immediately. We want to make sure that you are not experiencing something that is life-threatening like unstable angina and other cardiovascular diseases which may ultimately lead to a heart attack if not managed soon and properly.
Your physician may order some tests like and ECG and a chest x-ray aside from some blood work to check your heart so he/she can manage your case appropriately.
Take note what you are doing whenever such feelings occur (exerting effort, walking, resting) and try to time them from the start until the feeling disappears.
In the meantime, try doing some relaxation exercises when you feel the squeezing sensation comes. If you notice that it doesn't subside after 10-15 minutes or that it is somehow progressing (you feel faint, the pain is increasing or changed in character, or you develop difficulty of breathing), please go straight to the emergency room for urgent care.
Take care!
Dr. Galera
Your physician may order some tests like and ECG and a chest x-ray aside from some blood work to check your heart so he/she can manage your case appropriately.
Take note what you are doing whenever such feelings occur (exerting effort, walking, resting) and try to time them from the start until the feeling disappears.
In the meantime, try doing some relaxation exercises when you feel the squeezing sensation comes. If you notice that it doesn't subside after 10-15 minutes or that it is somehow progressing (you feel faint, the pain is increasing or changed in character, or you develop difficulty of breathing), please go straight to the emergency room for urgent care.
Take care!
Dr. Galera
I find this answer helpful
Hi,
Thanks for using healthcare magic,
I have gone through your history.
All your symptoms seems to be out of anxiety but physical causes need to be ruled out.
You should consult your doctor to rule out physical causes which may vary from gastro-intestinal condition to cardiac one.
Treatment would be directed as per cause.
If you are in stress, you should consult psychiatrist for detailed evaluation and management.
Thanks.
Thanks for using healthcare magic,
I have gone through your history.
All your symptoms seems to be out of anxiety but physical causes need to be ruled out.
You should consult your doctor to rule out physical causes which may vary from gastro-intestinal condition to cardiac one.
Treatment would be directed as per cause.
If you are in stress, you should consult psychiatrist for detailed evaluation and management.
Thanks.
I find this answer helpful
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