What Causes Persistent Dull Pain Under The Breast Bone?

Hi. Sorry to hear about your problem. Its good to see your concern about your health. Seeing upon your description there are few possibilities which we are going to discuss now. 1. Acid peptic disease / GERD. This is cause by excess secretion of stomach acids. And GERD is due to backward regurgitation of the stomach contents into esophagus (mostly acidic) , causing the symptoms of burning/pain in upper middle abdomen/behind sternum (bone in the middle of chest in the front aspect). These are treated by drugs that lower the stomach acid secretion (proton pump inhibitors e.g omeprazole or antihistamines e.g ranitidine). Also antacid syrup can be used for quick relief of symptoms. This is the most likely possibility seeing upon your description. 2. Cardiac disease. Keeping in view your age and the fact that pain is not being relieved by omeprazole , a suspician of cardiac problem is raised. If your pain/burning sensation is not being relieved by omeprazole , i would have referred you to a cardiac physician for evaluation if i would have been your primary physician. An E.C.G may be helpful in initial scrutiny. 3. Pneumonia. Although this is unlikely with the history you provided but it can be possibility especially if there is co-existing fever and cough. So the plan here is you already have omeprazole with you . Take one 20mg capsule before meals (20-30min) twice daily for 3 days and may continue upto 7 days if needed. You may also take antacid syrup if they are available over the counter in your locality for quick relief of symptoms. If symptoms still persist then it is better to see a cardiac physician. Hoping these lines might help you to better understand what is going wrong. Wishing you best of health. Regards.