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What Causes Persistent Sharp Pain In The Lower Chest Area?
I have been experiencing sharp pains in my lower chest/upper abdominal area since November. When they started the were occurring once a week or two weeks. They have gradually become more frequent, now they are occurring daily anywhere from 5-20 times daily. The pain is located in the area of my lower chest to the left of my diaphragm, approximately where the lower rib meets the breast bone. I have had an Echo Stress Test done on my heart and was reported as normal. Had a CT scan done that there does not seem to be anything that stands out. The CT was done with and without contrast, I have mention gall bladder to my doctor and he does not seem to think it is the problem, but does not seem to be eager to help me find out the problem either. I suggested gall bladder because two of my family members, mother and mother-in-law, had pain resembling the pain I am having and it was their gall bladder. I am just wondering if you have any ideas as to where to go or what type of doctor I should be looking for.
Mon, 20 Jun 2016
Hi, welcome to HCM.
I can understand that a chronic pain that no one seems to understand can be frustrating for you. Ususlly there are two types of pain in this area. One is visceral pain because of problem with the heart, stomach or gall bladder. The other type is musculoskeletal pain.
If your pain is deep and is illicited by pressing on this area but is not a pin point sharp pain, it could be visceral pain. As you have done a stress test and it was normal, the other thing your doctor will recommend to do is an ultrasound for the gall stones. If No gall stones are present, it could be because of gastric problems.
The other type of pain is the musculoskeletal pain. It can be reprodiced by pressing on the area and is sharp and localized pain. It can usually be pin pointed to the specific area which is tender. In this region, the common causes are lower rib pain syndromes like rib-tip syndrome. This is the most common pain that is usually misdiagnosed.
In either case, you need thorough work-up. I would recommend going to a general physician to know and treat the exact cause of the pain.
I hope this adequately answers your question. Please feel free to ask if you have any other questions. Have a nice day.
Sincerely,
Dr. Waqas Hayat
I can understand that a chronic pain that no one seems to understand can be frustrating for you. Ususlly there are two types of pain in this area. One is visceral pain because of problem with the heart, stomach or gall bladder. The other type is musculoskeletal pain.
If your pain is deep and is illicited by pressing on this area but is not a pin point sharp pain, it could be visceral pain. As you have done a stress test and it was normal, the other thing your doctor will recommend to do is an ultrasound for the gall stones. If No gall stones are present, it could be because of gastric problems.
The other type of pain is the musculoskeletal pain. It can be reprodiced by pressing on the area and is sharp and localized pain. It can usually be pin pointed to the specific area which is tender. In this region, the common causes are lower rib pain syndromes like rib-tip syndrome. This is the most common pain that is usually misdiagnosed.
In either case, you need thorough work-up. I would recommend going to a general physician to know and treat the exact cause of the pain.
I hope this adequately answers your question. Please feel free to ask if you have any other questions. Have a nice day.
Sincerely,
Dr. Waqas Hayat
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