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What Causes Sharp And Burning Pain On Sternum?
I am a 28 year old female, 5 feet 8 inches, 190 pounds. I am a smoker, I don t drink. I don t have a significant medical history. I am experiencing sharp, burning pain 7/10 along my sternum. It started about 5 hours ago. It hurts most when I completley relax, exhale or cough. I am slightly nauseated. I had sinus congestion earlier this week, but not today. About a year ago I went to the emergency department and was diagnosed with costochondritis. This feels similar but is in a different spot and hurts much worse. Any ideas?Thank you!
posted on
Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 17 Aug 2020
Answered on
Tue, 25 Aug 2020
Last reviewed on
Hello,
The most common cause of sharp burning pain on the sternum is indicative of costochondritis. You also have a past history of costochondritis. It can be treated with physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medicines (Naproxen), rest and cortisone injections. Other medical conditions that cause similar symptoms are angina, developing CAD, lung diseases, COPD, etc.
You can take antacids and PPI's for relief. You are suggested to get clinically examined by a GP. Get pulmonary and cardiac function tests done to detect the pathology causing discomfort. You will be treated according to the pathology detected.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
The most common cause of sharp burning pain on the sternum is indicative of costochondritis. You also have a past history of costochondritis. It can be treated with physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medicines (Naproxen), rest and cortisone injections. Other medical conditions that cause similar symptoms are angina, developing CAD, lung diseases, COPD, etc.
You can take antacids and PPI's for relief. You are suggested to get clinically examined by a GP. Get pulmonary and cardiac function tests done to detect the pathology causing discomfort. You will be treated according to the pathology detected.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
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