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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does Pressure Below The Sternum Indicate?

I have a great deal of pressure in my upper abdomen, right below my sternum. It doesn t burn, as I would think an ulcer would, but it seems to worsen with foods. I recently took a lot of hydrocodone and Advil due to broken ribs. What might my problem be and how do I take care of it?
Mon, 26 Feb 2018
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Anesthesiologist,  's  Response
hi sir/mam,as you had mentioned about broken ribs, i suspect some sternal fracture or fracture of costochondral joints(at the junction of ribs and sternum.).of course we cant rule out the possibility of reflux esophagitis due to the medication you have been using.anyhow,just try the following medicines for gastric irritation for 3-4 days :
1)tab.pantoprazole or rabeprazole in combination with domperidone once daily before food.
2)any antacid twice daily.
3)avoid lying down immediately after eating.
4)frequent and small amounts of eating is recommended.
5)avoid spicy food
6)head elevation while sleeping is recommended.
7)any increase in intra abdominal pressure is to be avoided like straining at stools due to constipation,chronic cough,obesity etc.
even with the above treatment,symptoms dont relieve,you need to go for an internal medicine expert.chest x-ray may sometimes be ordered to rule out any other fractures.hope my answer clarifies your doubts.any further queries to be answered,please write to us.i'm always here to attend your concerns.thank you.take care.bye.
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What Does Pressure Below The Sternum Indicate?

hi sir/mam,as you had mentioned about broken ribs, i suspect some sternal fracture or fracture of costochondral joints(at the junction of ribs and sternum.).of course we cant rule out the possibility of reflux esophagitis due to the medication you have been using.anyhow,just try the following medicines for gastric irritation for 3-4 days : 1)tab.pantoprazole or rabeprazole in combination with domperidone once daily before food. 2)any antacid twice daily. 3)avoid lying down immediately after eating. 4)frequent and small amounts of eating is recommended. 5)avoid spicy food 6)head elevation while sleeping is recommended. 7)any increase in intra abdominal pressure is to be avoided like straining at stools due to constipation,chronic cough,obesity etc. even with the above treatment,symptoms dont relieve,you need to go for an internal medicine expert.chest x-ray may sometimes be ordered to rule out any other fractures.hope my answer clarifies your doubts.any further queries to be answered,please write to us.i m always here to attend your concerns.thank you.take care.bye.