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What Is The Cause And Remedy For Frequent Stabbing Chest Pain That Worsens On Inhalation ?
Hi there, I have a problem with my chest I get this pain on the left side of my chest every now and then and from time to time the pain gets so bad that it stops me from inhaling I can exhale but not inhale, if I try then I get a sharp pain like a thousand needles stabbing me over and over again. It usually goes away after a couple seconds but lately it s been taking longer to go away. I have had this pain since I was young but it s also been happening frequently I have told my doctor about it he thinks it s nothing the last time I went he came up with the idea that I might have absent seizures but then again he really doesn t think so, so he just proscribed me pain killers but they don t work. Can you help me please?
Tue, 10 Apr 2012
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.
There are several causes of chest pain and your symptoms do not fit into any proper diagnosis as such. However, I would ascribe it to either gastroesopaheal reflux disease or simply anxiety.
I would suggest the following:
a. Try and reduce your stress levels with deep breathing, yoga and pranayama
b. Eat small, regular meals
c. Eat an early dinner
d. Avoid spicy food, oily food, alcohol and caffeine
e. Try and spare some time for things you like doing.
See a psychiatrist for an evaluation. I think we should be able to get to the cause.
Hope this helps.
Regards
Thanks for writing in.
There are several causes of chest pain and your symptoms do not fit into any proper diagnosis as such. However, I would ascribe it to either gastroesopaheal reflux disease or simply anxiety.
I would suggest the following:
a. Try and reduce your stress levels with deep breathing, yoga and pranayama
b. Eat small, regular meals
c. Eat an early dinner
d. Avoid spicy food, oily food, alcohol and caffeine
e. Try and spare some time for things you like doing.
See a psychiatrist for an evaluation. I think we should be able to get to the cause.
Hope this helps.
Regards
I find this answer helpful
User's Response
Dr. Neha Vijayakar's
Response
Hello,
You haven't mentioned your age. Left sided chest pain can have many causes, the most common being an issue with the heart. If you are middle aged, go for a stress test to rule out cardiac problem. If you get the pain on inhaling, then it can also be purely muscular. Pleurisy is less common since you are saying you have had this problem since quite long.
Absence seizures usually do not cause a left sided chest pain. They cause a generalised tiredness and ache in the body post-seizure.
If there is tenderness in the left side along with the pain, then it can be inflammation of the costal cartilages.
Do not take painkillers blindly. Get your pain checked. It can be something absolutely harmless but it is always better to be cautious.
All the best!
dr.neharv@gmail.com
You haven't mentioned your age. Left sided chest pain can have many causes, the most common being an issue with the heart. If you are middle aged, go for a stress test to rule out cardiac problem. If you get the pain on inhaling, then it can also be purely muscular. Pleurisy is less common since you are saying you have had this problem since quite long.
Absence seizures usually do not cause a left sided chest pain. They cause a generalised tiredness and ache in the body post-seizure.
If there is tenderness in the left side along with the pain, then it can be inflammation of the costal cartilages.
Do not take painkillers blindly. Get your pain checked. It can be something absolutely harmless but it is always better to be cautious.
All the best!
dr.neharv@gmail.com
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