What could be the cause of stress and constant chest pain?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have had pain in my chest for a month now. In the beginning, it was more of all over the place, like in my ribs and what felt like behind my breasts, and it also hurt on my sternum. I was having palpitations in the beginning. I have been under a lot of emotional stress. Also, I would like to transition into a male. So, I would feel like I was having a panic attack in the beginning. It felt like a dull ache, and sometimes, there was sharp pain from time to time that would last for barely a second. Now, the pain lasts a shorter period of time. Every time I get my period, my breasts hurt a lot. The soreness happens about two weeks before my period and then stops right after my period ends. What to do?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your query.

I need to know more about the symptoms, like precipitating factors, factors that increase pain, etc. Considering your age and symptoms, the possibility of a cardiac cause of this pain is very low. There is nothing to worry about.

Most probably, it is a gastritis and reflux disease due to stress and anxiety. Do you have upper abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, burping, increase in pain on food, sour water feeling in the throat, or chest burning? If yes, it further supports the diagnosis. You should avoid fatty, oily, and high-calorie diets. Have some walks after eating food instead of resting. Have multiple small meals instead of heavy meals. Have regular sleep habits and avoid stress. Eat lots of green leafy vegetables and fruits. Avoid smoking and alcohol, if any. Elevate the head end of the bed or use pillows during sleep or rest.

Does this pain increase when applying pressure over the chest area? If yes, then it is costochondritis and is a musculoskeletal type of pain and needs prolonged therapy like a tablet of Ibuprofen (NSAID) twice daily for a week, along with some antacids like a tablet of Pantoprazole before breakfast once daily.

Kindly consult a specialist, talk with them, and take medicines with their consent.

Hope this helps you.

Thanks and regards.