Chest and Throat pain for 6 years- What's going on??

Question

I have had pretty severe throat pain (a burning feeling) and a piercing chest pain behind the left breast for 6 years. Doctors have done ekg's of my heart, which were normal, lung scan, normal, endoscopy for throat, normal, which ruled out Reflux. A doctor said the chest pain isn't heart related because it doesn't get worse with exercise and I can run very fast. I'm so frustrated. Any ideas??

Answer 1

A differential to costochondritis might be esophagus spasms or a twisted esophagus.

Causes and symptoms-

The cause appears to be disruption of the complex system of nerves that coordinates the muscular activity. The result is difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) and pain that feels like a heart attack and can involve the entire chest, jaw, and arms. The website below has a lot of really great info about it.

One of my friends has this condition and for years his Dr's told him it was just stress because he had all the same tests you have had which didn't reveal anything for some reason. He finally went to a facility which specialized in GI problems and was diagnosed there with a twisted esophagus, otherwise known as a "corkscrew esophagus". The treatment they tried first was some kind of muscle relaxer that calmed the spasms and really seemed to do the trick. I know how frustrating trying to get a diagnosis can be. I hope you get some answers soon and best wishes to you!

Answer 2

I have had the same problem for the past 3 years. I was told that I was having panic attacks. Everything checked out ok (ekg, etc). Then I found a new doctor who discovered it is a condition called Costochondritis:Costochondritis is an inflammation of the junctions where the upper ribs join with the cartilage that holds them to the breastbone or sternum. The condition causes localized chest pain that you can reproduce by pushing on the cartilage in the front of your ribcage. Costochondritis is a relatively harmless condition and usually goes away without treatment. The cause is usually unknown

Answer 3

It certainly sounds like GERD. You might want to think about a second opinion. According to what you have said, they've done an endoscopy of your throat, but did they go further down to visualize your esophagus and stomach? Sounds like GERD and/or HIATAL HERNIA. There is not a whole lot they can do for GERD, usually diet/lifestyle changes and H2 blockers to reduce the formation of gastric acid.

Answer 4

See a doctor that specializes in lymph nodes. Also try walking your hands up the wall like they are crawling until you cant reach any further several times a day until you can see a doctor.

Answer 5

Go to different doctors until one can tell you without a doubt whats wrong with you. Many people suffer with pain thinking they just have to deal with it because there's no explanation....don't deal with it, find out what the cause is. Good luck.

Answer 6

It could be indigestion, and yes it could indeed be acid reflux!!! You can't always tell from an endoscopy. I suggest you try some Prilosec OTC for 14 days. If you don't feel better, TELL YOUR DOCTOR. It could also be gaul bladder trouble.

Answer 7

Yep Go to a doctor as you should have 6 years ago and get a 2nd,3rd and 4th opinion if necessary.It sounds quite serious to me

Answer 8

Ever got a TEE?
How about an ultrasound of your chest to make sure you do not have a hiatal hernia.

Answer 9

wellwhat dod the doctor say it was I have no clue if they didnt find anything gi see another doctor for another opion

Answer 10

Get a 2nd opinion..and 3rd..etc. until you find out what is causing that!