Abdominal/chest pain... Is this heartburn, peptic ulcer, gastritis?

Question

Hello

I've had this pain for quite a while now and it is really annoying me. I get the pain mostly when I get mad or are nervous. I am not sure if it has something to do with my nervous system.

Well, here it is:
It's like this sharp, clot-like pain on the upper left side of my chest, near the nipple. When I burp, it seems to go away.

I already went to the doctor and he said my heart was fine after doing that EKG test. They also said it was not a clot.

Now...

I am not having pain in my chest today, but it feels like the pain is now in my stomach. What in hell? Do I have a tumor? Is it traveling? What is this pain?

Ahhhhh!

Answer 1

Some thoughs on your discomfort:

1. Hiatal hernia. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hiatal-hernia/DS00099 This can cause discomfort in the chest area.
2. GERD. Not just "heartburn", GERD can damage the esophagus and cause inflammation in the entire area, causing chest and "stomach" pain. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gerd/DS00967
3. Anxiety. You mention that strong emotions can exacerbate the symptoms.
4. Less likely are conditions such as costochondritis http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/costochondritis/DS00626 and pleurisy http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/costochondritis/DS00626, but you may want to read about them anyway, just to rule them out.

You may want to do more reading about GERD, which occurs when your lower esophageal sphincter http://www.nbc10.com/2006/0209/6867277.jpg doesn't close properly. Stomach acids can damage this entire area and mimic heart-attack symptoms, ulcer symptoms, and can eventally cause esophageal cancer. PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) such as Nexium, Protonix, AcipHex, and Prilosec, can address GERD and help heal the erosions/inflammation.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Just to add to other answers. Would be a good time to evaluate the stress in your life and in your past life. Stress and panic attacks take many forms. If you rule out gastric problems with antacids etc. you should conside the stress side....as we all should.
There is still the possibllity of esophogial spasms if it envolves swallowing....and never ever rule out cardiac problems based on one EKG.....but try to connect cause to affect. Anxiety attacks mimic heart attacts all the time. Heart problems often present as gastric distress.
My bet is on stress, and my life revolves around it and have a disability from PTSD. But don't bet your life on that.
If I can help feel free to IM me ..mysihba in Yahoo or email same @yahoo.com

Answer 4

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Answer 5

Try taking Pepcid, Imodium, Tums, Mylanta, etc. separately each time you get the symptoms and see which medicine works and then you'll know what you have depending on what treatment worked. Good luck!

Answer 6

it could be an anxiety attack - some people get pains in various places when they get upset.............it could also be a peptic ulcer in the stomach or esophageal area...............take some over the counter acid reducer...........