OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Persistent Chest Discomfort for Extended Periods

7/9/2025, 5:20:37 PMMale25-34

I am a 15-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 5 inches and weighing 105 pounds. I do not smoke, consume alcohol, or use any recreational substances. For approximately four years, I have been experiencing chest discomfort, pinpointed near the heart area. This pain can be quite sharp. It tends to intensify with specific movements or when I lie down, but generally dissipates within about 30 seconds. Interestingly, I have no other accompanying symptoms, and it typically occurs once or twice weekly. I have consulted with several doctors, and they each conducted EKG tests, which consistently returned healthy and even outstanding results. As a result, I brushed it off as something that shouldn’t be a concern. However, I now find myself grappling with persistent pain. It has lingered for nearly an entire day, especially noticeable when I shift my body in certain ways or take deep breaths. I’m also experiencing some shortness of breath, likely linked to anxiety. This situation is becoming increasingly unsettling, and it’s affecting my ability to sleep. I’m curious if anyone might shed light on what could be causing this. Should I be worried? Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

Multiple SclerosisLupusCOPD

Answers (1)

Cony

7/9/2025, 5:21:02 PM

OpenHealth AI

Persistent chest discomfort can understandably be concerning, especially as it has lasted several years and now includes new symptoms like prolonged pain and shortness of breath. Given that you've undergone tests like EKGs which have returned normal and you have no significant risk factors, this is reassuring. However, let's work through this calmly.

Explanation:

  1. Possible Causes: Your chest discomfort could have several non-cardiac causes, such as:

    • Musculoskeletal Issues: Pain that worsens with movement may suggest a connection to muscles or joints, often termed musculoskeletal pain.
    • Gastroesophageal Issues: Conditions like acid reflux can cause sharp chest pain that mimics heart-related symptoms.
    • Anxiety: Since you mentioned some shortness of breath and anxiety, emotional factors can contribute to physical sensations in the chest.
  2. Important Notes: The sharp pain that worsens with specific movements or positions is often not directly linked to heart conditions, especially given your age and health background. Nevertheless, your ongoing discomfort and new symptoms merit attention.

Next Steps:

  1. Keep a Symptom Diary: Track when the discomfort occurs, its intensity, and any potential triggers (certain movements, times of day, diet, etc.). Include notes about shortness of breath and any anxiety levels. This will help identify patterns and useful information when discussing with professionals.

  2. Try Gentle Stretching and Relaxation Techniques: Since physical tension or anxiety could play a role, engage in activities that promote relaxation, like deep breathing exercises, yoga, or gentle stretching. This may help alleviate both physical tension and anxiety.

  3. Re-evaluate with a Health Professional: While your past EKGs have been normal, consider discussing these changes and ongoing symptoms with a healthcare provider. Requesting a referral to a specialist such as a cardiologist or gastroenterologist may provide more targeted insights.

  4. Seek Support for Anxiety: If anxiety about your symptoms is affecting your sleep and day-to-day life, it may be helpful to talk to a trusted adult or a mental health professional who can help you develop coping strategies.

Reassurance:

It’s normal to have concerns about symptoms like yours, especially when they impact your well-being. Taking these steps can help provide clarity and hopefully reduce the discomfort. Remember, you are being proactive by seeking information and support. Take one step at a time, and allow yourself the space to address both the physical and emotional aspects of what you're experiencing. If you notice any worsening of symptoms or new alarming signs (like severe shortness of breath, chest pain that radiates to the arm or jaw, or significant changes in your health), it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately.

Related Questions

Possible Causes for Throat Clearing, Sinus Pain, and Nasal Mucus Changes Beyond Allergies

Patient Information: - Age: 39 years - Weight: 250 lbs - Symptom Location: Sinuses - Duration of Symptoms: - Throat Clearing and Mucus Alterations: 2 years - Sinus Pain: 7 months Medical Background: - Existing Conditions: Hypothyroidism, recurrent bacterial sinus infections, obesity - Current Medications: Armour thyroid medication, Sprintec, omeprazole, multi-vitamin ____________________________________________________________________________ I have been persistently clearing my throat for the past two years; this was my sole symptom until January. I have tried various solutions for my sinus problems, GERD, and allergies, encompassing numerous antihistamines, home remedies including increased water intake, and several courses of antibiotics along with a steroid treatment of prednisone. Unfortunately, none of these approaches seemed to bring about any change. I consulted with an ENT specialist who concluded, merely by examining me rather than ordering tests or imaging, that my issues were not sinus-related but stemmed from silent reflux, prescribing me 80 mg of omeprazole along with advised lifestyle modifications. However, two weeks into this treatment, I've yet to notice any improvement, even though I understand it may take some time to see results if the medication is effective. With the onset of throat clearing, I also observed alterations in my nasal mucus. The quantity reduced significantly, transitioning from shades of green and yellow to a white color. Furthermore, my nasal passages occasionally feel dry, and the use of nasal sprays hasn't enhanced the moisture levels. Unfortunately, using a humidifier leads to rapid onset of sinus infections for me. In January, alongside the throat clearing, I began to experience persistent pain and pressure throughout my sinuses. Since then, I have had two episodes of bacterial infections (which falls within my usual frequency of infections). The ENT attributed these issues to allergies and recommended Allegra; however, about two weeks into this medication, my discomfort intensified. The pain is relentless, fluctuating from mild to severe, often interrupting my sleep, though it hasn’t reached emergency levels. I am currently seeking a CT scan as an alternative to continuously receiving random medications without a clear understanding of my symptoms. I am uncertain whether all these symptoms are interconnected, but I wonder if there is a singular underlying cause that wouldn’t respond to over-the-counter treatments. Notably, the onset of these symptoms was sudden, devoid of any triggering events such as a cold, flu, or COVID-19.

LupusThyroid DisordersEndocrinology
Male25-34
19 minutes ago

Can I Use Compression Garments After My Surgery?

I'm a 35-year-old woman, weighing 60 kg and standing at 170 cm, who has just been discharged from surgery. Due to concerns regarding Factor V Leiden, I have been prescribed blood thinners and must wear compression socks for a duration of four days. My question is whether I can wear Spanx or similar abdominal compression garments tomorrow for additional support. In addition, I have an allergy to lidocaine, so I wasn't able to receive a local anesthetic for my incisions. I've also been sent home with a prescription for 30 mg of codeine for pain management. I would appreciate any soothing recommendations or tips anyone might have to help during my recovery.

FibromyalgiaCOPDInternal Medicine
Male25-34
29 minutes ago

Unusual Rash on My Inner Thigh

I am a 32-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 7 inches and weighing 135 pounds, currently in my 14th week of pregnancy. This rash has appeared for the second time in the same location, specifically on the upper left side of my inner thigh. The first occurrence happened just after I recovered from the flu, while this latest event followed a bout with strep throat. The itching is quite intense, and it can become painful if I scratch it excessively. Does anyone have any insights into what this could be?

LupusFibromyalgiaInternal Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago

My Experience with Epiglottitis

At the age of 34, I had a life-threatening encounter with epiglottitis that occurred nearly seven months ago. On the morning of January 17th, I awoke around 5 a.m., unable to breathe properly. My husband acted quickly, transporting me to the closest emergency room where I was immediately brought in due to my pronounced stridor. Medical staff used a camera inserted through my nose to accurately diagnose my condition. Once the diagnosis was established, the situation turned chaotic. Medical professionals informed me that intubation was necessary given the extreme seriousness of my condition and the rapid speed at which it could escalate into a life-threatening scenario. During this time, I was in and out of consciousness. I remained intubated for four days before successfully passing the leak test, followed by a five-day stay in the intensive care unit. I learned later on that the severity of my epiglottitis almost required an emergency tracheotomy, and the process of intubation was particularly challenging because of the intense swelling in my throat. What I experienced is quite uncommon, and astonishingly, the medical team was unable to determine what had triggered my epiglottitis. Now, I find myself grappling with health-related anxiety (PTSD) whenever I experience a sore throat or feel like something is lodged in my throat. I felt compelled to share my journey with you. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Do you come across cases of epiglottitis often?

COPDInternal MedicineRheumatology
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Experiencing Persistent Throat Discomfort? Seeking Insights

Hello everyone, I’m a 27-year-old male reaching out for some advice before scheduling a doctor's appointment. I have a history of chronic bronchitis and asthma that has been stable for many years. I haven't experienced any adverse effects and have avoided medication for the last two decades as I approach my thirties. I mention these conditions since I understand they are chronic and will be part of my life moving forward. Now, regarding my current throat issue, I find myself uncertain about what it entails. Originally, I am from a Middle Eastern country where I experienced no such problems. However, since moving to Jakarta a year ago, I felt fine initially. It was only after the first month that I started to notice something lodged in my throat upon waking one day. Despite my efforts to clear it with coughing, nothing changed; it’s not like the typical phlegm that can be expelled. This sensation can be quite bothersome, requiring me to swallow deeply at times, yet it never seems to go away. It’s particularly noticeable after I wake up, and I also feel it emerge during the day, especially when I haven’t eaten or drunk anything for a while. I can only speculate that constant air conditioning use or the pollution in Jakarta might be contributing factors. I had hoped that returning to my usual lifestyle would alleviate the issue, but even after several months back, it has persisted. Does anyone have any insights into what this could be? I’ve never encountered anything like this before. As a side note, I don’t smoke or drink and maintain a fairly healthy lifestyle, so I don’t suspect it’s related to smoke or similar irritants. Thank you in advance for your help, and I apologize if I’ve misused any terms as English is not my first language. ✨💖

AsthmaCOPDInternal Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago