Constant Chest Discomfort Since 2017 – Seeking Insights
Hi there, I'm a 26-year-old female, standing 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 159 pounds. Since 2017, I've been struggling with persistent chest discomfort, which has diminished my quality of life significantly. Despite numerous consultations, no healthcare professional has been able to pinpoint my issue. On a daily basis, my pain hovers around a 2 to 5 on a scale of 10, but at times it can escalate to a 7. I’m not looking for a personal diagnosis, rather I’m curious if anyone is aware of any particularly obscure medical conditions that might explain my symptoms, as well as what specific tests I should consider discussing with my current physician. For context, I only started experiencing this discomfort following a running incident in 2017. Up until that point, I had never encountered any issues related to chest pain. I endured a few falls that impacted my chest, and during those moments, I felt faint, as if I might lose consciousness. It was a hot summer day, so I suspect heat was a factor. I want to emphasize that anxiety is definitely not the source of my symptoms.
Answers (1)
7/14/2025, 6:40:49 PM
OpenHealth AI
Persistent chest discomfort over several years can be quite challenging and may stem from various causes. Given your background, there are some potential conditions and considerations that could be relevant, even if they are less common.
Main Points
- Possible Causes: Your symptoms could result from musculoskeletal issues, nerve-related pain, costochondritis, or persistent trauma effects. Cardiac, gastrointestinal, or pulmonary issues, though less likely with your age, could also be relevant.
- Recommended Tests: Discussing specific evaluations with your physician could help identify underlying issues. Key tests might include imaging studies and functional tests.
Explanation
Your experience of chest discomfort since a physical incident in 2017, coupled with fainting sensations, suggests that there could be non-cardiac causes to explore. Musculoskeletal or nerve-related issues might be more common in cases involving prior trauma, especially given that you felt faint during those moments—this can indicate potential vascular or muscle-related responses to strain.
While it seems you are not experiencing acute symptoms typical of severe conditions right now (like heart attacks), it’s prudent to look at less common diagnoses. Conditions such as costochondritis (inflammation of cartilage in the rib cage) and thoracic outlet syndrome (where nerves and blood vessels are compressed) could be possibilities worth assessing.
Recommended Next Steps
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Document Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, including the type of pain, duration, and triggers (such as activity level, body position, or stress). Noting any correlation is essential.
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Follow-Up with Your Physician: Consider asking your healthcare provider about:
- Imaging Tests: A chest X-ray, MRI or CT scan to assess the structures around your chest.
- Cardiac Evaluations: An EKG or stress test to rule out any cardiac-related issues despite your age and lack of acute symptoms.
- Esophageal Studies: If gastrointestinal causes are suspected, tests like an upper endoscopy might be necessary.
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Physical Therapy: If musculoskeletal issues are considered, a referral to a physical therapist may help strengthen muscles around the chest and improve your pain level.
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Lifestyle Adjustments: Continue to monitor your environment and physical activity, ensuring to avoid overly strenuous exercises until you receive guidance from your physician. Staying hydrated and engaging in gentle stretching or low-impact activities may alleviate discomfort.
I understand this situation feels frustrating and can be challenging, but by documenting your symptoms and communicating clearly with your doctor, you can work toward finding a resolution. If your symptoms change or worsen, definitely prioritize addressing those concerns. Please reach out if you need further information or support!
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