Experiencing Chest Discomfort at 15 Years Old: What To Consider
At 15, standing 5'10" and identifying as white, my lifestyle choices are somewhat unorthodox. I steer clear of alcohol and drugs, but I take 20mg of citalopram to manage my depression. Despite regular workouts that include bench pressing and core exercises, my diet primarily consists of junk food. Last night, I took some melatonin gummies that had expired three months prior. I ended up waking up around 3 A.M. with chest discomfort. I experienced pain when inhaling, lying down, swallowing, and most notably while drinking liquids. In addition, there was a persistent heaviness in my chest. After I managed to get some sleep, I woke up a few hours later and noticed the pain had lessened. I spent some time watching TV and tried to hydrate by drinking water, though it was still quite painful. When I finally got up around noon, the chest pain had subsided, but I still felt difficulties in my breathing. I often find myself needing to yawn but unable to do so. Could these symptoms indicate a heart attack, angina, or something else entirely?
Answers (1)
8/2/2025, 11:20:48 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about chest discomfort, especially at your age. Given your symptoms and context, there are several possible explanations, but it's important to address your concerns clearly.
Key Points:
- Chest discomfort can have various causes, not all of which are related to serious heart issues.
- Your symptoms could be related to muscle strain, anxiety, gastrointestinal issues, or other benign causes.
- It's crucial to monitor your symptoms closely and take specific steps to manage your health.
Understanding Your Symptoms:
- Possible Causes: Given your age and relatively healthy lifestyle (no substance use and regular workouts), conditions like anxiety, gastrointestinal reflux (often related to diet), or even a muscle strain from your workouts could explain your chest pain. Expired melatonin gummies are unlikely to cause such symptoms but ensure that you check other medications for expiration.
- Breathing Difficulties: The sensation of needing to yawn but being unable to do so could be linked to anxiety or tension. Stress can manifest physically, especially after a night of discomfort.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting when you experience discomfort and any activities or meals that precede it. This can help identify triggers.
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Hydration and Diet: Focus on hydration—water is best. Additionally, aim to improve your diet gradually by incorporating more nutritious foods; this can enhance your overall well-being.
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Rest and Relaxation: Engage in calming activities to help with any anxiety or stress. Gentle stretching or breathing exercises can also help relieve chest tightness.
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Listen to Your Body: If the chest discomfort returns or worsens, especially if accompanied by severe breathing issues, lightheadedness, or persistent pain, it would be wise to seek medical advice promptly.
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Follow Up on Mental Health: Continue taking your citalopram as prescribed, and if your distress persists, consider discussing it with a healthcare provider who can support your mental health needs.
Stay observant of your symptoms and prioritize self-care strategies. Let me know if you have more questions or need specific information!
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