Experiencing Unexplained Chest Pain: A Plea for Guidance
Greetings, I'm a 30-year-old female and I don’t smoke. For the past month, I've been grappling with discomfort situated behind my sternum. The sensation intensifies when I take deep breaths, and at times, it lingers without any relation to my breath at all. I attempted to alleviate the symptoms with a humidifier in my room, but unfortunately, it did not bring any relief. This discomfort often disturbs my sleep and gives me the eerie feeling of being choked, particularly when the air is dry. About a week after the initial onset of symptoms, I experienced a very mild case of bacterial pneumonia. I held hope that the treatment would alleviate the pain, but instead, I found that it intensified. Thankfully, my recent chest x-ray revealed no abnormalities. For a while, I've been led to believe that I might be suffering from silent reflux. As a precaution, I’ve been taking Gaviscon tablets before bedtime and following an acid reflux diet. However, my gastroenterologist has advised that I can return to my normal eating habits since my endoscopy back in late October yielded normal results and a six-week course of PPIs didn’t provide any relief. - Two months prior to these issues, an ENT specialist conducted an MRI, which returned normal results. - A speech-language pathologist performed a modified barium swallow test around the same time, indicating only early spillage; the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) was not functioning improperly. - A month before the onset of my symptoms, a gastroenterologist carried out an endoscopy, finding everything to be normal, with no trace of Helicobacter pylori or eosinophilic esophagitis. - Following the pneumonia, a pulmonologist reviewed my chest x-ray again, which has also returned to a normal state, and my D-dimer test was negative. This persistent pain is incredibly distressing, and it truly feels like I’m being constricted. Currently, I am on the 11th day of Lexapro prescribed by my gastroenterologist for heightened sensitivity. Additionally, I have been taking Lyrica at a dosage of 300 mg per day for four years to manage pudendal neuralgia, with no previous issues. My weight is within a healthy range, and I do have a family history of non-small cell lung cancer. Any insights or assistance would truly be valued. Thank you for your time!
Answers (1)
12/14/2025, 5:40:47 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm glad you reached out for guidance regarding your chest pain. It sounds like you've been through quite a lot, and it's understandable to feel distressed by these persistent symptoms. Given your detailed history, it appears the discomfort you're experiencing may be multifactorial and could involve muscle tension, anxiety, or even a post-viral reaction, especially considering your recent illness.
Key Points:
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Possible Causes of Your Chest Discomfort: Persistent chest pain can stem from various sources, including muscular issues, anxiety, or gastrointestinal problems. Your normal tests rule out serious issues like major pulmonary or gastrointestinal diseases, so it’s crucial to approach this from a holistic perspective.
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The Role of Stress and Anxiety: Since you are on Lexapro for heightened sensitivity, it's worth exploring whether anxiety could be contributing to the sensation of choking and constriction you feel. Stress can significantly magnify physical symptoms, making discomfort more apparent.
Next Steps (Prioritized Actions):
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Breathing Exercises and Relaxation Techniques: Incorporate deep breathing exercises or guided relaxation techniques into your daily routine. This can help alleviate the tightness you feel. Consider trying yoga or meditation specifically designed to relieve anxiety and chest tension.
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Monitor Triggers: Keep a symptom diary to identify any patterns or triggers associated with your discomfort, such as specific activities, stress levels, or dietary choices. This could provide valuable insights into managing or avoiding triggers moving forward.
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Evaluate Physical Activity Level: Engage in moderate physical activities that you enjoy, as exercise can reduce anxiety and muscular tension, which may help improve your overall well-being.
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Review Your Medications: Since you're already on Lexapro and Lyrica, consider discussing with your healthcare provider any concerns about how these medications might interact or impact your symptoms, especially as you've recently started Lexapro.
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Consider Other Therapies: Explore options such as physical therapy or counseling for additional support. Techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be particularly effective for anxiety-related symptoms.
Reassurance:
It's truly understandable to feel worried, especially when experiencing ongoing symptoms like chest pain. Given your extensive evaluations and normal results, it's reassuring that serious conditions have been ruled out. By focusing on manageable lifestyle changes and potentially addressing stress, you may find some relief from the discomfort you're experiencing. Always feel empowered to reach out for support if you need further clarification or help; you're not alone in this.
Let me know if you'd like more information on specific techniques or any other concerns!
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