Is Long-Lasting Left Side Chest Pain Linked to Acid Reflux?
I experience a constant ache on the left side of my chest, particularly concentrated beneath my left armpit. While this discomfort is absent in the mornings, it tends to manifest within an hour after waking, escalating into significant pain that persists throughout the day. Despite undergoing numerous heart evaluations that yielded normal results, healthcare providers often attribute my symptoms to anxiety, even though I typically don’t feel particularly anxious. I also struggle with severe acid reflux, although medications seem ineffective. An endoscopy has been scheduled for next week, but I'm curious if my prolonged chest pains could be a result of acid reflux. Is it possible for this pain to persist for years on the left side, or is that unusual? I’ve noticed that consuming energy drinks or alcohol seems to exacerbate the discomfort significantly, especially the following day. I'm a 28-year-old male.
Answers (1)
2/8/2026, 6:20:32 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about persistent chest pain, particularly when it occurs alongside issues like severe acid reflux. Based on your description, it’s possible that your long-lasting left-sided chest pain could be related to acid reflux, especially since you've noticed exacerbation after consuming certain foods and beverages.
Explanation: Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can cause symptoms such as chest pain due to the irritation of the esophagus, which is located near the heart. This pain can sometimes mimic heart-related issues, leading to confusion. While chest pain linked to anxiety is possible, the correlation with your reflux symptoms highlights the need to carefully explore this aspect.
It's also important to recognize that while it’s less common for chest pain to persist for years due to reflux alone, it is not impossible, especially if there are lifestyle factors and dietary triggers involved.
Next Steps:
-
Diet Review: Pay attention to your diet and try to avoid foods and drinks that worsen your reflux and chest pain, such as energy drinks, alcohol, spicy foods, and caffeine. Aim for smaller, more frequent meals and avoid eating close to bedtime.
-
Track Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting when the pain occurs, its intensity, any triggering foods, and any lifestyle factors (like stress levels, sleep patterns, etc.). This information can be very helpful during your upcoming endoscopy appointment.
-
Posture and Lifestyle: Consider your posture throughout the day—especially if you sit for long periods. Good posture helps with digestion and can alleviate some discomfort. Also, elevating your head while sleeping may reduce nighttime reflux.
-
Managing Reflux: Continue working with your healthcare provider to improve your acid reflux management plan. If current medications aren't effective, discussing alternative treatments, dosage adjustments, or additional lifestyle interventions with your provider may lead to better results.
-
Follow-Up and Learn: After your endoscopy next week, discuss the findings with your provider comprehensively. They can help clarify if any physical issues related to reflux or other conditions might be contributing to your chest pain.
Please remember that your symptoms deserve thorough investigation, and it’s good that you are taking the next steps with your endoscopy. You’re not alone in this, and many people find relief by adjusting their diet and lifestyle.
Related Questions
Experiencing Intense Heart Sensations?
Age 29, female. Last night around 10 PM, an unusual feeling overtook me. Despite having an uneventful day prior, I suddenly experienced chest discomfort followed by soreness radiating to both my upper and lower back, akin to after an intense workout. The onset was abrupt and unexpected. As someone managing anxiety, I began to feel increasingly apprehensive about my symptoms. Soon after the discomfort started, I noticed my heart rate accelerating. To alleviate the situation, I began hydrating excessively, consumed a body armor drink, and applied a heating pad to both my chest and back. I attempted to rest, but noted my heart rate spike to 115 when I stood to move around. The only way to bring it back down to the lower 80s was by sitting still—an occurrence that felt out of the ordinary. After taking my dogs out, I decided to take melatonin in hopes of sleeping better. Fortunately, I woke up this morning feeling a bit improved, yet I still experienced similar issues. My heart rate hovered in the high 90s, which I recognize as typical, but it’s unusual for me as I’m accustomed to my heart rate consistently being in the 80s. Being overweight and working from home has dwindled my activity levels. Additionally, I face health challenges that include fatty liver disease, a suspected kidney stone, varicose veins, and diverticulitis. I’m uncertain whether these conditions could be the catalyst for these unexpected symptoms. Today, I managed a trip to the store with my mother without much trouble. Nevertheless, I still feel the intensity of my heartbeat, and it’s particularly striking; I can sense it pulsing in various parts of my body, including my neck, fingertips, and even in the back of my head. It seems to escalate when I lie down, making it uncomfortable, even while sitting. Short walks within my apartment pushed my heart rate to 99, but when I paused, it dropped to 88. It’s as if my heart rate rises with movement, yet resting lowers it, although lying down is still uncomfortable due to the forceful beats I’m experiencing. My anxiety intensifies my fears, especially considering my mother’s health history—she underwent open heart surgery at age four and was diagnosed with SVT and AFib last year. I struggle with severe health anxieties and dread hospital visits, yet I realize that seeking medical attention may be prudent. My past experiences include several episodes of chest pain and rapid heart rates; I’ve had multiple EKGS, been monitored with a Holter device twice, and although some EKGS returned borderline results, doctors often dismiss my concerns, asserting that everything is fine. Has anyone else encountered symptoms similar to mine? Additionally, my blood pressure fluctuates—just five minutes ago, it registered at 136/88 with a heart rate of 76.
Should I Be Concerned About a Dark Stripe on My Nail?
Greetings, everyone! I’m a 21-year-old male and today, while browsing Reddit, I came across a post discussing a person who had a pronounced black stripe on their nail, which turned out to be skin cancer. This got me thinking, as I have a similar stripe on one of my toenails. I’m curious if this is something I should have examined by a medical professional. Thank you for your input!
Potential Risks of Doxycycline and Hydroxyzine Combination
There is considerable discussion circulating about the possible harmful interactions that may occur when doxycycline is taken alongside hydroxyzine. Concerns have been raised regarding risks such as prolonged QT interval, torsades de pointes, and even sudden cardiac arrest. For someone like myself, who has been continually using hydroxyzine for an extended period and needs to start doxycycline after a surgical procedure, what is the likelihood that these severe side effects could manifest? I am a 32-year-old male, standing 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 225 pounds.
Addressing Concerns Over Medication Misuse with a GP
I am worried about a family member, a 30-year-old male who is slightly overweight, as I suspect he is misusing his prescription for zopiclone. He exhibits several signs of sleep apnea, such as significant snoring and periodic cessation of breathing during sleep. An appointment concerning these symptoms has been arranged for several weeks from now. My concern lies in the fact that, in the meantime, he has been exceeding the prescribed dosage, and I believe considering the risks associated with sedatives in conjunction with his sleep apnea, he should refrain from taking this medication altogether. This individual has an addictive personality and has recently become defensive and secretive about his usage of the drug. I wish to communicate my worries to his GP regarding the possible harmful misuse of the medication. However, since I am not listed as next of kin, I worry that they may hesitate to engage with me. My apprehension about the potential consequences of this situation is quite intense. Additionally, I find it puzzling that the GP continued to prescribe zopiclone despite the upcoming appointment to address his sleep apnea, where it was clearly mentioned in the initial request that he experiences prolonged breathing interruptions. Feeling utterly helpless in this situation is distressing, and I am anxious about the possible negative outcomes, yet I am uncertain of the steps I can take to address these concerns.
Unnoticed Firmness in Thigh Above the Knee
At 32 years old, I am a woman residing in Europe, with a height of approximately 165 cm and a body type that's considered average (I unfortunately don’t have access to a scale). I am diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and currently receive treatment with tocilizumab. Recently, I’ve been experiencing a persistent dull discomfort in my leg that has lasted for six weeks. Initially, I attributed this ache to reduced physical activity over the festive period, particularly since the weather has been quite rainy, limiting my opportunities for outdoor walking. Upon further examination, I discovered a hard, immovable lump beneath the skin in my thigh when I press down on the area. This lump is not visible externally; it can only be detected through touch. Notably, it isn't causing me any pain. Given this situation, I find myself pondering whether it would be wise to consult a general practitioner or if this concern is minor enough to dismiss. I haven’t included any images, as there is nothing to illustrate. I appreciate any guidance you might offer!