Seeking Insight on Persistent Chest Pain: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Greetings, everyone. I recognize that while no one here can provide a formal diagnosis, I feel compelled to share my experience, as I’ve reached a point of frustration with my ongoing chest discomfort. For the past three years, I have been suffering from chest pains that are persistent and mainly located on my left side, affecting areas above and below my left pectoral region and even radiating towards my left armpit. Approximately two years ago, I underwent a thorough evaluation by a cardiologist, which included a CT scan, X-rays, blood tests, and an ECG. Thankfully, all results were normal, and the conclusion drawn was that my symptoms might stem from anxiety. However, the pain has continued unabated. I have visited the emergency room several times since then, where the consensus seemed to lean towards muscular issues. My most recent ECG, performed just two weeks ago, also yielded normal results. Interestingly, the pain typically subsides overnight but reemerges within an hour of waking. It can persist throughout the day for extended periods, presenting as a dull ache. While applying pressure to the tender area increases the discomfort, activities like walking or stretching do not seem to aggravate it. Recently, I was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia—could this be the root cause of my symptoms? Is it possible for a hiatal hernia to trigger ongoing chest pain that lasts for years? I seldom experience anxiety, which makes me skeptical of that being the issue, yet I find myself at a loss for solutions. Although I’ve been prescribed PPIs, they haven’t provided any relief. I have an upcoming appointment with my GP to discuss the hiatal hernia further. It’s worth mentioning that I did struggle with significant health anxiety in the past. Are my chest pains likely benign? Am I destined to endure these symptoms indefinitely? I’m a 29-year-old male grappling with these questions.
Answers (1)
2/11/2026, 2:41:02 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing a complex and frustrating situation with chronic chest pain, especially after having ruled out several serious conditions. There are a few aspects to consider regarding your recent diagnosis of a hiatal hernia and the nature of your pain.
Main Points:
- Potential Causes: Your chest pain may be related to the hiatal hernia, but it could also be tied to muscular issues or a lingering post-viral reaction. Anxiety often manifests physically, but given your history, it may not be the primary cause.
- Current Evaluation: Since your recent tests are normal and you’re following up with your GP, you’re on a good path.
Explanation:
A hiatal hernia occurs when a part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. This condition can lead to symptoms like chest pain, especially if it causes acid reflux or other gastrointestinal issues. While it’s possible for a hiatal hernia to cause ongoing discomfort, the specific nature of your pain, especially given its persistence and location, suggests it could also be influenced by muscle tension or anxiety, regardless of your current self-assessment of anxiety levels.
The fact that your pain worsens with pressure but not during physical activities points towards a possible muscular origin, as muscles can become tender and may refer pain in unexpected ways.
Next Steps:
-
Continue Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their intensity, what you were doing at the time, and any relief measures that help. This could provide useful insights for your next appointment.
-
Discuss Hiatal Hernia Management: In your upcoming consultation with your GP, explore potential treatments for the hiatal hernia, including dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, or medications. Since PPIs haven’t worked for you, ask about alternatives like H2 blockers or Prokinetics.
-
Consider Physical Therapy: Given the history of muscular issues, it might be beneficial to consult a physical therapist. They can help address any muscle strain or tension that could be contributing to your chest pain.
-
Stress Management: Even if you feel your anxiety levels are low now, incorporating stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or gentle exercise might help ease the overall tension in your body.
-
Follow-Up on Symptoms: If your symptoms change significantly (e.g., worsening pain, new symptoms, or concerns) before your next appointment, don't hesitate to seek further evaluation or advice.
You are not alone in navigating this discomfort, and various pathways can help manage and potentially alleviate your symptoms. Remember to communicate openly with your healthcare providers about your concerns and processes.
Related Questions
Experiencing a Chlorine Scent During Sneezes
Greetings everyone! I recently tuned into a podcast and came across a topic that resonated with my peculiar experience, prompting me to share my own story. Throughout my life, I've often wondered about this oddity, yet I've never received a satisfactory explanation from any medical professional. As the title implies, on occasion when I unleash a particularly vigorous sneeze—one of those full-body episodes—I can perceive a potent smell of chlorine. It’s reminiscent of that moment when you’re overwhelmed by the scent upon opening a fresh bucket before pouring it into a swimming pool. To provide some context, I was a competitive swimmer from the age of two until around twenty-two, which meant I spent a considerable amount of time exposed to chlorine. However, this strange nasal phenomenon didn’t manifest until I reached the ages of eighteen or nineteen. I also feel it's pertinent to mention a related incident from my middle school days when, due to typical childhood antics, I was accidentally punched in the face. This unfortunate event resulted in a broken nose, which, after evaluation, seemed fine. However, it significantly impaired my sense of smell, leaving me with a notably diminished ability to detect odors, and I often struggle to breathe normally through my nose. Returning to the topic of sneezing, during those forceful sneezes, it feels as though something shifts in my nasal passages, causing the overwhelming scent of chlorine to emerge, at times becoming quite intense. Is this a common occurrence for others? Could there be remnants of crystallized chlorine lurking in my nasal passages? Should I consider reaching out to a healthcare professional about this? The uncertainty is quite perplexing for me.
Is Surgical Intervention Necessary for a 3-Year-Old with Inguinal Hernia?
My three-year-old daughter has been diagnosed with bilateral inguinal hernia, with measurements of 8.0 mm on the left side and 4.0 mm on the right. Despite this diagnosis, she has not expressed any discomfort or pain. We sought an ultrasound, which was recommended by her pediatrician, after we noticed a minor bulge in her groin area. Is surgical intervention essential in this case? Has anyone experienced something similar and can share their thoughts or advice? We have been quite anxious ever since we received this diagnosis.
Seeking Guidance on Chronic Foot Pain Post Surgery
I am reaching out for expert advice regarding ongoing pain in my right foot that has persisted after two significant surgeries and a notable failure of surgical hardware. As an active-duty service member, I am particularly interested in options for diagnosis and treatment that would allow me to avoid joint fusion, as this would have severe implications for my military career. **Surgical History Overview:** 1. **Initial Procedure (Around 10 Years Ago):** A bunionectomy was performed, involving the placement of two screws in the first metatarsal head. 2. **Complications with Hardware:** Approximately four years following the first surgery, both screws fractured without my awareness while I was undergoing Officer Training School. I continued to engage in high-impact activities for about six to seven months, which resulted in persistent swelling and ultimately affected my ability to move normally. 3. **Secondary Surgery (Three Years Ago):** This operation was intended to implement a joint implant for my great toe. However, the surgeon discovered the broken screws during the procedure, necessitating extended time to clean the surgical site and remove the debris. **Current Symptoms:** - **Localized Discomfort:** I experience intense, sharp pain on the left (lateral) side of the ball of my right foot that is exacerbated with any form of pressure. - **Living with Pain:** My walking has become manageable only through the use of custom orthotics that feature a specialized cutout to relieve pressure in that area. - **Expert Opinions:** Podiatrists within the military have reviewed my X-rays and concluded they appear “normal” or “stable.” Their recommended options are limited to either enduring the pain or resorting to total fusion. **Seeking Advice:** Given the lack of clarity from the X-rays regarding the source of my pain, what alternatives exist for further imaging? I suspect there may be nerve entrapment or scar tissue resulting from the previous surgical intervention, or complications related to the positioning of my implant. 1. **Which imaging techniques should I pursue?** (Should I consider options like a Weight-bearing CT, MRI, or Ultrasound to investigate possibilities such as neuromas or bursitis?) 2. **Are there surgical options available that could alleviate pain without leading to fusion, particularly for the lateral aspect of the first metatarsal head?** 3. **Is there a chance of Sesmoiditis or another nerve-related issue stemming from the time I spent on the damaged screws?** I would greatly appreciate any recommendations on what to discuss during my forthcoming medical consultation.
Understanding UTI Symptoms Without a UTI: A Personal Experience
As a 27-year-old woman weighing 260 pounds, I currently do not take any medications. Around January 8th, I experienced classic signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI). I consulted with a telehealth provider, who prescribed antibiotics that I completed by January 15th. While I noticed some improvement, I still experienced ongoing burning sensations. Therefore, on January 20th, I visited my doctor and underwent a urine culture. This test indicated a high level of leukocytes, yet no significant bacterial growth was found. My doctor prescribed a different antibiotic. Although I finished this course and felt a bit better, the improvement was minimal. I opted to monitor my symptoms, wondering if the burning sensation was merely residual irritation. By Sunday, February 8, the burning persisted primarily after urination, though I was free of any additional symptoms. Consequently, I returned to the doctor on Monday, where they conducted a urine dipstick test and another culture. The dipstick revealed trace amounts of lysed blood in my urine, while the culture results again showed no significant bacterial growth. However, the doctor identified an unusual finding: my test indicated the presence of 60,000 to 100,000 Corynebacterium Coylea, which has been marked as an abnormal result in my medical records. Interestingly, even though the burning sensation has remained, I experienced substantial improvement in my condition yesterday, with symptoms nearly vanishing by today. I am seeking some clarity regarding these findings, particularly as it can take a few days for the medical team to respond. Thank you for your help!
Managing Eczema in Young Children
Hello everyone, I’m reaching out for advice on dealing with my daughter’s eczema. She’s now two years old and has experienced this condition since she was born. Despite our doctors assuring us that it would resolve by the time she turned one, then two, it seems to be worsening and the typical treatments are no longer effective. It would be helpful to receive suggestions that are relevant in the UK, if possible. We’ve experimented with various moisturizers, applied Sudocrem, and consistently used Childs Farm soaps for her baths. Additionally, we’ve attempted to keep her bundled up to prevent scratching, but at this age, she’s adept at removing her clothes whenever she feels the urge to scratch. I feel quite overwhelmed as we’ve put in a lot of effort to address this, and I truly welcome any advice you can share. Unfortunately, her scratching has even caused some bleeding, which is quite distressing for both her and us.