Daily, sharp pain in chest Posted: 03-14-07 18:31pm
Starting several years ago, I would get
very sharp and searing pains and spasms in
my chest every 3 or so months. The pain
was so much that I am left energyless and
fatigued for several minutes after the
pains. They are located where my right
breast is, but underneath, where the ribs
seem to be. However, I was very stressed
this February and I started getting over
30-40 of those pains DAILY. The frequency
and intensity increased when my stress
levels increased, and decreased likewise.
Other symptoms also accompany these pains.
I find it hard to breathe, and no matter
how deep I breathe, it doesn't seem to be
enough, and my ribs start to hurt but my
body feels like I don't have enough air.
My entire chest feels like someone is
sitting on it, and I start to get dizzy,
and my eyes start to lose focus when this
happens. Sometimes I will begin to shake
uncontrollably and become very cold to the
touch. Can anyone help me diagnose these
symptoms? I'm kind of worried. Thank
you!
According to your age (16) and the
symptoms you report (chest pain and
breathing difficulties that become worse
when under stress), it seems that you are
experiencing some kind of somatoform
disorder. Somatoform disorder is typical
for people your age and is due to
psycho-emotional stress. During this
mental disorder, psycho-emotional problems
transform into physical symptoms very
similar to those found in real, organic
diseases. Nonetheless, you can go to your
primary health provider to exclude heart
or chest disorders. A physical examination
and an ECG would probably be enough. An
X-ray image of the chest can be done, if
necessary.
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