Unexplained Chest Pain: Seeking Answers and Relief

Q: Unexplained Chest Pain: Seeking Answers and Relief

Hello： If you are experiencing chest tightness and pain, hospitals typically arrange for X-rays and electrocardiograms (ECGs). <br>If both tests are close to normal, it is unlikely that you have significant heart or lung diseases, especially since you are young and not in the age

Chest pain, and no one knows the situation?

I have a question.
I feel like there is a heavy weight pressing on my chest, and it hurts a lot.
It feels like I'm suffocating, and every day the pain makes my heart race.
Sometimes the pain is so intense that I struggle to breathe, and my hands go numb, eventually spreading to my whole body.
Recently, I've developed another symptom: it feels like there is air trapped in my chest that I can't release, which is extremely uncomfortable.
This chest pain has been persistent for a long time, and it's affecting my ability to work, leading to a loss of income.
I've had several episodes where the pain was so severe that I couldn't breathe and had to be taken to the emergency room by ambulance.
The nurses said my EKG was normal, but I feel like my heart is about to stop.
I also had X-rays done, and they showed no fractures or breaks, so they said there was nothing wrong.
When I explained my situation to the nurses, they all looked at me as if I were crazy, and after receiving IV fluids, I was discharged.
There was another incident where the nurses treated me like I was delusional, but they made a medication error that almost caused me to collapse.
I was in so much pain that I couldn't breathe, and the doctor had to administer a cardiac stimulant.
Just a couple of days ago, I was in excruciating pain, and the hospital in San Chong said it was just a matter of high blood pressure.
They claimed everything else was fine, but I experience this daily pain that makes it hard to breathe, which prevents me from sleeping well or eating.
Even if I manage to eat a bite, I end up vomiting it back up.
I really don't want to continue living with this pain, but the hospitals don't seem to know what's wrong with me.
Because of this, I hesitate to seek help again, fearing I will be treated like I'm crazy.
Can you please tell me what might be going on with me? I don't want to live in this constant pain anymore.

Xiao Yu, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/09/29

Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology

Hello: If you are experiencing chest tightness and pain, hospitals typically arrange for X-rays and electrocardiograms (ECGs).
If both tests are close to normal, it is unlikely that you have significant heart or lung diseases, especially since you are young and not in the age group commonly affected by heart disease.
It is more likely that you are experiencing neuralgia, which can be exacerbated by high stress (from life, relationships, family, etc.), insufficient rest (poor sleep quality or quantity), excessive consumption of cold foods, or overly strenuous exercise.

If you find yourself breathing rapidly during episodes of chest tightness or pain, this can lead to excessive carbon dioxide expulsion, resulting in a more alkaline blood pH, which may cause symptoms such as numbness in the hands, generalized tingling, and involuntary clenching of the fingers.
In such cases, it is important to remind yourself to slow down your breathing.
Engaging with good friends, chatting, watching a movie, and taking a slower pace in life can help improve your situation.
Ultimately, it depends on your own efforts!
Best wishes!

Reply Date: 2015/09/29

More Info

I'm sorry to hear about the distressing symptoms you're experiencing. Chest pain, especially when accompanied by sensations of pressure, difficulty breathing, and numbness, can be very alarming and should be taken seriously. It's understandable that you feel frustrated, especially after multiple visits to the hospital where your concerns were not fully addressed.

From what you've described, it sounds like you are experiencing a combination of physical and possibly psychological symptoms. The sensation of having a heavy weight on your chest, along with increased heart rate and difficulty breathing, can be indicative of several conditions. While your heart tests (like the ECG) and X-rays have come back normal, it’s essential to consider other potential causes.

1. Anxiety and Panic Attacks: One possibility is that your symptoms could be related to anxiety or panic attacks. These can manifest physically, causing chest tightness, rapid heartbeat, and even feelings of numbness in the extremities. The sensation of wanting to "release gas" but being unable to could also be linked to anxiety, as stress can affect digestion and lead to feelings of bloating or discomfort.

2. Musculoskeletal Issues: Sometimes, chest pain can arise from musculoskeletal problems, such as costochondritis (inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the sternum) or muscle strain. These conditions can cause significant discomfort and may mimic heart-related pain.

3. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Another common cause of chest pain is GERD, where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation and pressure in the chest. This can also lead to difficulty swallowing and a feeling of fullness.

4. Cardiac Issues: While your tests have shown no immediate cardiac problems, it’s crucial to continue monitoring your symptoms. Conditions like angina can sometimes present with atypical symptoms, especially in women. If you experience any new symptoms, such as radiating pain to the arm, jaw, or back, or if the pain worsens, seek immediate medical attention.

5. Neurological Factors: Given your experience of numbness and tingling, it may be worthwhile to consult a neurologist. Conditions affecting the nervous system can sometimes lead to unusual sensations and pain.

Recommendations:
- Follow-Up with a Specialist: Since your symptoms are persistent and have not been adequately explained, I recommend seeking a second opinion from a cardiologist or a neurologist. They may suggest further testing, such as an echocardiogram or a stress test, to evaluate your heart function more thoroughly.

- Mental Health Support: If anxiety is a contributing factor, consider speaking with a mental health professional. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be particularly effective in managing anxiety and panic symptoms.

- Lifestyle Modifications: Pay attention to your diet, sleep patterns, and stress levels. Regular exercise, even light walking, can help alleviate anxiety and improve overall health. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or yoga, may also be beneficial.

- Keep a Symptom Diary: Documenting your symptoms, including when they occur and any potential triggers, can provide valuable information for your healthcare provider.

- Avoid Self-Diagnosis: While it’s easy to turn to the internet for answers, self-diagnosing can lead to unnecessary anxiety. Trust your healthcare providers to guide you through this process.

Remember, you are not alone in this, and your symptoms are valid. Seeking help is a crucial step towards finding relief and understanding your condition better. Don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself and insist on further evaluation until you feel satisfied with the answers you receive.

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