What causes sharp, stabbing left chest pain?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 20 years old, and my height is 1.7 m. I am having sharp stabbing pain in my left chest, which has been there for about three years. The pain comes and goes. Currently, I take NSAIDs to relieve pain. Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Such stabbing pain is rarely cardiac, especially in youngsters. Most probably, this pain is psychogenic. Another common cause is precordial catch, in which sudden sharp localized chest pain occurs while breathing in and lasts for a few minutes at most. Costochondritis is another cause of inflammation in the rib joints, which causes pain and tenderness is usually present. I would suggest muscle relaxants and painkillers for treatment. Further workup will be needed if associated with fever, cough, or real shortness of breath.

I hope this helps.

Please revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.