Sharp pains in my chest?

**collegegirl2010** · 02-15-2011 05:56 PM

Every time I get really hungry, I get really bad sharp pains in my chest( right above and between my breast). And I have a sharp pain in my chest right now, and its been hurting since yesterday morning, around 10 o'clock. What could it be?
And I very often get dizzy and lightheaded when I stand up or sit up. Why does this happen?
I belch a lot. I burp almost all the time...Do you think its acid reflux?

**auntie_awesome** · 02-15-2011 06:38 PM

This might need to be moved to another topic area eventually. If your stomach is empty, hungry, that can cause you to have heartburn/acid reflux. As you state you are belching a lot, then yes, the problem is likely related to acid reflux. Normally this kind of chest pain can be caused directly by the acid reflux, or from a hiatal hernia if you have developed one. You will need an Endoscopy to determine this.

How long as it been going on? Does the pain ever extend to your jaw, left arm, or shoulder? It it kind of situated in the breast bone area? All chest pain should be considered an emergency until you know *for sure* what is happening. If you are experiencing pain now, you should go to the doctor, urgent care, or emergency room. All doctors will tell you this. My doctor was FURIOUS when she found out I had been experiencing chest pain and did not go to the ER right away.

Basically, look up GERD and you'll find lists on foods to avoid. Try Zantac or Prilosec and see if that helps. If you are experiencing severe chest pain, please go to the doctor right away just in case! If it has stopped, then call your family doctor tomorrow and try to get a referral to a Gastroenterologist who can help you with any digestive issues and make sure you get on a medicine that works for you.

As for the dizzy and lightheadedness, I can't answer that. You might just be standing too quickly....I can't really help with that one. On the other stuff...I'm pretty much an expert now after this last year, lol

**collegegirl2010** · 02-16-2011 04:31 PM

Originally Posted by auntie_awesome

This might need to be moved to another topic area eventually. If your stomach is empty, hungry, that can cause you to have heartburn/acid reflux. As you state you are belching a lot, then yes, the problem is likely related to acid reflux. Normally this kind of chest pain can be caused directly by the acid reflux, or from a hiatal hernia if you have developed one. You will need an Endoscopy to determine this.

How long as it been going on? Does the pain ever extend to your jaw, left arm, or shoulder? It it kind of situated in the breast bone area? All chest pain should be considered an emergency until you know *for sure* what is happening. If you are experiencing pain now, you should go to the doctor, urgent care, or emergency room. All doctors will tell you this. My doctor was FURIOUS when she found out I had been experiencing chest pain and did not go to the ER right away.

Basically, look up GERD and you'll find lists on foods to avoid. Try Zantac or Prilosec and see if that helps. If you are experiencing severe chest pain, please go to the doctor right away just in case! If it has stopped, then call your family doctor tomorrow and try to get a referral to a Gastroenterologist who can help you with any digestive issues and make sure you get on a medicine that works for you.

As for the dizzy and lightheadedness, I can't answer that. You might just be standing too quickly....I can't really help with that one. On the other stuff...I'm pretty much an expert now after this last year, lol

Thanks...and I'm 4'8" and I only weigh 98 pounds,I don't eat heavy meals(I hardly eat much), and I don't smoke... it can't be hiatal hernia, could it? I'm guessing its just acid reflux.

**auntie_awesome** · 02-16-2011 10:21 PM

I didn't smoke, I wasn't overweight and I ate healthy when mine was first diagnosed. I was about 117 and am 5'6. I was 22 at the time.

Trust me, anyone can get a hiatal hernia!

**alisa123** · 02-17-2011 12:29 AM

Are you a chain smoker? Are you obese? This can be also due to acidity. So please consult your nearest doctor or else drink some soda which will release your acidity.

**auntie_awesome** · 02-17-2011 05:41 AM

Soda is a bad idea for someone with acid reflux. The sugar, caffeine and other ingredients can cause it to be worse. The only "soda" that should be used is baking soda. On the back of the box are the instructions for how much to drink. It's gross, but if you drink it fast you won't notice too much. It takes about 30 min, but it does help.

**collegegirl2010** · 02-17-2011 01:21 PM

Originally Posted by auntie_awesome

Soda is a bad idea for someone with acid reflux. The sugar, caffeine and other ingredients can cause it to be worse. The only "soda" that should be used is baking soda. On the back of the box are the instructions for how much to drink. It's gross, but if you drink it fast you won't notice too much. It takes about 30 min, but it does help.

Thanks and ok, I check with my doctor.

**Blesswith4** · 10-04-2011 07:48 PM

I am having a lot of these same symptoms since my last pregnancy. Can a hiatal hernia be caused from pregnancy? I suppose it could be GERD or reflux but I have been using OTC meds and they just aren't cutting it. I need to see a doctor. Can anyone recommend a boston gastroenterologist?