Hello,
Causes of left sided lower
chest pain are many and could be due to GIT problems, respiratory problems, and muscle spasm.
Pleuretic
pain is likely and is mainly due to viral infection, it is also common in smokers. It usually increases with
cough or inspiration. Auscultation of the chest can show characteristic sound of
pleurisy.
A muscle spasm and strain of the ligaments following a sudden improper movement or wrong posture or viral infection is also possible. Muscle spasm is a body reaction to injury in muscle tissues.
In these cases, self care and avoiding the precipitating cause will lead to a gradual but clear improvement in the
pain. Home treatment includes the use of
analgesics, cold or hot therapy. Rest for maximum two days is also beneficial. These measures are useful for both muscle spasm and
pleurisy.
Exclusion of cardiac causes is essential in all individuals presenting with left sided
chest pain especially in those with risk factors like chronic heavy smokers or strong family history.
Gastroesophageal problems, include
gastritis (viral or drug induced),
GERD, and peptic ulcers. Other GIT causes could be due to colitis, (infectious or inflammatory), pancreas or spleen troubles.
Your symptoms are not typical for such causes however, exclusion is important if symptoms persist with no other apparent cause. GIT problems are usually associated with appetite changes,
nausea, diarrhoea or constipations.
Non GIT causes include:
Renal colic although the
pain is not typical for renal colic, exclusion is also important.
I would advise you to follow up with your doctor, direct clinical examination is essential.
Hope you find this information useful.
Best regards.
This answer does not substitute for direct medical consultation.
Dr. Safaa Mahmoud.
MB BCh, MSc Internal Medicine. MD Medical Oncology.
PhD Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Science.
