Good morning. My boyfriend is experiencing stabbing chest pain on his left side. He is under 25yrs and an everyday smoker. Besides his smoking he is a well nourished adult. He joggs at the park occasionally and is usually pretty active. He kind of wolfs down his meals. I told him he may be experiencing some gas issues. However we are not sure.
Hello dear, thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your boyfriend s situation and problem. In my opinion, he is having HERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) due to smoking and poor eating habits. But better to rule out cardiac cause first for his left sided chest pain. So get done ECG. If ECG is normal then no need to worry about cardiac cause. He is having HERD mostly. It is due to laxity of gastroesophageal sphincter. Because of this, the acid of the stomach tends to come up in the esophagus and cause the symptoms of burning and stating chest pain. Smoking further damages the sphincter. So first ask him to quit smoking. Avoid stress and tension. Avoid hot and spicy food. Avoid large meals, instead take frequent small meals. Start proton pump inhibitors. Don't worry, he will be alright.