Hi my name is Courtney and I am 21 years old. About 4-5 days ago I started to notice this pain/pressure in my chest around the sternum area. At first I thought it was heartburn then I started to notice every time I ate, drank, burped and occasionally while breathing I would have a sharp pain in my chest. No of course I really didn t think anything of it and figured it would pass. Now it is getting worse and I barely want to eat because it hurts too much. Do you have any idea what could be wrong?
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. You're all symptoms are suggestive of HERD (Castro Esophageal Reflux Disease). It is due to laxity of the gastroesophageal sphincter. Due to this acid of the stomach tends to come up in the esophagus and cause the symptoms. Treatment of HERD is as follows.1. Avoid hot and spicy food.2. Avoid heavy meals, instead take frequent small meals.3. Avoid stress and anxiety. 4. Take proton pump inhibitors. 5. Go for walk after meals.6. Keep 2-3 pillows under your head in bed.