About Junko Expertise I can answer most questions pertaining to teen health, thought I cannot give medical advice. I can explain medical terminology, describe medical conditions and hopefully help people understand what is going on with their bodies. If I don`t know an answer to a question, being a medical student, I can easily find out the answer since I have many resources I can refer to.
Question Hi, I'm a 19 year old male. Recently, for the past few days, I've been having chest pain. IT seems to be concentrated in the center. The past month, I got flu and the doctor said it was an infection. I got fine after a while but my cough did not go away. It was on and off. Recently, the cough's been there. I only feel the chest pain when i try taking a deep breath. Otherwise it seems alright. I don't feel dizzy, short of breath, nausea or vomiting. Just this dull pressure type pain when I try to take a deep breath. Ocassionally, the pain goes away for a couple minutes. I have a physical check up in a couple of days, but I wanted information beforehand as to what it could be. I'm not a chain smoker but I used to smoke socially. That too, I've stopped for the past 3 weeks now. Also, It feels sometimes like I cant burp properly. Please let me know.
Thank you very very much.
Answer Hi Tabish,
I think your pain could be caused by something called costochondritis. This is a benign inflammation of the ribs where they join with the cartilage that holds them to the breast bone in the center of your chest. Costochondritis is a common cause of chest pain in children and young adults. It's not known exactly what causes costochondritis, but it can be treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, hot or cold pads, and by avoiding any activity that makes the pain worse.
It would also be good for your heart and overall health to continue to not smoke. I think it's great that you've already stopped for 3 weeks. I hope you can keep that up!
