I suffer from continual chest pain
<b>Dear Doctor,<br>I have chest pain that started in March this year. I took tests for T.B, cancer, pneumonia and they all came out negative....</b>
Dear Doctor,
I have chest pain that started in March this year. I took tests for T.B, cancer, pneumonia and they all came out negative.
My doctor prescribed omeprazole capsules and Alprazole. However, when these drugs are finished, the pain starts again, when I am on the drugs I feel okay.
This chest pain intensifies when I do active work and there is difficulty in breathing and heat accumulates on the left side of the chest.
I feel something pitching me from inside like in the lungs and feel very thirsty that I can take four to five litres of water in a day.
What could be the problem?
GEORGE K.K
Dear GEORGE,
The chest has different organs in it. These organs may have different problems, all showing with the same symptom of chest pain.
You are describing different kinds of pain. They all need evaluation and treatment.
l You describe pain that is relieved by Omeprazole, and Alprazolam.
These drugs decrease the acid in your stomach.
They are therefore useful in treatment of stomach ulcers, and ulcer-like conditions.
You may have a stomach ulcer-like condition. Your doctor can take tests to confirm this, and manage it.
l You also describe chest pain that comes with exercise, and is associated with difficulty in breathing.
This kind of pain is usual with problems of the heart. It would be evaluated with an ECG, and other tests.
l You mention that you get very thirsty, and are drinking a lot of water. Is there also an increase in appetite and frequent urination?
This may be diabetes.
George, all these problems may be isolated, or they may be connected. You need to sit down with your doctor and have a serious chat.
He will do a series of tests to find out the exact problems. You can then start on treatment.
This is necessary, because they may need serious attention.
So do go ahead and make that appointment.
Dr Paul Semugoma
Write to
Ask The Doctor,
Box 9815, Kampala
I have chest pain that started in March this year. I took tests for T.B, cancer, pneumonia and they all came out negative.
My doctor prescribed omeprazole capsules and Alprazole. However, when these drugs are finished, the pain starts again, when I am on the drugs I feel okay.
This chest pain intensifies when I do active work and there is difficulty in breathing and heat accumulates on the left side of the chest.
I feel something pitching me from inside like in the lungs and feel very thirsty that I can take four to five litres of water in a day.
What could be the problem?
GEORGE K.K
Dear GEORGE,
The chest has different organs in it. These organs may have different problems, all showing with the same symptom of chest pain.
You are describing different kinds of pain. They all need evaluation and treatment.
l You describe pain that is relieved by Omeprazole, and Alprazolam.
These drugs decrease the acid in your stomach.
They are therefore useful in treatment of stomach ulcers, and ulcer-like conditions.
You may have a stomach ulcer-like condition. Your doctor can take tests to confirm this, and manage it.
l You also describe chest pain that comes with exercise, and is associated with difficulty in breathing.
This kind of pain is usual with problems of the heart. It would be evaluated with an ECG, and other tests.
l You mention that you get very thirsty, and are drinking a lot of water. Is there also an increase in appetite and frequent urination?
This may be diabetes.
George, all these problems may be isolated, or they may be connected. You need to sit down with your doctor and have a serious chat.
He will do a series of tests to find out the exact problems. You can then start on treatment.
This is necessary, because they may need serious attention.
So do go ahead and make that appointment.
Dr Paul Semugoma
Write to
Ask The Doctor,
Box 9815, Kampala