ilsejanine

[ilsejanine]

Dear Doctor

Although having suffered panic attacks in the past, it was never associated with any pain as such.  I have been under a lot of stress lately, and it has caused me the embarrassing problem of flatulence lately.  However, I had a very short, sharp pain high up in the centre of my chest - just happened once, but the very fact that I had a chest pain, has really caused me more stress...  could it be from just stress or should I have it checked out

[Cleveland Clinic]

It is most likely stress related because it doesn't sound cardiac in origin by your description.  If it continues to recur you should let your doctor know about it.  He may choose to treat it with medications, or depending on your risk factors for coronary artery disease, consider a stress test to rule out coronary artery disease.

[ireneo]

You mentioned having a lot of gas lately as well. Perhaps it's some gas caught up in the transverse colon, the part that runs across the body near the diaphragm. I've had gas there and it's quite a sharp pain in the chest area. If I can,  I lie down on my right side and see if the bubble moves on, gets out of that area. Most often that helps. Or if you're having a gassy day there are products on the market for gas relief. Of course, try to avoid gas producing foods, eating too fast or talking and laughing a  lot while eating. Some folks tend to swallow air without realizing it.