chest/upper abdo pain at night

[frequent_tester]

I've been experiencing a lot of upper chest pressure pains at night recently. It reduces me to tears as it means I cant lay down which is when its worse. It helps to arch my back slightly, but its still always there. It's only ever happened to me at night, and has been a frequent problem the last month after now three spells of this after only having one severe episode 18 month ago.

I dunno what could be wrong. It's like something is sitting on my chest.

I have undiagnosed problems with the acid in my stomach, which often refluxes - I have at least one spell a day of a burning snesation in my throat.

If anyone has a clue for me, it would put my mind at rest. I hate it as its impossible to sleep right now and it just gets me more stressed out.

on no medication, me and the OH are trying to conceive.

[moomanoo]

GERD! Try "NEXIUM" tablets.....

[victoriab1974]

STOMACH PROBS ARE THE WORST, WATCH YOUR DIET CAREFULLY, AVOID SPICY, GREASY, CAFFEINATED AND RICH FOODS. TRY PREVACID OTC IT WORKS GREAT. SLEEP WITH HEAD ELEVATED, HOPE THIS WORKS

[Sherri90049]

I've battled with the reflux for a long time now. Boy it stinks! Any way, definitely best for the dr to check you out, preferably with an upper endoscopy to see if you might have an ulcer. They found I have three of them. One kinda bad one and two littler ones. The proton pump inhibitor has been helping, it seems. But I read an article recently that really scared me. It seems that there is a bad rebound effect when you stop taking them. :-( So not sure what we're supposed to do about that. Just keep taking them forever? I don't think so.

Ulcers can be very serious, as can many of the gastrointestinal diseases, so I hope you're able to find a good doc who can help you get to the bottom of it. You shouldn't have to keep on suffering!

[frequent_tester]

I've been prescribed a course of omeprazole again...took this a couple of years ago and as soon as I came off it it came back again. he said to take it for two weeks, and if the problems are still there again to come in to be examined. I'm sure it'll be a case of the latter!

[frequent_tester]

i'm only 21, and I doubt I've had four heart attacks in the last year :P but yes I'm going to call my doctor, see what they say first. Will keep you posted. I fell asleep eventually, I found laying down flat on my back without the pillows worked wonders, so yes I do think it must be something to do with my digestive system as straightening out seemed to ease it alot.

Thank you again everyone =-]

[moongirrrl]

I am not here to diagnose you, but it sounds a lot like a few things I've expereinced myself in the past. I suggest you make an appointment with your doc asap. OR if you think for once second you're having a heart attack, go to the ER!!!!!!!!
Here's the list:
GERD
CHOSTOCHONDRITIS
LUPUS can cause chest pains...
Just a few things to research
but seriously, call your doc!
Good luck, let me know if you
have any questions or need anything.
Lisa:-)

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
The symptoms could be exacerbation of the GERD. Treatment is a combination of drugs to reduce the acid and lifestyle changes. You will need to take a combination of medications like a proton pump inhibitor such as omeprazole,  lansoprazole or pantoprazole empty stomach in the morning and an antacid gel after meals for complete relief. Possibility of H pylori infection too should be looked into and a combination antibiotic tried.
Life style changes that will help include: Avoid heavy meals and eat frequent small meals. Avoid too much of caffeine, tea, smoking, fried food and drinks both alcoholic and non alcoholic fuzzy ones. Avoid heavy exercises within 4 hours of a heavy meal. Raise the head end of the bed by pillows to 30 degrees. Go to bed at least 2 hours after food. Maybe these tips will help you.
You should consult a gastroenterologist (a specialist who looks after the diseases of our digestive system) or a physician for this if these tips reduce your symptoms.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!

[carla_girl82]

Several gastrointestinal tract disorders, particularly those arising in the esophagus, are established causes of chest pain that may resemble angina pectoris in all respects, including location and radiation, quality, and relief with nitroglycerin. This type of pain may arise from either gastroesophageal reflux or from disorders of esophageal motility, and is said to account for symptoms in 10% to 30% of patients suspected of having angina pectoris (a heart condition marked by paroxysms of chest pain due to reduced oxygen to the heart) but whose coronary arteries are normal by angiography.

In a reversal of the phenomenon of certain lung diseases, particularly acute bacterial pneumonia, it presents with upper abdominal pain, certain abdominal disorders may present with pain in the lower chest; this confusing situation is most apt to occur with cholecystitis, peptic ulcer disease, and acute pancreatitis.

There are a lot of different causes of chest or abdominal pain. But, as i've read your situation this fits most. Just check this out and it might help even just a little. Eventually, you have to consult a doctor as soon as possible so they can further assist and answer you better.