Noticed pain on left side of rib cage & tightness in the esophagus
Patient: I have been experiencing an intermittent pain under my left side rib cage for several years.  When it happens it seems to last for a few weeks then goes away for a while.  I have been bothered by this bout so much that I feel like I can't catch my breath (not because my lungs aren't clear but because it feels like my lung just can't expand completely).  I had blood tests yesterday and ruled out pancreatitis.  Still waiting for results on the bloodwork for ulcer.  I have had an ultrasound during one other bout and they couldn't see anything.  I get heartburn occassionally but not regularly.  Today, I not only feel the pain under my rib cage but a "tightness" in my esophagus and still feel like I can't catch my breath.  I am scheduled to see a gastroenterologist but I can't get in for over a month.  I am very frustrated because it seems like the symptoms I have don't fall into any obvious diagnosis.  Do you think seeing a gastroenterologist is the correct next step?  There is no food that I've noticed to aggrivate it.  In fact the only thing I notice that aggrivates it is abdominal exercises (like sit ups). Doctor: Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic. I can understand your concern. In my opinion you are having GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and bronchitis. GERD is due to laxity of gastroesophageal sphincter. Because of this the acid of the stomach tends to come up in the esophagus and cause symptoms of Central chest pain, tightness, pressure etc. Reflux causes micro aspiration in the lungs. And this causes bronchitis. Bronchitis manifest as breathing difficulty. So control of GERD is must. And hence gastroenterologist consultation is needed. You should avoid hot and spicy food, stress and tension, junk food. Avoid large meals, instead take frequent small meals. Take proton pump inhibitors and prokinetic drugs. Don't worry, you will be alright. So consult pulmonologist and discuss all these. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Please hit thanks.