chest pain and only 18 years old

scaredmom1994 , It’s my pleasure to welcome you to our discussion forums.  I hope that you take your daughter to her family Dr. if she continues to complain of chest pain.  Did the ER physician mention Costochondritis ? Just a thought as you mentioned the ER Dr. sent her home and told her to use I buprofen which is an anti-inflammatory drug.   Costochondritis is inflammation of the junctions where the upper ribs join with the cartilage that holds them to the breastbone or sternum. The condition causes localized chest wall pain and tenderness and is  a common cause of  chest pain  in children and adolescents.   Please remember I am not a physician and these are just my own personal thoughts so do get her checked out.    Also let her know that I am thinking of her and I care what is going on with her.  Kindly, Kitt

scaredmom - I originally ended up in the ER with nearly the same symptoms, although mine were accompanied with what I am coming to find out are PACs. Regardless, I was also diagnosed with costochondritis, something the moderator mentioned. Like your daughter, I was told to take a higher than normal dose of NSAIDS (ibuprofen, motrin, etc.), but not much seemed to help. Desperately, I saw everyone from a chiropractor to a massage therapist. The massage helped; it was hard at first as the massage therapist couldn't go very deep because I was in such a fair amount of pain. After two to three weeks of an hour a week, I was seeing some improvement. Unfortunately, I was told that it generally takes 6-8 weeks to heal.

The most important thing for me, though, was finding a doctor that would listen and help me. It took three for me to find one that would take me seriously. So my suggestion to you is to find another doctor. Keep going until you can get a physician who will help you. I heard the greatest saying the other day: "Remember, it's called PRACTICING medicine; they can't ALL get it right ALL the time." And I've found that they each practice in a different way, so hopefully you can find the best one for your daughter's needs. Finally, please let us know how your daughter is doing. She will be in my prayers.

Sorry to hear this! How is she feeling now? Has she recently suffered a virus or flu prior to the onset of the pain? If so, be sure to tell the doctors this as it can be important to getting the right diagnosis. I would recommend seeing her regular doctor for an exam and perhaps a referral to cardiology and/or GI if it seems indicated.