[jonescr4]

I have experienced periodic chest pains which are quite severe for almost a year. I have gone to a couple of doctors, but they did not not know what it was.

They typically last for about 10-30 minutes, but have occassionally lasted for a couple of hours. they pain seems to be most intense in the center of the chest and extends through to the back. I can also feel mild pain right behind my ears. I use to think that the pain was caused by sweetners in diet soda and other beverages, as the pain commonly occurs after drinking beverages that contain artificial sweetners, but I lately I have gotten the pain after drinking regular soda or sometime for what appears to be no apparent reason (i.e. I hadn't drank anything besides water). Some people have said that it could be the caffein, but caffein free sodas seem to be worse and coffee does not seem to affect me.

It is not a kind of pain that makes it difficult to breath, its just the pain. Also, my vision is fine.

Anyone that is able to help me I would greatly appreciate your help. If you need anymore information about the symptoms or anything, just let me know.

[Davy9]

Research "esophageal spasms" and see if they fit your symptoms.

[jonescr4]

[quote="Davy9"]Research "esophageal spasms" and see if they fit your symptoms.[/quote]

Thank you - I did a bit of research and this may be it -

[Gina-MI]

I have the same problem - and it hurrts! Ironically, nitro (same stuff they use for angina) works to ease the pain because it eases the pain of smooth muscle. It's probably GERD - gastroesophageal reflux disease. I have a rather nasty case of it, and am using prilosec 40 mg twice/day. And...I try not to have a large snack before bedtime (I have to have a snack - diabetic, but I have a small dish of ice cream (yes, ice cream) so that I can have a little something with the amount of carbs I need to keep my sugar from plummeting overnight.

BTW, you don't need to have the 'classic heartburn' to have GERD. I rarely have the classic heartburn, but mine happens just as you describe. The problem, of course, is that one day it'll 'cry wolf' one too many times, and it'll really be the heart, not GERD, and we'll ignore it!