<human>: I am 62 years old, a bit overweight but in good health; no medications. Over the course of the last year or so I ve had intermittent episodes of deep chest pains; not in the heart area, but in the center, just below my sternum. I ve had several heart-related tests such as EKG, echocardiogram and a stress test, which were all within normal range. I also had an endoscopy which showed low-grade esophagitis. I have since increased my water intake immensely and have lowered my food intake, as well as slowed down my bad habit of inhaling my food. (Most mothers will know what I mean; eat while it s hot before baby cries) My last episode was 3 months ago until today; I have a feeling that I ate some white rice way too fast, as the episode happened within an hour afterwards, lasting 40 minutes. I hesitate returning to my doctors because they found nothing wrong with me.
<bot>: Hello, Brief Answer: You may need proton pump inhibitor if you're still complaining otherwise nothing to worry about. Explanation: My opinion is that epigastric pain is a bit of concern. Causes such as gastritis, peptic ulcer, ischemic heart disease, and pancreatitis are common. You have done good work up so far, excluding ischemic heart disease and upper endoscopy is a main plan of the differential in such conditions. I suggest my patients the following: Healthy food habits. Avoid smoking and in moderate or severe cases treatment may be given. The information provided by you is not sufficient to provide a good opinion. If someone comes to me with this condition I would ask them about another medical history that may be related. Conclusion: I suggest you continue on your healthy diet, if the condition still bothering you, check with your physician. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. 