Patient
Hi, I'm hoping you can help me. I've been feeling quite uncomfortable lately and I'm concerned about some symptoms I've been having.
Triage Assistant
Where does it hurt?
Patient
I've been feeling a sort of burning sensation in my chest area.
Triage Assistant
Does the pain radiate anywhere else, like to your neck, jaw, arms, or back?
Patient
No, the pain seems to stay in the chest area, but it's very uncomfortable.
Triage Assistant
When did the chest pain begin? (Minutes, hours, or days)
Patient
It's been going on for a few days now.
Triage Assistant
Does the pain come and go, or has it been constant since it started?
Patient
It comes and goes, but it seems to be happening more frequently these past few days.
Triage Assistant
How long does the pain typically last when it occurs? (seconds, minutes, hours)
Patient
Usually, it lasts for a few minutes at a time.
Triage Assistant
How would you rate the pain on a scale of 1-10, where 1 is mild pain that doesn't interfere with normal activities, 4-7 is moderate pain that interferes with normal activities or awakens you from sleep, and 8-10 is severe pain that is excruciating and makes you unable to do any normal activities?
Patient
I'd rate it around a 4 or 5. It's more uncomfortable than really painful, but it does disrupt my daily activities.
Triage Assistant
Do you have any history of heart problems or risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, or a strong family history of heart disease?
Patient
No, I don’t have any known history of heart problems or the risk factors you mentioned.
Triage Assistant
Do you have any history of lung disease, such as blood clots in the lungs, asthma, or emphysema?
Patient
No, I don't have any history of lung disease either.
Triage Assistant
What do you think might be causing the chest pain?
Patient
Well, I’m not sure, but along with the burning sensation in my chest, I’ve also noticed a sour taste in my mouth. I'm not certain if they are related.
Triage Assistant
Given your symptoms and the presence of a sour taste in your mouth, it's possible you might be experiencing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, chest pain can be a complex symptom with multiple potential causes. Given the frequency and nature of your symptoms, it's important to be cautious. I recommend you go to the Emergency Department today to get evaluated. ### First Aid Advice: - If you start feeling worse or experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, profuse sweating, or severe pain, call 911 immediately. Thank you for calling, goodbye.
Call EMS 911 Now
See More Appropriate Protocol
Go to ED Now
Go to ED/UCC Now (or to Office With PCP Approval)
Callback by PCP Within 1 Hour
See in Office Today
Home Care
Triage result should be Callback by PCP Within 1 Hour.
Incomplete first aid advice given.
Some assessment questions asked.