Heartburn or Indigestion?

Dear Ask The Doctor: A few months ago I had discomfort in the sternum area. Just where the breast meets the sternum. I had another episode of the same discomfort this morning. If I am sitting I do not feel it but if I stand and start moving I feel the discomfort and it also hurts when I cough. It lasted for almost 2 hours and now I feel fine. I do have a regular doctor that I see and BP and everything else checked out. Is this a form of heartburn or indigestion?

Dear Lucy: Your symptoms of discomfort in the sternum area may be caused by a number of conditions. Inflammation of the digestive organs, such as gastritis and pancreatitis, gallstones, reflux disease, chest infection, heart attack or angina may all present with upper abdominal pain.

If the burning pain has not resolved with proton pump inhibition (Nexium) treatment. I advise attending your family doctor or gastroenterologist for a detailed history of the pain and a clinical examination.