I have had random shooting pains in my chest for as long as I can remember. Sometimes I get pain that lasts for several hours or days but mainly hurts when I breathe in deeply. It mostly occurs in my upper chest above my breasts. As for the stress.... Sometimes I've noticed if I'm stressed or during a panic attack I will also get pain, probably from breathing so funny. My doctor said they aren't really sure what the cause is, but he says its likely something like a virus that I got over that was still causing problems... I also got it in my lower chest very very badly after a bad flu, from the constant coughing. Luckily its not debilitating, and whenever it flares up I take Ibuprofen. (Which is my cure all it seems...) I've never experienced the worsening with food or drink as you explained. Hope you start feeling better!

Hi,
Yes, that actually is wierd. I have Fibromyaglia and Addison's. I also have a Rheumatologist who is the specialist for Costochondritis, he told me that the diagnosis of Costochondritis is given out of like every 10 seconds randomly at ER and Urgent Care, but most cases are false, he told me that TRUE COSTOCHONDRITIS is VERY RARE. Now, I looked up Addison's Disease, which I have and it says Addison's affects the Costocondrial joints in your chest, so I know I got the real deal. Painful swallowing is a symptom I have never had and I mean I have had some bad ass stuff too, wierd stuff. What you are describing should be further investigated and maybe get a second opinion. I have Hashimoto's Disease (autoimmune Thyroid Disease) and I have read that it CAN cause painful swallowing. Sounds like u are describing something like a cross between ACID REFLUX and Thyroid Disease, interesting. Tell me more about the pain, where it's at and what it Actually feels like. Curious here?

My pain is under my lower ribs and back, stab and burns most the time, I dont take anything for it doesnt help! I just let it come and go as it wants not a lot of pain relief out there honestly for this for me.