What should I do next if I am having sharp, left-sided chest pain?

I can understand your concern. If this pain has been going on for some time and is not settling or is worsening, I would suggest you attend your local emergency department for a thorough assessment. Chest pain is something not to be trifled with irrespective of age!

There can be many different reasons but broadly these can be roughly divided into (in brackets are a few causes):

1. Lung - infection, lung collapse (pneumothorax), pulmonary embolism (blood clot)
2. Heart - coronary heart disease, valve pathology, rhythm abnormality
3. Gut - acid reflux, gastritis, varices
4. Chest wall - rib fracture, costochondritis, inter-costal muscle strain
5. Soft tissues - breast lump, mastitis, bruising following collision in sport

In each category there are important things to rule out and rather than provide you with a long list, I would recommend you are assessed as this is the important step.

Thus, given the importance of ruling out heart, lung and other problems, PLEASE GO TO YOUR LOCAL DOCTOR OR EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT.

I can understand your concern. If this pain has been going on for some time and is not settling or is worsening, I would suggest you attend your local emergency department for a thorough assessment. Chest pain is something not to be trifled with irrespective of age!

There can be many different reasons but broadly these can be roughly divided into (in brackets are a few causes):

1. Lung - infection, lung collapse (pneumothorax), pulmonary embolism (blood clot)
2. Heart - coronary heart disease, valve pathology, rhythm abnormality
3. Gut - acid reflux, gastritis, varices
4. Chest wall - rib fracture, costochondritis, inter-costal muscle strain
5. Soft tissues - breast lump, mastitis, bruising following collision in sport

In each category there are important things to rule out and rather than provide you with a long list, I would recommend you are assessed as this is the important step.

Thus, given the importance of ruling out heart, lung and other problems, PLEASE GO TO YOUR LOCAL DOCTOR OR EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT.