What causes chest wall pain. How can you differentiate between harmless and serious chest pain. When should you seek immediate medical attention for chest discomfort. What are effective treatments for various types of chest wall pain.

Understanding Chest Wall Pain: Common Causes and Symptoms

Chest wall pain refers to discomfort originating from the structures within the chest, including muscles, bones, and soft tissues. This type of pain can manifest in various ways, from a feeling of tightness to sharp, stabbing sensations. The duration and intensity of chest wall pain can vary significantly, lasting anywhere from hours to days.

What exactly constitutes chest wall pain? It’s any discomfort felt inside the chest area that may affect the muscles, bones, or soft tissue. In some cases, it might even involve organs such as the heart and lungs. The sensations experienced can range from a mild ache to severe, stabbing pains.

Key Characteristics of Chest Wall Pain:

• May come and go
• Can vary in duration from hours to days
• Sometimes only occurs with movement
• May be triggered by touching the affected area

It’s important to note that while chest pain can be associated with heart problems, many instances of chest wall pain are not cardiac-related. In fact, estimates suggest that nearly a quarter of the population will experience chest wall pain from sources other than heart issues.

When Chest Pain Becomes an Emergency: Red Flags to Watch For

While not all chest pain is cause for immediate concern, certain symptoms warrant emergency medical attention. Recognizing these red flags can be crucial in identifying potentially life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks.

Symptoms Requiring Immediate Medical Care:

• Intense pain in the center of the chest lasting longer than a few minutes
• Pain that spreads to the back, neck, or shoulders
• Accompanying symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, or confusion
• Loss of consciousness or fainting
• Chest pain accompanied by fever
• Difficulty breathing
• Intense chest pain following a fall or blow to the chest

What should you do if you experience these symptoms? Don’t hesitate to seek emergency medical care immediately. These signs could indicate a heart attack or other serious conditions that require prompt attention.

Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Common Source of Chest Wall Pain

Injuries to the muscles or bones of the chest are frequent causes of chest wall pain. These injuries can occur suddenly, such as from a fall or impact to the chest, or develop gradually due to factors like poor posture or a sedentary lifestyle.

Identifying Musculoskeletal Chest Pain:

• Pain in a specific location
• Discomfort that spreads to different areas
• Pain that worsens when touching the affected area

How severe can musculoskeletal chest pain be? The intensity can vary widely. Mild muscle injuries might cause a subtle, intermittent ache, while more severe cases, such as bone fractures, can result in intense and persistent pain.

Angina: When Heart Health Affects Your Chest

Angina is a type of chest pain that occurs as a symptom of an underlying heart condition. It results from a disruption in blood flow to the heart and can be a warning sign of more serious cardiac issues.

Risk Factors for Angina:

• Advanced age
• Excess weight or obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Unhealthy diet
• Diabetes

What does angina feel like? Typically, it causes a feeling of tightness in the middle of the chest accompanied by shortness of breath. These symptoms usually last for several minutes and do not improve with massages or deep breathing.

It’s crucial to recognize that angina can be a sign of an impending heart attack. If you experience these symptoms, especially if they’re new or worsening, seek medical attention promptly.

Costochondritis: Inflammation at the Heart of Chest Pain

Costochondritis refers to inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone. This condition can cause various types of chest discomfort, ranging from a dull ache to sudden, sharp pain.

Characteristics of Costochondritis Pain:

• Intense burning sensation
• Dull ache
• Sudden chest pain
• Pain that worsens with movement

How is costochondritis treated? In most cases, this condition resolves on its own. However, a doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory pain medications to alleviate discomfort. Some individuals might also find relief through stretches or massages.

Breast Pain: An Often Overlooked Cause of Chest Discomfort

Breast pain can be a source of chest discomfort, affecting one or both breasts. While it’s more common in pregnant and lactating individuals, it can occur during various life stages, including menopause and menstrual periods.

Factors Contributing to Breast Pain:

• Hormonal changes
• Infections
• Blocked ducts (in breastfeeding individuals)
• Breast inflammation

How can you identify breast-related chest pain? The discomfort typically worsens when pressure is applied to the affected area. While it may resolve on its own in some cases, others might require treatment.

What are some at-home remedies for breast pain? Many people find relief through gentle massage of the area or by applying a warm compress. However, if the pain persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

Asthma and Chest Pain: Breathing Difficulties and Discomfort

Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition, can cause chest pain or tightness, especially during an asthma attack. While it’s more commonly diagnosed in childhood, asthma can develop at any age.

Symptoms of an Asthma Attack:

• Chest pain or tightness
• Breathlessness
• Dizziness
• Throat tightness

How is asthma-related chest pain managed? A severe asthma attack usually requires medical treatment or the use of an inhaler. If you’re diagnosed with asthma, it’s crucial to follow your prescribed treatment plan and have quick-relief medications on hand.

Other Chronic Conditions and Infections Causing Chest Pain

Several chronic conditions and infections can lead to chest pain. The onset of this pain can be sudden or gradual, and its duration can vary from short-term discomfort to persistent pain lasting weeks or months.

Chronic Conditions Associated with Chest Pain:

• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Autoimmune disorders
• Gastrointestinal issues

Infections That May Cause Chest Pain:

• Pneumonia
• Bronchitis
• Pleurisy
• Viral infections affecting the respiratory system

How is chest pain from chronic conditions and infections treated? Treatment approaches vary depending on the underlying cause. In most cases, addressing the root condition through medication or other therapies helps alleviate the associated chest pain.

What should you do if you suspect an infection is causing your chest pain? It’s important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Some infections, like pneumonia, can be serious if left untreated.

Understanding the various causes of chest wall pain is crucial for proper management and knowing when to seek medical attention. While some instances of chest discomfort may be benign and resolve on their own, others can signal serious underlying conditions. Always err on the side of caution and consult a healthcare professional if you’re unsure about the cause of your chest pain, especially if it’s severe or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

Remember, chest pain can have numerous origins, from musculoskeletal issues to heart problems and respiratory conditions. By staying informed about the potential causes and recognizing warning signs, you can take proactive steps to protect your health and seek appropriate care when needed.

Causes, treatments, and pain management

Chest wall pain may result from an injury to the muscles, joints, or cartilage. In some cases, home treatments such as hot or cold therapy may help.

The cause of chest pain is difficult to diagnose from symptoms alone. For this reason, it is important to contact a doctor for this complaint.

This article will look at some causes and treatments associated with chest wall pain.

Chest wall pain refers to pain inside of the chest. It may affect the muscles, bones, or soft tissue in the chest. In some cases, the pain might involve organs, such as the heart and lungs.

Chest wall pain can cause different sensations, ranging from tightness to sharp, stabbing pains. It may also come and go and vary in duration from hours to days.

In some cases, chest wall pain may only occur with movement or in response to touching the area.

Chest pain can occur with heart disease or a heart attack. However, many instances of chest wall pain are not due to a heart problem. In fact, some estimates suggest that nearly a quarter of the population will experience chest wall pain from something other than a heart problem.

For example, a common cause of chest wall pain is an injury to the muscles, joints, or cartilage.

Chest wall pain warrants emergency care if person experiences:

• intense pain in the center of the chest that lasts for longer than a few minutes
• pain that spreads to the back, neck, or shoulders
• other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, dizziness, or confusion
• loss of consciousness or fainting

These symptoms could indicate a heart attack and, therefore, require immediate medical care.

A heart attack is not the only reason to seek emergency care. Some other signs that chest wall pain requires emergency care include:

• chest pain with a fever
• difficulty breathing
• intense chest pain following a fall or blow to the chest

Several medical conditions can cause chest wall pain. The sections below will look at some of these in more detail.

Musculoskeletal injuries

Injuries to the muscles or bones of the chest can cause pain in the area. These injuries can be sudden, such as from a fall or blow to the chest, or occur over time, such as from bad posture or a sedentary lifestyle.

Signs that the cause may be an injury include feeling pain in a specific location or having pain that spreads to different areas. Another sign is if the area is painful to touch.

With mild muscle injuries, the pain can be a mild, intermittent ache. In more severe cases, such as from a bone fracture, the pain can be intense and persistent.

Angina

Angina is a type of chest pain that occurs as a symptom of an underlying heart condition. It occurs when there is a disruption of blood flowing to the heart.

Some factors that increase the risk of angina include:

• being older
• having excess weight or obesity
• being physically inactive
• eating an unhealthy diet
• having diabetes

Angina causes a feeling of tightness in the middle of the chest and shortness of breath. It lasts for several minutes and does not get better with massages or deep breathing.

Angina can indicate a heart attack, which requires emergency medical care.

Costochondritis

Costochondritis refers to inflammation of the cartilage between the ribs, where they connect to the breastbone. It can cause an intense burning sensation, a dull ache, or sudden chest pain. The pain may worsen with movement.

Costochondritis usually goes away on its own. A doctor can prescribe anti-inflammatory pain medications to reduce the pain. Some people might also benefit from stretches or massages.

Breast pain

Breast pain can cause pain in one or both breasts. Pregnant and lactating people are more likely to experience breast pain. Some people also experience breast pain during menopause or periods.

Several factors can cause breast pain, such as hormonal changes or infections. Blocked ducts and inflamed breasts are specific problems in people who are breastfeeding.

The pain tends to get worse when a person presses on the affected area. It can sometimes resolve on its own, but it may require treatment. Some people find relief from massaging the area or using a warm compress.

Asthma

An asthma attack can cause chest pain or tightness. Some other symptoms include breathlessness, feeling dizzy, and throat tightness.

Asthma is more common in childhood, but it can develop at any age.

A severe asthma attack usually requires medical treatment or an inhaler.

Other chronic conditions

Several other chronic conditions can cause chest pain. The pain may appear suddenly or develop slowly over time. It might come and go and may last for weeks or months.

Some other conditions that may cause chest pain include:

Treatment depends on the condition a person has, but taking medication to treat the underlying cause usually helps.

Infections

Some infections may also cause chest pain. For example, pneumonia can cause chest pain with a fever and breathing difficulties.

Infections in the bones or muscles may also cause pain. Chest pain following a recent illness could indicate that an infection is the cause.

Infections usually require medical treatment, and the treatment will depend on the cause. For example, a person may need to take antibiotics for a bacterial infection. Resting may help ease the pain, but serious infections may require hospitalization.

Lung injuries

An injury to the lung might include a collapsed or punctured lung. Another potential lung-related cause of chest pain is pulmonary embolism, wherein a blood clot from elsewhere in the body travels to the lungs, causing chest discomfort.

Lung injuries might cause breathing problems. The pain might follow a blow to the chest, such as from a fall or vehicle accident.

Lung injuries can be life threatening, so they require immediate medical treatment.

Mild pain may go away on its own without medical care if there are no other symptoms.

More severe pain, however, usually requires treatment. A person needs medical care if chest pain occurs after a blow to the chest or alongside any other symptoms of a heart attack.

To diagnose the cause, a doctor may:

• ask about the person’s symptoms and medical history
• examine their chest
• take a blood sample
• administer X-rays or other imaging tests

Home treatments can be helpful if emergency care is not necessary. These include:

Many causes of chest wall pain are not a cause for concern.

However, when chest pain does not go away on its own or gets worse, a person needs medical care.

Look out for symptoms of a heart attack or other conditions that require emergency care.

Causes, treatments, and pain management

Chest wall pain may result from an injury to the muscles, joints, or cartilage. In some cases, home treatments such as hot or cold therapy may help.

The cause of chest pain is difficult to diagnose from symptoms alone. For this reason, it is important to contact a doctor for this complaint.

This article will look at some causes and treatments associated with chest wall pain.

Chest wall pain refers to pain inside of the chest. It may affect the muscles, bones, or soft tissue in the chest. In some cases, the pain might involve organs, such as the heart and lungs.

Chest wall pain can cause different sensations, ranging from tightness to sharp, stabbing pains. It may also come and go and vary in duration from hours to days.

In some cases, chest wall pain may only occur with movement or in response to touching the area.

Chest pain can occur with heart disease or a heart attack. However, many instances of chest wall pain are not due to a heart problem. In fact, some estimates suggest that nearly a quarter of the population will experience chest wall pain from something other than a heart problem.

For example, a common cause of chest wall pain is an injury to the muscles, joints, or cartilage.

Chest wall pain warrants emergency care if person experiences:

• intense pain in the center of the chest that lasts for longer than a few minutes
• pain that spreads to the back, neck, or shoulders
• other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, dizziness, or confusion
• loss of consciousness or fainting

These symptoms could indicate a heart attack and, therefore, require immediate medical care.

A heart attack is not the only reason to seek emergency care. Some other signs that chest wall pain requires emergency care include:

• chest pain with a fever
• difficulty breathing
• intense chest pain following a fall or blow to the chest

Several medical conditions can cause chest wall pain. The sections below will look at some of these in more detail.

Musculoskeletal injuries

Injuries to the muscles or bones of the chest can cause pain in the area. These injuries can be sudden, such as from a fall or blow to the chest, or occur over time, such as from bad posture or a sedentary lifestyle.

Signs that the cause may be an injury include feeling pain in a specific location or having pain that spreads to different areas. Another sign is if the area is painful to touch.

With mild muscle injuries, the pain can be a mild, intermittent ache. In more severe cases, such as from a bone fracture, the pain can be intense and persistent.

Angina

Angina is a type of chest pain that occurs as a symptom of an underlying heart condition. It occurs when there is a disruption of blood flowing to the heart.

Some factors that increase the risk of angina include:

• being older
• having excess weight or obesity
• being physically inactive
• eating an unhealthy diet
• having diabetes

Angina causes a feeling of tightness in the middle of the chest and shortness of breath. It lasts for several minutes and does not get better with massages or deep breathing.

Angina can indicate a heart attack, which requires emergency medical care.

Costochondritis

Costochondritis refers to inflammation of the cartilage between the ribs, where they connect to the breastbone. It can cause an intense burning sensation, a dull ache, or sudden chest pain. The pain may worsen with movement.

Costochondritis usually goes away on its own. A doctor can prescribe anti-inflammatory pain medications to reduce the pain. Some people might also benefit from stretches or massages.

Breast pain

Breast pain can cause pain in one or both breasts. Pregnant and lactating people are more likely to experience breast pain. Some people also experience breast pain during menopause or periods.

Several factors can cause breast pain, such as hormonal changes or infections. Blocked ducts and inflamed breasts are specific problems in people who are breastfeeding.

The pain tends to get worse when a person presses on the affected area. It can sometimes resolve on its own, but it may require treatment. Some people find relief from massaging the area or using a warm compress.

Asthma

An asthma attack can cause chest pain or tightness. Some other symptoms include breathlessness, feeling dizzy, and throat tightness.

Asthma is more common in childhood, but it can develop at any age.

A severe asthma attack usually requires medical treatment or an inhaler.

Other chronic conditions

Several other chronic conditions can cause chest pain. The pain may appear suddenly or develop slowly over time. It might come and go and may last for weeks or months.

Some other conditions that may cause chest pain include:

Treatment depends on the condition a person has, but taking medication to treat the underlying cause usually helps.

Infections

Some infections may also cause chest pain. For example, pneumonia can cause chest pain with a fever and breathing difficulties.

Infections in the bones or muscles may also cause pain. Chest pain following a recent illness could indicate that an infection is the cause.

Infections usually require medical treatment, and the treatment will depend on the cause. For example, a person may need to take antibiotics for a bacterial infection. Resting may help ease the pain, but serious infections may require hospitalization.

Lung injuries

An injury to the lung might include a collapsed or punctured lung. Another potential lung-related cause of chest pain is pulmonary embolism, wherein a blood clot from elsewhere in the body travels to the lungs, causing chest discomfort.

Lung injuries might cause breathing problems. The pain might follow a blow to the chest, such as from a fall or vehicle accident.

Lung injuries can be life threatening, so they require immediate medical treatment.

Mild pain may go away on its own without medical care if there are no other symptoms.

More severe pain, however, usually requires treatment. A person needs medical care if chest pain occurs after a blow to the chest or alongside any other symptoms of a heart attack.

To diagnose the cause, a doctor may:

• ask about the person’s symptoms and medical history
• examine their chest
• take a blood sample
• administer X-rays or other imaging tests

Home treatments can be helpful if emergency care is not necessary. These include:

Many causes of chest wall pain are not a cause for concern.

However, when chest pain does not go away on its own or gets worse, a person needs medical care.

Look out for symptoms of a heart attack or other conditions that require emergency care.

Causes, treatments, and pain management

Chest wall pain may result from an injury to the muscles, joints, or cartilage. In some cases, home treatments such as hot or cold therapy may help.

The cause of chest pain is difficult to diagnose from symptoms alone. For this reason, it is important to contact a doctor for this complaint.

This article will look at some causes and treatments associated with chest wall pain.

Chest wall pain refers to pain inside of the chest. It may affect the muscles, bones, or soft tissue in the chest. In some cases, the pain might involve organs, such as the heart and lungs.

Chest wall pain can cause different sensations, ranging from tightness to sharp, stabbing pains. It may also come and go and vary in duration from hours to days.

In some cases, chest wall pain may only occur with movement or in response to touching the area.

Chest pain can occur with heart disease or a heart attack. However, many instances of chest wall pain are not due to a heart problem. In fact, some estimates suggest that nearly a quarter of the population will experience chest wall pain from something other than a heart problem.

For example, a common cause of chest wall pain is an injury to the muscles, joints, or cartilage.

Chest wall pain warrants emergency care if person experiences:

• intense pain in the center of the chest that lasts for longer than a few minutes
• pain that spreads to the back, neck, or shoulders
• other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, dizziness, or confusion
• loss of consciousness or fainting

These symptoms could indicate a heart attack and, therefore, require immediate medical care.

A heart attack is not the only reason to seek emergency care. Some other signs that chest wall pain requires emergency care include:

• chest pain with a fever
• difficulty breathing
• intense chest pain following a fall or blow to the chest

Several medical conditions can cause chest wall pain. The sections below will look at some of these in more detail.

Musculoskeletal injuries

Injuries to the muscles or bones of the chest can cause pain in the area. These injuries can be sudden, such as from a fall or blow to the chest, or occur over time, such as from bad posture or a sedentary lifestyle.

Signs that the cause may be an injury include feeling pain in a specific location or having pain that spreads to different areas. Another sign is if the area is painful to touch.

With mild muscle injuries, the pain can be a mild, intermittent ache. In more severe cases, such as from a bone fracture, the pain can be intense and persistent.

Angina

Angina is a type of chest pain that occurs as a symptom of an underlying heart condition. It occurs when there is a disruption of blood flowing to the heart.

Some factors that increase the risk of angina include:

• being older
• having excess weight or obesity
• being physically inactive
• eating an unhealthy diet
• having diabetes

Angina causes a feeling of tightness in the middle of the chest and shortness of breath. It lasts for several minutes and does not get better with massages or deep breathing.

Angina can indicate a heart attack, which requires emergency medical care.

Costochondritis

Costochondritis refers to inflammation of the cartilage between the ribs, where they connect to the breastbone. It can cause an intense burning sensation, a dull ache, or sudden chest pain. The pain may worsen with movement.

Costochondritis usually goes away on its own. A doctor can prescribe anti-inflammatory pain medications to reduce the pain. Some people might also benefit from stretches or massages.

Breast pain

Breast pain can cause pain in one or both breasts. Pregnant and lactating people are more likely to experience breast pain. Some people also experience breast pain during menopause or periods.

Several factors can cause breast pain, such as hormonal changes or infections. Blocked ducts and inflamed breasts are specific problems in people who are breastfeeding.

The pain tends to get worse when a person presses on the affected area. It can sometimes resolve on its own, but it may require treatment. Some people find relief from massaging the area or using a warm compress.

Asthma

An asthma attack can cause chest pain or tightness. Some other symptoms include breathlessness, feeling dizzy, and throat tightness.

Asthma is more common in childhood, but it can develop at any age.

A severe asthma attack usually requires medical treatment or an inhaler.

Other chronic conditions

Several other chronic conditions can cause chest pain. The pain may appear suddenly or develop slowly over time. It might come and go and may last for weeks or months.

Some other conditions that may cause chest pain include:

Treatment depends on the condition a person has, but taking medication to treat the underlying cause usually helps.

Infections

Some infections may also cause chest pain. For example, pneumonia can cause chest pain with a fever and breathing difficulties.

Infections in the bones or muscles may also cause pain. Chest pain following a recent illness could indicate that an infection is the cause.

Infections usually require medical treatment, and the treatment will depend on the cause. For example, a person may need to take antibiotics for a bacterial infection. Resting may help ease the pain, but serious infections may require hospitalization.

Lung injuries

An injury to the lung might include a collapsed or punctured lung. Another potential lung-related cause of chest pain is pulmonary embolism, wherein a blood clot from elsewhere in the body travels to the lungs, causing chest discomfort.

Lung injuries might cause breathing problems. The pain might follow a blow to the chest, such as from a fall or vehicle accident.

Lung injuries can be life threatening, so they require immediate medical treatment.

Mild pain may go away on its own without medical care if there are no other symptoms.

More severe pain, however, usually requires treatment. A person needs medical care if chest pain occurs after a blow to the chest or alongside any other symptoms of a heart attack.

To diagnose the cause, a doctor may:

• ask about the person’s symptoms and medical history
• examine their chest
• take a blood sample
• administer X-rays or other imaging tests

Home treatments can be helpful if emergency care is not necessary. These include:

Many causes of chest wall pain are not a cause for concern.

However, when chest pain does not go away on its own or gets worse, a person needs medical care.

Look out for symptoms of a heart attack or other conditions that require emergency care.

Causes, treatments, and pain management

Chest wall pain may result from an injury to the muscles, joints, or cartilage. In some cases, home treatments such as hot or cold therapy may help.

The cause of chest pain is difficult to diagnose from symptoms alone. For this reason, it is important to contact a doctor for this complaint.

This article will look at some causes and treatments associated with chest wall pain.

Chest wall pain refers to pain inside of the chest. It may affect the muscles, bones, or soft tissue in the chest. In some cases, the pain might involve organs, such as the heart and lungs.

Chest wall pain can cause different sensations, ranging from tightness to sharp, stabbing pains. It may also come and go and vary in duration from hours to days.

In some cases, chest wall pain may only occur with movement or in response to touching the area.

Chest pain can occur with heart disease or a heart attack. However, many instances of chest wall pain are not due to a heart problem. In fact, some estimates suggest that nearly a quarter of the population will experience chest wall pain from something other than a heart problem.

For example, a common cause of chest wall pain is an injury to the muscles, joints, or cartilage.

Chest wall pain warrants emergency care if person experiences:

• intense pain in the center of the chest that lasts for longer than a few minutes
• pain that spreads to the back, neck, or shoulders
• other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, dizziness, or confusion
• loss of consciousness or fainting

These symptoms could indicate a heart attack and, therefore, require immediate medical care.

A heart attack is not the only reason to seek emergency care. Some other signs that chest wall pain requires emergency care include:

• chest pain with a fever
• difficulty breathing
• intense chest pain following a fall or blow to the chest

Several medical conditions can cause chest wall pain. The sections below will look at some of these in more detail.

Musculoskeletal injuries

Injuries to the muscles or bones of the chest can cause pain in the area. These injuries can be sudden, such as from a fall or blow to the chest, or occur over time, such as from bad posture or a sedentary lifestyle.

Signs that the cause may be an injury include feeling pain in a specific location or having pain that spreads to different areas. Another sign is if the area is painful to touch.

With mild muscle injuries, the pain can be a mild, intermittent ache. In more severe cases, such as from a bone fracture, the pain can be intense and persistent.

Angina

Angina is a type of chest pain that occurs as a symptom of an underlying heart condition. It occurs when there is a disruption of blood flowing to the heart.

Some factors that increase the risk of angina include:

• being older
• having excess weight or obesity
• being physically inactive
• eating an unhealthy diet
• having diabetes

Angina causes a feeling of tightness in the middle of the chest and shortness of breath. It lasts for several minutes and does not get better with massages or deep breathing.

Angina can indicate a heart attack, which requires emergency medical care.

Costochondritis

Costochondritis refers to inflammation of the cartilage between the ribs, where they connect to the breastbone. It can cause an intense burning sensation, a dull ache, or sudden chest pain. The pain may worsen with movement.

Costochondritis usually goes away on its own. A doctor can prescribe anti-inflammatory pain medications to reduce the pain. Some people might also benefit from stretches or massages.

Breast pain

Breast pain can cause pain in one or both breasts. Pregnant and lactating people are more likely to experience breast pain. Some people also experience breast pain during menopause or periods.

Several factors can cause breast pain, such as hormonal changes or infections. Blocked ducts and inflamed breasts are specific problems in people who are breastfeeding.

The pain tends to get worse when a person presses on the affected area. It can sometimes resolve on its own, but it may require treatment. Some people find relief from massaging the area or using a warm compress.

Asthma

An asthma attack can cause chest pain or tightness. Some other symptoms include breathlessness, feeling dizzy, and throat tightness.

Asthma is more common in childhood, but it can develop at any age.

A severe asthma attack usually requires medical treatment or an inhaler.

Other chronic conditions

Several other chronic conditions can cause chest pain. The pain may appear suddenly or develop slowly over time. It might come and go and may last for weeks or months.

Some other conditions that may cause chest pain include:

Treatment depends on the condition a person has, but taking medication to treat the underlying cause usually helps.

Infections

Some infections may also cause chest pain. For example, pneumonia can cause chest pain with a fever and breathing difficulties.

Infections in the bones or muscles may also cause pain. Chest pain following a recent illness could indicate that an infection is the cause.

Infections usually require medical treatment, and the treatment will depend on the cause. For example, a person may need to take antibiotics for a bacterial infection. Resting may help ease the pain, but serious infections may require hospitalization.

Lung injuries

An injury to the lung might include a collapsed or punctured lung. Another potential lung-related cause of chest pain is pulmonary embolism, wherein a blood clot from elsewhere in the body travels to the lungs, causing chest discomfort.

Lung injuries might cause breathing problems. The pain might follow a blow to the chest, such as from a fall or vehicle accident.

Lung injuries can be life threatening, so they require immediate medical treatment.

Mild pain may go away on its own without medical care if there are no other symptoms.

More severe pain, however, usually requires treatment. A person needs medical care if chest pain occurs after a blow to the chest or alongside any other symptoms of a heart attack.

To diagnose the cause, a doctor may:

• ask about the person’s symptoms and medical history
• examine their chest
• take a blood sample
• administer X-rays or other imaging tests

Home treatments can be helpful if emergency care is not necessary. These include:

Many causes of chest wall pain are not a cause for concern.

However, when chest pain does not go away on its own or gets worse, a person needs medical care.

Look out for symptoms of a heart attack or other conditions that require emergency care.

Causes, treatments, and pain management

Chest wall pain may result from an injury to the muscles, joints, or cartilage. In some cases, home treatments such as hot or cold therapy may help.

The cause of chest pain is difficult to diagnose from symptoms alone. For this reason, it is important to contact a doctor for this complaint.

This article will look at some causes and treatments associated with chest wall pain.

Chest wall pain refers to pain inside of the chest. It may affect the muscles, bones, or soft tissue in the chest. In some cases, the pain might involve organs, such as the heart and lungs.

Chest wall pain can cause different sensations, ranging from tightness to sharp, stabbing pains. It may also come and go and vary in duration from hours to days.

In some cases, chest wall pain may only occur with movement or in response to touching the area.

Chest pain can occur with heart disease or a heart attack. However, many instances of chest wall pain are not due to a heart problem. In fact, some estimates suggest that nearly a quarter of the population will experience chest wall pain from something other than a heart problem.

For example, a common cause of chest wall pain is an injury to the muscles, joints, or cartilage.

Chest wall pain warrants emergency care if person experiences:

• intense pain in the center of the chest that lasts for longer than a few minutes
• pain that spreads to the back, neck, or shoulders
• other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, dizziness, or confusion
• loss of consciousness or fainting

These symptoms could indicate a heart attack and, therefore, require immediate medical care.

A heart attack is not the only reason to seek emergency care. Some other signs that chest wall pain requires emergency care include:

• chest pain with a fever
• difficulty breathing
• intense chest pain following a fall or blow to the chest

Several medical conditions can cause chest wall pain. The sections below will look at some of these in more detail.

Musculoskeletal injuries

Injuries to the muscles or bones of the chest can cause pain in the area. These injuries can be sudden, such as from a fall or blow to the chest, or occur over time, such as from bad posture or a sedentary lifestyle.

Signs that the cause may be an injury include feeling pain in a specific location or having pain that spreads to different areas. Another sign is if the area is painful to touch.

With mild muscle injuries, the pain can be a mild, intermittent ache. In more severe cases, such as from a bone fracture, the pain can be intense and persistent.

Angina

Angina is a type of chest pain that occurs as a symptom of an underlying heart condition. It occurs when there is a disruption of blood flowing to the heart.

Some factors that increase the risk of angina include:

• being older
• having excess weight or obesity
• being physically inactive
• eating an unhealthy diet
• having diabetes

Angina causes a feeling of tightness in the middle of the chest and shortness of breath. It lasts for several minutes and does not get better with massages or deep breathing.

Angina can indicate a heart attack, which requires emergency medical care.

Costochondritis

Costochondritis refers to inflammation of the cartilage between the ribs, where they connect to the breastbone. It can cause an intense burning sensation, a dull ache, or sudden chest pain. The pain may worsen with movement.

Costochondritis usually goes away on its own. A doctor can prescribe anti-inflammatory pain medications to reduce the pain. Some people might also benefit from stretches or massages.

Breast pain

Breast pain can cause pain in one or both breasts. Pregnant and lactating people are more likely to experience breast pain. Some people also experience breast pain during menopause or periods.

Several factors can cause breast pain, such as hormonal changes or infections. Blocked ducts and inflamed breasts are specific problems in people who are breastfeeding.

The pain tends to get worse when a person presses on the affected area. It can sometimes resolve on its own, but it may require treatment. Some people find relief from massaging the area or using a warm compress.

Asthma

An asthma attack can cause chest pain or tightness. Some other symptoms include breathlessness, feeling dizzy, and throat tightness.

Asthma is more common in childhood, but it can develop at any age.

A severe asthma attack usually requires medical treatment or an inhaler.

Other chronic conditions

Several other chronic conditions can cause chest pain. The pain may appear suddenly or develop slowly over time. It might come and go and may last for weeks or months.

Some other conditions that may cause chest pain include:

Treatment depends on the condition a person has, but taking medication to treat the underlying cause usually helps.

Infections

Some infections may also cause chest pain. For example, pneumonia can cause chest pain with a fever and breathing difficulties.

Infections in the bones or muscles may also cause pain. Chest pain following a recent illness could indicate that an infection is the cause.

Infections usually require medical treatment, and the treatment will depend on the cause. For example, a person may need to take antibiotics for a bacterial infection. Resting may help ease the pain, but serious infections may require hospitalization.

Lung injuries

An injury to the lung might include a collapsed or punctured lung. Another potential lung-related cause of chest pain is pulmonary embolism, wherein a blood clot from elsewhere in the body travels to the lungs, causing chest discomfort.

Lung injuries might cause breathing problems. The pain might follow a blow to the chest, such as from a fall or vehicle accident.

Lung injuries can be life threatening, so they require immediate medical treatment.

Mild pain may go away on its own without medical care if there are no other symptoms.

More severe pain, however, usually requires treatment. A person needs medical care if chest pain occurs after a blow to the chest or alongside any other symptoms of a heart attack.

To diagnose the cause, a doctor may:

• ask about the person’s symptoms and medical history
• examine their chest
• take a blood sample
• administer X-rays or other imaging tests

Home treatments can be helpful if emergency care is not necessary. These include:

Many causes of chest wall pain are not a cause for concern.

However, when chest pain does not go away on its own or gets worse, a person needs medical care.

Look out for symptoms of a heart attack or other conditions that require emergency care.

Chest wall pain | Breast Cancer Now

1. What is chest wall pain?
2. Symptoms 
3. Diagnosis
4. Treatment 
5. Coping with chest wall pain

1. What is chest wall pain?

Chest wall pain may feel as though it’s coming from the breast, but really it comes from somewhere else. It’s also known as extra-mammary (meaning outside the breast) pain.

Chest wall pain can have a number of causes, including:

• pulling a muscle in your chest 
• inflammation around the ribs, caused by conditions called costochondritis or Tietze’s syndrome 
• a medical condition such as angina or gallstones 

Breast pain can have a number of other causes, but on its own is not usually a sign of breast cancer.

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2. Symptoms of chest wall pain

The pain can be on one side, in a specific area or around a wide area of the breast. 

It may be burning or sharp, may spread down the arm and can be worse when you move.

This type of pain can also be felt if pressure is applied to the area on the chest wall.

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3. Diagnosing chest wall pain

See your GP if your breast pain is new and carries on. 

Your GP will examine your breasts and take a history of the type of pain you have and how often it occurs. To check how long the pain lasts for, how severe the pain is or if the pain may be linked to your menstrual cycle, your GP may ask you to fill in a simple pain chart. 

If your GP thinks you may have chest wall pain, they may ask you to lean forward during the examination. This is to help them assess if the pain is inside your breast or in the chest wall. 

Your GP may refer you to a breast clinic where you’ll be seen by specialist doctors or nurses for a more detailed assessment.

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4. Treating chest wall pain 

Treatment for chest wall pain will depend on what’s causing it. 

If it’s found that your breast pain is caused by a pulled muscle in your chest, this is likely to improve over time and can be treated with pain relief. 

Chest wall pain can also affect the area under the arm and towards the front of the chest, and this may be due to: 

• costochondritis – inflammation of parts of the ribs (called costal cartilages) 
• Tietze’s syndrome – inflammation of the costal cartilages and swelling

Your GP or specialist may be able to tell that the costal cartilages are painful if pressure is put on them. Sometimes this inflammation can feel similar to heart (cardiac) pain. You may feel tightness in the chest and a severe, sharp pain. The pain may also spread down the arm and can be worse when you move. 

You may find it helpful to rest and avoid sudden movements that increase the pain. Pain relief such as paracetamol or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen (as a cream, gel or tablet) may help. 

Your specialist may suggest injecting the painful area with a local anaesthetic and steroid. 

Smoking can make the inflammation worse, so you may find that your pain lessens if you cut down or stop altogether.

The NHS website has more information about costochondritis and Tietze’s syndrome.

Pain caused by other medical conditions, such as angina (tightness across the chest) or gallstones, may be felt in the breast. Your GP or specialist will advise you on the most appropriate treatment.

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5. Coping with chest wall pain

Any type of breast pain can be very distressing, and many women worry they may have breast cancer. However, in most cases pain in the breast isn’t a sign of breast cancer.  

Having breast pain doesn’t increase your risk of breast cancer. However, it’s still important to be breast aware and go back to your GP if the pain increases or changes, or you notice any other changes in your breasts. 

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Chest Wall Infections | Cedars-Sinai

Not what you’re looking for?

Overview

The chest wall, sometimes called the thoracic wall, protects the heart, liver, lungs and other vital organs. The wall is made up of the ribs, the sternum and cartilage. Together these pieces form a protective cavity within the abdomen.

The chest wall can become infected by bacteria or viruses. In rare cases, fungal infections can also happen. Infections of the chest wall can often lead to inflammation and pain in the affected area.

Types of chest wall infections include:

• Pleurisy — infection of the thin membranes (pleura) of the chest wall
• Costochondritis — inflammation of the cartilage that connects the upper ribs to the sternum
• Empyema — fluid that builds up between the pleura and the inner lining of the chest wall

Symptoms

The most common symptom related to a chest wall infection is chest pain. This is often due to the inflammation caused by the infection and may become more severe with activity. Other common symptoms include:

• Tenderness
• Swelling
• Difficulty taking a deep breath
• Pain in the shoulders or back
• Headaches
• Joint pain
• Dry cough
• Fever

Causes and Risk Factors

Chest wall infections can occur in both men and women, and in patients of any age. The condition is caused by a bacteria or virus, and in rare cases, a fungus, that has invaded the affected area.

Patients with a compromised immune system are at an increased risk of developing a chest wall infection. Common conditions that may increase a patient’s risk include:

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a chest wall infection usually starts with a physical exam and a review of the patient’s medical history and symptoms.

Imaging diagnostic tests such as a chest x-rays look at the soft tissue and bones in the body to find out if there is inflammation in the chest wall. These images can also help diagnose other related conditions, such as pneumonia.

Blood tests may be done to find out if a bacterial or viral infection is causing the condition.

Other tests such as a bronchoscopy may be used to look at the tissue within the chest wall or at the airway to study inflammation or other signs of infection.

Treatment

Treatment for chest wall infections will often focus on fighting the infection that is causing the symptoms. Antibiotic medications to help fight the infection and reduce inflammation often are prescribed.

Many anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen are available over the counter without a prescription and can provide relief for many patients who are experiencing pain due to inflammation.

Prescription painkillers may be provided to help reduce severe pain. Other prescription medications that can help control pain include antidepressants and anti-seizure drugs.

In-office or at home physical therapy exercises also may be prescribed as treatment. Stretching exercises that focus on the chest muscles can help with pain and tightness related to inflammation.

The multidisciplinary team at the Advanced Lung Disease Program can determine the best treatment option for each patient.

© 2000-2021 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional’s instructions.

Not what you’re looking for?

Chest pain | FBUZ Treatment and Rehabilitation Center of the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia. Official site

Chest pain is one of the most frequent complaints of patients when they visit a doctor. There are many reasons leading to this problem. We will only talk about the most common ones.

Reasons

To make it easier to understand the causes of chest pain, we divide them into four main groups:

• Respiratory diseases
• Musculoskeletal diseases
• Diseases of the heart and large vessels
• Diseases of the digestive system

Look at how many different specialists a person with chest pain should look at in order to identify its cause: pulmonologist, cardiologist, neurologist and gastroenterologist.Therefore, it would seem to me wiser and more correct, when this complaint appears, to first turn to a competent therapist so that he understands which organ system is the cause of the pain, and then advised which specialist to contact.

Since I am a pulmonologist, I will try to answer the question:

When does chest pain occur in bronchopulmonary diseases?

Why the lungs “do not hurt”

There are no pain receptors in the lung tissue, therefore pain in diseases of the bronchopulmonary system occurs only if the leaves covering the lungs – the pleura – are affected.No wonder the pain in these diseases is called “pleural pain”.
Another cause of chest pain in bronchopulmonary diseases can be tracheobronchitis.

Mechanism of “pleural pain”

In a healthy state, during breathing, two sheets of pleura (one covers the lung, the other lines the chest wall from the inside) slide along the surfaces of each other, which allows the lungs to freely and painlessly fall down and straighten out when breathing. When these leaves are inflamed or growths appear on them, during breathing, they rub against each other due to the resulting “irregularities” (roughness).As a result, pain with deep breathing and coughing.

Causes of “pleural pain”

• The first and most common cause of “pleural pain” is inflammation of the pleura itself and / or the lung covered with it. It is not for nothing that some types of pneumonia are called pleuropneumonia, that is, inflammation of the lungs and pleura.
• Neoplastic diseases of the pleura and lungs can also become the cause of “pleural pain”.
• Pneumothorax (air entering the pleural space) can also cause pain.

Features of “pleural pain”

“Pleural pain” is most often one-sided, acute, aggravated by deep inspiration and coughing. The pain is sometimes so severe that it makes the person take only shallow breaths.
A person assumes the so-called “forced position”, that is, he tries not to breathe on the side of the chest where the source of pain is located. To do this, he lies on the sore side or presses it with his hands, thus limiting the mobility of the chest.
Note that in some cases, when the accumulation of fluid between the pleural sheets begins, pushing the pleura apart and preventing them from “rubbing” against each other, the pain in the chest decreases, but shortness of breath appears.

What to do?

First of all, consult a doctor. The doctor can hear the rubbing noise of the pleural sheets, make an x-ray of the chest, ultrasound of the pleural cavity, CT scan of the chest to assess the damage to the lungs and pleura.

Therapy will be prescribed depending on the cause of the pleural pain.

Tracheobronchitis is another cause of chest pain associated with bronchopulmonary pathology.

In case of inflammation or swelling of the trachea and large bronchi, unpleasant sensations behind the breastbone may occur, having an aching or sore character. They occur mainly when inhaling air, especially cold air, aggravated in the supine position, often accompanied by a strong cough.
If these pains have arisen against the background of a cold, then most likely it is an inflammation of the trachea – tracheitis. Against the background of anti-inflammatory therapy prescribed by the doctor, these pains, along with the cough, quickly go away.
If the pain persists and there was no apparent reason for their appearance, then to clarify the diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe a computed tomography of the chest organs, and, if necessary, bronchoscopy.

ABC Medicine

Angina (angina pectoris) is a sharp pain or discomfort in the chest area.The reason for this is a lack of blood supply in certain parts of the heart. Angina pectoris is noted as the leading symptom in coronary heart disease (CHD), which develops due to blockage or narrowing of the vessels of the heart. All patients experience approximately the same sensations – pressing or constricting pain behind the chest, which often radiates to the arm, shoulder, jaw or neck. The pain usually does not last more than 5 minutes and disappears after taking certain medications or relieving tension. However, the duration of the attack is purely individual, some patients experienced pain from 30 seconds to 30 minutes.

Symptoms

When angina pectoris occurs, the pain is usually intense and is stopped by taking nitroglycerin, coupled with the cessation of physical activity. These pain sensations have characteristic signs: a pronounced time of onset and termination (the nature of the attack), the occurrence in certain circumstances.

Among the most common conditions for the appearance of an attack of angina pectoris, active walking can be distinguished (acceleration of movement, climbing uphill, difficulty in the form of a sharp headwind, heavy burden).Also, other physical efforts and significant emotional stress can cause symptoms of angina pectoris. To determine the pain arising from physical exertion, it is enough to stop the tension. And the discomfort will subside within 5 minutes. The complete elimination of the symptoms of angina pectoris is facilitated by the intake of nitroglycerin. As a rule, to make a diagnosis, it is enough to take into account the above symptoms and signs: an increase in pain during physical exertion, a favorable reaction to nitroglycerin and the nature of the attack.

Reasons

The main phenomenon that characterizes the symptoms of angina pectoris is the imbalance between the heart’s need for oxygen and its direct supply. Due to lack of nutrition, muscle can develop its necrosis.

So, among the reasons for the lack of oxygen supply to the heart, a local disturbance of blood flow is often singled out. It can be triggered by chronic narrowing of the lumen of the artery supplying the heart, due to atherosclerotic plaque. Also angina pectoris occurs due to a sharp and prolonged spasm of the blood vessels of the heart.As a result, one part of the heart receives less oxygen than it needs to function properly. During physical activity, this deficiency is felt especially strongly. This is the reason why the vast majority of acute attacks of angina pectoris are the result of exhausting and hard work or stress.

Consequences

Compared with myocardial infarction, when the circulatory disturbance in the heart muscle is irreversible and catastrophic, angina pectoris is a less obvious circulatory disorder that quickly recovers after the cause of the attack is eliminated.Therefore, there is no extensive damage to the heart tissue. It should be borne in mind that exceeding the survival threshold of the heart muscle threatens that an attack of angina pectoris will develop into a heart attack.

Diagnostics

Not all pain in the chest or heart can be called angina pectoris. If it lasts less than 30-40 seconds and is eliminated through a deep breath or a change in body position, do not worry about angina pectoris. To make such a diagnosis, the doctor must analyze your complaints, find out the symptoms and the circumstances of their manifestation.In order to exclude concomitant diseases in the diagnosis of angina pectoris, a number of medical examinations are carried out, including an electrocardiogram (ECG) in two states (rest and load), stress test, pressure measurement and X-ray of the coronary arteries.

Thanks to the ECG, the doctor can determine the electrical impulses of the heart, and with them the symptoms of angina pectoris. They show the absence or presence of ischemia (insufficient blood supply), characteristics of changes in heart rate and some other parameters.To get a complete picture of cardiac activity, the specialist compares the ECG readings after exercise and at rest, and then decides on the need for treatment of angina pectoris.

The complex stress test enables the diagnosis of angina pectoris and the assessment of blood flow in the heart muscle. A small amount of a radioisotope (usually thallium) is used, which is injected into a vein by microinjection during exercise. Using a special device, the doctor monitors the distribution of thallium in the heart.Unequal concentration or absence of this element in one or another part of the muscle reveals areas of insufficient blood supply.

The most accurate way to determine angina pectoris (angina pectoris) is an angiogram, or X-ray of the coronary artery. A catheter is placed in an artery in your groin or forearm, and then it travels down the bloodstream to one of your heart arteries. Next, a radiopaque liquid is injected, which makes it possible to observe the changes in the arteries under study, diagnosing angina pectoris.

Treatment

Successful treatment of angina pectoris is usually associated with a reduction in risk factors that can cause cardiovascular disorders. These include: high blood pressure, excess cholesterol, excess weight, and smoking. Your doctor will prescribe all the medications you need to bring your blood pressure back to normal, suggest the right diet and help you shape an exercise program to treat angina pectoris.

Currently, mononitrates, dinitrates and trinitrates are used to relieve symptoms of angina pectoris.Their mechanism of action is the expansion of the vessels of the heart, which makes it possible to increase the flow of oxygen and reduce the tension of the myocardial wall. Among the undesirable effects of nitrates in the treatment of angina pectoris, headache, lowering blood pressure, facial flushing, dizziness and the appearance of insensitivity to certain doses of the drug can be distinguished. Also used are beta blockers, which reduce the strength and frequency of the heartbeat, and calcium channel blockers, which prevent vasospasm.

In the case when the symptoms of angina pectoris are severe and medications are not able to help, surgical intervention (in the form of coronary bypass grafting) and balloon angioplasty are prescribed.Coronary artery bypass grafting is the implantation of a blood vessel into a blocked section of a coronary artery. Thus, blood flow in this part of the heart is restored using a bypass path. Angioplasty is an operation to treat angina pectoris using a catheter that has a small balloon at the end. It is injected into the axillary or femoral artery and then advanced to the site of the narrowing of the coronary vessel. Here it quickly inflates or stretches, eliminating the spasm.

The treatment of unstable angina pectoris, which can occur even in the absence of tension, requires particular attention.Such chest pain does not have predictable boundaries of onset, unlike stable angina pectoris, and does not need a reason to appear.

Prevention

Basic methods of prevention and treatment of angina pectoris:

• absolute cessation of smoking and alcohol;
• long walks in a relaxed mode, physical activity within reasonable limits in accordance with the doctor’s prescription;
• blood pressure control;
• the diet prescribed by the doctor should be followed, the intake of animal fats and salt should be limited, the use of vegetables, vegetable fats and fruits should be increased in the diet;
• Detection and appropriate treatment of diabetes mellitus, control of blood glucose levels;
• lack of unnecessary emotional stress.

If you are worried about regular chest pains during physical exertion, it is possible that these are manifestations of stable or unstable angina pectoris, which are treated by the specialists of our polyclinics. You should see your doctor, as every attack of angina pectoris inevitably worsens the condition of the heart muscle. You can get professional help in one of our clinics in Moscow. Make an appointment with us by phone +7 (495) 223-38-83 .

Why does the chest hurt – possible causes

Location of organs at chest level

If the chest hurts in the middle, then this indicates possible problems with such internal organs:

1. Heart and nearby vessels – vena cava, aorta.
2. Trachea and bronchi.
3. Esophagus.
4. Nerves, ligaments, muscles.
5. Lymph nodes.

Nearby are the vital organs of the abdominal cavity, thymus, chest wall.Often the pain is reflected and indicates irradiation. Examples are hernias. With the development of pathology, pain often radiates to the limb. Most often, with the development of painful sensations in the chest area, problems of the cardiovascular system or intercostal neuralgia are observed.

Detailed description of signs of disease

Depending on the nature of the sensations, the following pathologies can be suspected:

1. Dull painful sensations often indicate coronary heart disease, endocarditis, cancer, gastritis, or the development of an attack of bronchial asthma.
2. Severe pain syndrome indicates the development of an attack of myocardial infarction, pleurisy or stomach ulcers.
3. Pressing sensations are characteristic of ischemic heart disease and endocarditis.
4. Stitching sensations characterize intercostal neuralgia, ischemic heart disease, pneumonia, bronchitis, or neuralgia.
5. Aching sensations are characteristic of gastritis or ischemic heart disease.
6. Severe and sharp pain indicates an attack of osteochondrosis, back problems in the thoracic region, and intercostal neuralgia.

Depending on the pain sensation, it is important to pay attention to the accompanying symptoms as well.

Diseases of the circulatory system and heart

The heart muscle is located in the middle of the chest with a slight shift to the left. With the development of painful sensations, irradiation to the scapula, shoulder, collarbone, stomach and even arm may appear. Most often, the left side of the body is affected when a radiating pain occurs.

How heart disease manifests itself:

1. Ischemic heart disease is manifested by sudden and sharp pain, aggravated by physical exertion (running, brisk walking, coughing).The reason is atherosclerotic changes in blood vessels, due to pathologically high cholesterol levels for a long period. Diagnosis of the disease is necessary, which consists in conducting an ECG, ECHO. When a diagnosis is made, life-long drug therapy is prescribed.
2. Myocardial infarction. A serious pathology, consisting in the blockage of a vital artery through which blood flows to the heart. As a result, the heart muscle stops working within a few minutes and death occurs.Usually a large vessel is clogged with a thrombus that has come off from an atherosclerotic plaque. The disease manifests itself with acute pain on the left. A concomitant symptom of an attack is numbness in one part of the body. Urgent medical attention is required.
3. Infective endocarditis is the result of the introduction of an infectious agent into the heart. It is a complication after suffering tonsillitis or sinusitis. Streptococci and staphylococci are affected by the heart muscle. The result is tachycardia, heart pain. It is necessary to conduct an ECG and ECHO to confirm the diagnosis.Therapy consists of prescribing antibiotics.
4. Pressure surges. When an attack of hypertension or hypertensive crisis occurs, in addition to discomfort in the chest, there is a severe headache, a feeling of heaviness in the body and weakness.
5. With pericarditis, severe and pressing pains may occur in the middle, but closer to the left. The disease is characterized by the accumulation of excess fluid in the pericardium due to inflammation. There is soreness and heaviness in the chest during inhalation, closer to the upper part.The main reasons are previous infections, trauma, tumors, heart attack. Depending on the course of the pathology, discomfort may vary. Complex drug therapy is required.
6. Angina pectoris is the most common type of coronary artery disease. Distinguish between stable and unstable angina. The main cause of an attack is insufficient blood supply to the heart, which causes acute pain on the left at rest, but when moving, the discomfort increases.The disease often occurs against the background of atherosclerosis, obesity, diabetes mellitus, physical inactivity and alcoholism. An important role in the appearance of seizures is played by heredity.
7. Iron deficiency anemia is a disease of the hematopoietic organs that does not directly relate to the cardiovascular system, but negatively affects the work of the heart. The disease can be suspected by low levels of hemoglobin, ferritin and serum iron in the blood. Hemoglobin is involved in the transport of oxygen in the blood to the heart.Anemia is caused by a lack of iron and hypovitaminosis. It develops more often in women due to blood loss. The disease is dangerous because it manifests itself as signs of oxygen starvation – shortness of breath, weakness, dizziness and pain in the heart. With a prolonged lack of oxygen in the blood, not only the heart suffers, but also the brain, blood vessels, a persistent deterioration in performance is observed. Therapy consists in correcting nutrition and using vitamin and mineral complexes.
8. Pulmonary embolism. Why it occurs – due to blockage of the vessel by a blood clot or cholesterol plaque.The disease is associated with atherosclerosis and increased blood density. A high risk of blockage is also associated with an inherited factor. Various sources indicate that PE has a number of nonspecific symptoms – shortness of breath, acute pain in the middle of the chest, fainting, dizziness, weakness, tachycardia, and decreased blood pressure. When these symptoms occur, you need to urgently call a doctor. If nothing is done, the patient is more likely to die. If the patient is pulled out of a difficult situation, then a lifelong intake of anticoagulants, statins with lifestyle correction is prescribed.In the future, such drugs will help to avoid a second attack.

Signs of chronic or acute heart pain differ from person to person.

Why does the chest hurt in diseases of the respiratory system

In case of infectious diseases, smoking or inhalation of hazardous substances in the workplace, over time, damage to the respiratory system occurs. In acute course, chest pain is observed. Discomfort is not observed in all cases of respiratory diseases.The characteristic signs of lung damage are heaviness in the chest, and pain occurs during coughing.

Possible causes:

1. Bronchial asthma is an allergic pathology, which, in addition to discomfort in the chest area, is manifested by attacks of suffocation. It is diagnosed by performing fluorography and breathing tests. Treat the disease with corticosteroids, antihistamines, and bronchodilators.
2. Bronchitis – characterized by heaviness in the chest in the lower part.Unpleasant sensations usually occur when phlegm appears in the lungs. Symptomatic therapy is required.
3. Inflammation of the lungs is manifested not only by pain in the chest area, but also by a severe cough. There may be sputum streaked with blood. The lungs themselves do not hurt because they lack pain receptors. Painful sensations occur with complications such as pleurisy or pulmonary emphysema. Also, pneumonia is accompanied by symptoms of acute respiratory infections – cough, hyperthermia, chills, poor health.
4. Pleurisy occurs when fluid accumulates in the pleura, which is characterized by inflammation. This disease is determined after the performed fluorography.
5. Oncology of the lungs. In the early stages, the disease is asymptomatic. Over time, in addition to pain behind the breastbone, there is a general deterioration in well-being, a dry cough appears. As the disease progresses, hemoptysis also occurs. The tumor is usually found after fluorography.

Digestive system pathologies

With disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, unpleasant symptoms associated with pain, burning or discomfort in the lower part of the thoracic region are often observed.

Depending on the true localization of the disease, the following symptoms of irradiation into the chest may occur:

1. Spasm of the esophagus, stomach or gallbladder. In this case, aching pain sensations are observed, radiating to the back. The pain increases with palpation of the epigastric region. Treatment is symptomatic. Antispasmodics are commonly used.
2. Acute attack of pancreatitis. There are burning and sharp pains behind the sternum closer to the left side, after eating.Therapy is symptomatic, usually antispasmodics are used.
3. Esophagitis. The disease manifests itself as a set of symptoms. Heartburn, violent belching, a lump in the throat, and a burning sensation in the chest usually occur. The attack is stopped by using antacids.
4. Ulcer of the stomach and duodenum. During an exacerbation of the disease, pains that resemble heart problems are often observed. Unpleasant sensations are felt in the chest area. Distinguishing an attack of an ulcer from a heart problem is simple – it is enough to eat something and the patient will feel better.Also, an attack of stomach ulcers is observed a few hours after eating.
5. A diaphragmatic abscess is characterized by severe chest pain accompanied by cough and fever. In such a situation, it is required to call an ambulance, since the patient’s life is threatened by severe inflammation, which can cause blood poisoning.
6. Gastroesophageal reflux. It is manifested by a strong feeling of discomfort in the chest area with bouts of nausea. Soreness is felt in the middle, as the acidic contents of the stomach are thrown to the esophagus.Neck pain from the front may occur due to severe heartburn. Therapy consists of taking medication to reduce the acidity of the stomach and following a strict diet.

To determine the exact cause of the discomfort, it is recommended to consult a physician or gastroenterologist.

Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and nervous system

Most often, discomfort in the thoracic back is caused by problems with the ridge. Discomfort is observed with osteochondrosis, protrusion, trauma, muscle strain or intervertebral hernia.

How do back diseases manifest:

1. Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is the most common cause of discomfort. With osteochondrosis, aching or sharp pains in the ridge region are sometimes observed. Usually, the condition does not cause discomfort until the nerve root is pinched. There is a sharp pain in the chest on the left or on the right side (depending on which side the nerve is pinched). In the acute period, conservative therapy is used with the use of NSAIDs, antispasmodics and muscle relaxants.It is useful to inject B vitamins. During the recovery period, exercise therapy and physiotherapy are prescribed.
2. A protrusion or hernia is characterized by the protrusion of the annulus fibrosus into the intervertebral region. Depending on the type of protrusion, pains are observed on the right or left side in the chest. When the nerves are pinched, there is a shooting pain in the scapula, collarbone or arm. Therapy is aimed at restoring the patient’s condition. The methods of therapy are the same as for osteochondrosis.
3. Injuries to soft or hard tissue – often caused by sports or back stabs.If there is a tear or muscle strain, then the pain is localized, with palpation or visual examination, there is swelling, redness and soreness. Irradiation is not typical for this type of damage. At first, the pain torments the patient constantly, eventually subsides at rest. For therapy, it is necessary to use NSAIDs and analgesics that remove inflammation and pain. bed rest is also indicated in severe cases.
4. Intercostal neuralgia is a disease of the peripheral nervous system.In this case, there is a pressing, sudden or shooting pain in the area of ​​the heart, shoulder blade or back. There is no clear localization of pain. A characteristic feature that distinguishes neuralgia from pain in the heart is unpleasant sensations on inhalation if the patient does not have respiratory diseases. This condition does not require special therapy, unless it is provoked by organic pathologies. Muscle relaxants and neurotropic vitamin preparations are usually prescribed.
5. Oncology. Various medical sources indicate that in rare cases, a malignant tumor may occur precisely in the region of the ridge at the level of the thoracic region.This site is not typical for neoplasms, but some cancers metastasize to this area. An example is a tumor of the stomach, lungs, or uterus. Painful symptoms in the initial stages do not bother the patient much, but as the tumor grows, they intensify. At a later stage, the discomfort becomes palpable and worries the patient around the clock. Therefore, if the pain persists for more than a few days, you need to see a doctor.

Diagnosis of the cause of discomfort

The study consists in a detailed collection of anamnesis, tests and diagnostic manipulations.At the first appointment with the therapist, the patient describes in detail the nature of the pain, when the discomfort occurs, and in what place. If discomfort is felt in the region of the heart, weakness, increased pressure and increased discomfort during physical exertion are observed, the patient is referred for examination to a cardiologist.

The cardiologist can prescribe a number of procedures:

1. Electrocardiography. With the help of this device, latent tachycardia, arrhythmia, heart murmurs are determined. If pathological abnormalities in the work of the heart according to the ECG are observed, then the patient is prescribed an ECHO.
2. Echocardiography is a research method using an ultrasound machine. The cardiologist examines the work of the heart on the apparatus, looking for structural changes in the organ. With the help of ECHO, you can measure the size, consider inflammation, thickening of the walls of blood vessels.
3. Angiography of blood vessels. A simple procedure that allows you to view the walls of large arteries and veins using X-ray. Using the procedure, the presence or absence of atherosclerotic changes is reliably determined.If the cardiologist suspects such changes based on the results of ECHO, then the patient will immediately undergo angiography.

In case of complaints of chest pain accompanied by cough, hemoptysis, secretion, shortness of breath or fever, the therapist will refer the patient to a pulmonologist. This specialist can prescribe a number of the following procedures:

1. Fluorography. This is an X-ray method of examining the chest and lungs, which makes it possible to assess gross structural changes in the pulmonary cavity and heart.On the X-ray image, foci of inflammation, points of tumor lesion, thickening of the pleural film are visible. An infectious lesion can also be suspected.
2. If pneumonia is suspected, an additional study is a general blood test. If there is an increase in leukocytes against a background of elevated temperature, then the patient is diagnosed with bronchitis or pneumonia.
3. If the diagnosis cannot be clarified, then an MRI scan is prescribed. Magnetic resonance imaging allows you to examine the smallest structural changes in the affected organ with high accuracy.MRI with contrast is usually needed to examine the lung tissue.

If the patient complains of a burning sensation, pain in the stomach or upset gastrointestinal tract activity against the background of chest pain, then he is referred to a gastroenterologist. This specialist can prescribe both a number of narrowly focused laboratory tests and specific examinations of the gastrointestinal tract, including examination of the intestines, determination of the acidity of gastric juice, study of enzyme activity, study of the contents of feces.

General non-invasive research methods include:

1. Abdominal ultrasound.
2. MRI of internal organs.
3. Computed tomography.

When determining pain associated with problems of the musculoskeletal system, the patient is referred to a neurologist, traumatologist or orthopedist. Depending on the diagnosis, it is confirmed by x-ray, MRI, CT or ultrasound. These diagnostic methods allow you to identify back injuries, bruises, sprains, hernia, osteochondrosis, protrusion, congenital anomalies of the spine, neoplasms.

Intercostal neuralgia is confirmed by a number of specific symptoms clearly distinguishable from cardiac disorders and back pain of a traumatic or degenerative nature. With back pain, symptomatic treatment is needed, aimed at relieving inflammation, normalizing metabolic processes and returning full-fledged motor activity. In the acute period, NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, complete rest and vitamin injections are prescribed. During the rehabilitation period, exercise therapy and physiotherapy are required.

Editorial Opinion

Chest pain occurs for many reasons. Reflected discomfort can trigger heart, stomach, or musculoskeletal disease. Often, unpleasant sensations appear against the background of neurological disorders. If any suspicious signs appear, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

90,000 Pain in the region of the heart. Pay attention

Pain in the area of ​​the heart is one of the most common reasons people seek emergency help.So, every year, several million people seek emergency medical help with this symptom.

Heart pain is not always heart pain. It is often not associated with heart problems. However, if you are experiencing chest pain and do not know about the state of your cardiovascular system, the problem can be serious and it is worth taking the time to find out the cause of the pain.

The reasons

Pain in the region of the heart can be very different.It cannot always be described. The pain can be felt as a slight burning sensation or as a violent blow. Since you cannot always determine the cause of the pain yourself, there is no need to waste time on self-medication, especially if you belong to the so-called “risk group” of heart disease.

Pain in the area of ​​the heart has many causes, including those requiring close attention. The causes of pain can be divided into 2 large categories – “cardiac” and “non-cardiac”.

“Heart” reasons

(Infarction, a blood clot that blocks the movement of blood in the arteries of the heart, can cause pressing, constricting chest pains that last more than a few minutes.Pain can radiate (radiate) to the back, neck, lower jaw, shoulders and arms (especially to the left). Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, cold sweats, and nausea.

(Angina pectoris Over the years, fatty plaques can form in the arteries of your heart, restricting blood flow to the heart muscle, especially during exercise. It is the restriction of blood flow to the heart arteries that causes attacks of chest pain – angina pectoris. Angina pectoris is often described by people as a feeling of pressure or constriction in the chest.It usually occurs during exercise or stress. The pain usually lasts about a minute and stops at rest.

Other cardiac causes. Other causes that can present with chest pain include inflammation of the heart girdle (pericarditis), most often due to a viral infection. Pericarditis pain is most often acute, stabbing. Fever and malaise may also occur. Less commonly, the cause of pain may be a dissection of the aorta, the main artery in your body.The inner layer of this artery can be detached under the pressure of the blood and the result is sharp, sudden and severe chest pain. Aortic dissection can result from chest trauma or a complication of uncontrolled hypertension.

“Non-heart” reasons

Heartburn. Acidic stomach acid from the stomach into the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach) can cause heartburn, an excruciating burning sensation in the chest.It is often combined with a sour taste and belching. Chest pain with heartburn is usually food-related and can last for hours. This symptom most often occurs when bending over or lying down. Eases heartburn by taking antacids.

Panic attacks. If you are experiencing bouts of unreasonable fear, combined with chest pain, rapid heartbeat, hyperventilation (rapid breathing) and profuse sweating, you may suffer from “panic attacks” – a kind of dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system.Pleurisy. Acute, limited chest pain that worsens with inhalation or coughing may be a sign of pleurisy. The pain is caused by inflammation of the membrane that lines the inside of the chest cavity and covers the lungs. Pleurisy can occur with various diseases, but most often with pneumonia.

Tietze’s syndrome. Under certain conditions, the cartilaginous parts of the ribs, especially the cartilage that attach to the sternum, can become inflamed. The pain in this disease can occur suddenly and be quite intense, mimicking an attack of angina pectoris.However, the location of pain may vary. In Tietze syndrome, pain may worsen when pressing on the sternum or ribs near the sternum. Pain in angina pectoris and myocardial infarction does not depend on this.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine leads to the so-called vertebral cardialgia, which resembles angina pectoris. In this condition, there is intense and prolonged pain behind the sternum, in the left half of the chest. Irradiation to the arms, interscapular region may be noted.The pain increases or decreases with changes in body position, head turns, arm movements. The diagnosis can be confirmed with an MRI scan of the spine.

Pulmonary embolism. This type of embolism develops when a blood clot enters the pulmonary artery, blocking blood flow to the heart. Symptoms of this life-threatening condition may include sudden, sharp chest pain that occurs or worsens with deep breathing or coughing. Other symptoms are shortness of breath, palpitations, anxiety, loss of consciousness.

Other lung diseases. Pneumothorax (collapsed lung), high pressure in the vessels supplying the lungs (pulmonary hypertension), and severe bronchial asthma can also present with chest pain. Muscle diseases. Pain caused by muscle diseases, as a rule, begins to bother when turning the body or raising the arms. Chronic pain syndrome such as fibromyalgia. May cause persistent chest pain.

Rib injury and nerve entrapment.Bruises and fractures of the ribs, as well as entrapment of the nerve roots, can cause pain, sometimes very severe. With intercostal neuralgia, pain is localized along the intercostal spaces and increases with palpation.

Diseases of the esophagus. Certain diseases of the esophagus can cause impaired swallowing and therefore chest discomfort. Esophageal spasm can cause chest pain. In patients with this disorder, the muscles that normally propel food through the esophagus do not work in a coordinated manner.Because esophageal spasm can resolve after taking nitroglycerin – just like angina pectoris – diagnostic errors often occur. Another swallowing disorder known as achalasia can also cause chest pain. In this case, the valve in the lower third of the esophagus does not open properly and does not allow food to enter the stomach. It stays in the esophagus, causing discomfort, pain, and heartburn.

Shingles. This infection, caused by the herpes virus and affecting the nerve endings, can cause severe chest pain.Pain can be localized in the left side of the chest or be shingles in nature. This disease can leave behind a complication – postherpetic neuralgia – the cause of prolonged pain and increased skin sensitivity.

Diseases of the gallbladder and pancreas. Gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) and pancreas (pancreatitis) can cause pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to the heart. Since chest pain can result from many different causes, do not self-diagnose or self-medicate or ignore severe and prolonged pain.The cause of your pain may not be so serious – but in order to establish it, you need to contact a specialist.

When should you see a doctor?

If you experience acute, unexplained, and prolonged chest pain, possibly in combination with other symptoms (such as shortness of breath) or pain that radiates to one or both arms. Under the scapula, an urgent need to see a doctor. Perhaps it will save your life or calm you down if no serious health problems are found.

Diagnostics

Pain in the region of the heart does not always signal heart disease. Methods that can help determine the cause of pain include: (Electrocardiography (ECG)) This method helps the doctor diagnose heart disease. It records the electrical activity of the heart through electrodes placed on the skin. Cardiac impulses are recorded as “teeth”. Since the damaged heart muscle cannot conduct electrical impulses normally, the ECG may indicate that the patient has heart disease.

Blood tests. Your doctor may order tests to check for elevated levels of certain enzymes. Damage to heart cells in myocardial infarction leads to the release of these enzymes and their entry into the bloodstream. Myocardial scintigraphy. This method helps doctors determine the “heart cause” of pain, for example. Narrowing of the coronary arteries. A small amount of a radioactive substance (such as thallium) is injected into the bloodstream. Special cameras capture the radioactive material and track its passage through the heart and lungs.

(Angiography) This test helps you see the arteries of the heart and the obstructions in them. Liquid contrast medium is injected into the arteries of the heart through a special catheter – a long, hollow tube that is passed to the heart through an artery (usually the femoral artery). With the help of X-rays, the arteries become visible. (Echocardiography (ECHO KG)) This method uses ultrasound waves to produce an image of a beating heart.

Electron beam tomography (CRT).This unique method allows detecting the early stages of coronary heart disease by detecting microcalcifications in the wall of the coronary arteries, even before the onset of symptoms.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine will help determine the cause of chest pain if it is caused by a pinched nerve root or herniated discs.

* Site materials used www.corallcenter.ru

Pain in the right chest

No matter how they call the physical pain of a person: both the “watchdog of health” and “the border guard at the outpost between the human body and the external environment” … That’s right, because the human body reacts to any injury or illness with pain sensations of different localization, intensity and duration.And the main task is to establish the cause of the pain. Let’s see what pain receptors signal when we feel pain in the right chest .

Let us clarify right away that “chest” is a concept that varies widely in everyday life. If we adhere to the concepts of human anatomy, then this is one of the parts of the body, formed by the sternum, ribs, spine and muscles, that is, the chest (in Latin – compages thoracis). The chest cavity contains the chest cavity and the upper part of the abdominal cavity.All this – both inside and outside – is surrounded by muscles.

We also call the front wall of the chest cavity a breast, and in women – the mammary glands located on it (in Latin – mamma). By the way, men also have mammary glands, but they – as completely unnecessary – remain in an underdeveloped state and do not perform any functions.

We will look at pain in the right chest in all variations of the term “chest.”

Why does the right chest hurt

Given that there are certain organs in the right side of the human chest, the etiology of painful sensations of this localization is most often associated with them.

Pain in the right chest with a deep breath gives doctors every reason to believe that a person has such a very common disease as right-sided pneumonia. Right-sided pneumonia is more common than left-sided pneumonia, because the right bronchus is shorter and wider than the left, which contributes to its infection. At the same time, as doctors note, cases of erased right-sided pneumonia – when it proceeds with practically no symptoms – have recently become more frequent.

If pain in the right chest during inhalation is accompanied by a cough with serous-purulent sputum, then this may be a sign of any other disease of the lungs and bronchi: bronchitis, pleurisy, tuberculosis, lung cancer.

Pain in the right chest can be of muscle or bone etiology. So, muscle pain on the right side of the chest is often associated with the so-called myofascial pain syndrome – a spasm of tense muscles, in which there are painful seals next to the nerve fibers of muscle tissue.This syndrome is typical for athletes and people associated with constant heavy physical exertion.

There will be severe pain in the right chest (on the right side of the sternum) and with intercostal neuralgia. In this pathology, the pain receptors of the peripheral intercostal nerves react to hypothermia, inflammatory foci, heavy lifting, severe stress, sudden movements or prolonged uncomfortable posture. Acute pain in the right chest – along the ribs – spreads to the sternum and intensifies with any movement and even with breathing.

Dull pain in the right chest (on the right side of the anterior, lateral and posterior walls of the chest) is characteristic of spondylosis of the cervical and thoracic spine, in which, due to the growth of bone tissue, the vertebrae are deformed. Pathological spine-like growths on the vertebrae (osteophytes) narrow the spinal canal and squeeze nerve endings. This leads to a dull, aching pain in the corresponding part of the spine, which radiates in all the walls of the chest.Also, the cause of pain in the right chest – by the type of intercostal neuralgia – may be thoracic osteochondrosis, which is often confused with pneumonia.

Pain under the right breast and in the upper right abdomen can be caused by acute and chronic diseases of the gallbladder and liver: cholecystitis, gallstone disease, pancreatitis or hepatitis.

Pain in the right chest in women

Pain in the right breast in women with a normal menstrual cycle is a consequence of natural hormonal changes that occur in the female body every month.Such pains are called mastodynia and, in the absence of pathology, are not strong: minor painful sensations cause touching the mammary gland.

However, increased pain in the right breast may be a sign of fibrocystic changes in breast tissue – mastopathy (diffuse and nodular). With diffuse mastopathy, swelling of the right (or left) breast occurs, tissue compaction, pain and discharge from the nipple appear. Then the disease passes into the second stage – nodular mastopathy.In this case, the pain in the right chest increases and becomes almost constant, and the size of the cystic formations increases.

Pain in the right breast (in some areas of the breast) with a change in its shape, reddening of the skin, nipple retraction and bloody discharge are signs of breast cancer.

How does pain in the right chest manifest

Acute pain in the right chest – with shortness of breath and attacks of suffocation – may well be a pulmonary embolism, in which there is a blockage of the lumens of the blood vessels of the lungs with a thrombus (dense blood clot).In this case, the pain occurs suddenly, it becomes difficult to breathe, a dry cough begins, the person sweats a lot and may lose consciousness.

Sharp pain in the right chest (in the chest) after physical exertion, coughing or for no apparent reason, which radiates to the neck and shoulder and intensifies with breathing and movements, may indicate the presence of air in the pleural cavity between the chest wall and the lung – pneumothorax.

If the burning pain in the right chest (in the chest on the right) is aggravated by shortness of breath and a wet cough (with purulent sputum), then, most likely, the patient has bronchitis of the second or third stage or inflammation of the lower lobe of the right lung.

Aching pain in the right chest, involving the axillary region and at times turning into a stabbing pain in the right chest in the absence of seals in the tissues indicates neuralgia.

Constant pulling pain in the right breast in women (that is, in the mammary gland) is most often associated with mastopathy.

Diagnosis of pain in the right chest

Since pain in the right chest occurs in a wide variety of diseases and can be accompanied by many other symptoms, diagnosis is carried out not only on the basis of examination of the patient and anamnesis.As a rule, patients with complaints of this nature undergo an x-ray examination.

So, a chest X-ray makes it possible to identify right-sided pneumonia and to begin its treatment in a timely manner. With pneumonia, the patient also takes a laboratory test of blood and sputum.

Diagnosis of right chest pain in pulmonary embolism is performed using computed tomographic angiography (CT angiography) and electrocardiogram (ECG).X-rays and ultrasounds can help detect pneumothorax.

And the diagnosis of pain in the right breast (mammary gland) in women is carried out on the basis of a complete examination, which includes an ultrasound of the mammary gland, mammography, blood tests for hormones and tumor markers. In addition, with nodular mastopathy, as well as suspicion of benign or malignant breast tumors, it may be necessary to take a tissue sample – a biopsy.

Treatment of pain in the right chest

“It is not worth treating the effect without healing the cause” is the basic principle of the treatment of all pain syndromes.

Pain in the right chest is treated only after a doctor has established an accurate diagnosis. Therapy for pneumonia is aimed at eliminating the focus of inflammation, so doctors prescribe a course of antibiotics. And to relieve cough, expectorant drugs are used.

In the treatment of pain in the right chest associated with intercostal neuralgia, myofascial pain syndrome, spondylosis of the cervical and thoracic spine and thoracic osteochondrosis, specialists use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, oral analgesics and local anesthetic ointments and gels various physiotherapy procedures.

Treatment of pain under the right breast and in the right upper part of the abdominal cavity with cholecystitis, gallstone disease, pancreatitis or hepatitis will be aimed at eliminating pathological processes in the corresponding organs, and, as you yourself understand, self-medication is not a place here.

After consulting a mammologist who will find out the cause of chest pain, women receive detailed recommendations on how to treat the disease. In most cases, the treatment of pain in the right breast in women – with negative histological tests for oncology – is conservative.Prescribed to take diuretics, homeopathic remedies, vitamins, and, if necessary, hormone therapy.

Prevention of pain in the right chest

The pain in the right chest that a person feels is a manifestation of many different diseases that arise for different reasons. Is it possible to insure that we never, anywhere and nothing hurts?

First of all, you need to treat your existing diseases and take care of your health, because “whoever expects to ensure his health, being in laziness, acts as stupid as a person who thinks to improve his voice with silence.”This was said by the ancient Greek philosopher Plutarch.

In Medieval Italy, in the city of Salerno, near Naples, there was a medical school, and in the XIV century the “Salerno Code of Health” was written here, which begins like this:

If you want to restore health and not be aware of diseases, Drive away the burden of worries and consider it unworthy to be angry, Have a modest dinner, forget about wines, do not consider it useless To stay awake after eating, avoiding midday sleep.

Do not hold urine for a long time, do not force a chair; If you follow this, you will live a long time in the world.If there are not enough doctors, let three be your doctors: Cheerful character, peace and moderation in food …

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90,000 Why there can be chest pain

Pain in the chest. The first thing that comes to mind is a heart attack. Of course, chest pain cannot be ignored. But it should be remembered that this symptom does not always threaten health.

Pain in the chest. The first thing that comes to mind is a heart attack.Of course, chest pain cannot be ignored. But it should be understood that this symptom has many causes and does not always threaten health.

Chest pain is caused by diseases of the lungs, esophagus, muscle spasm, broken ribs, or nerve damage. Some of these diseases can be life threatening, some are not harmful to health and go away on their own. If you feel chest pain and you don’t know what caused it (you didn’t fall, you didn’t be hit in the chest), the only way to find out the cause is to ask your doctor.

You can feel chest pain anywhere from the lower neck to the apex of the abdomen. Chest pains (thoracalgia) are:

• acute;
• blunt;
• stinging;
• whining;
• stabbing;
• pressing.

Below are some of the most common causes of thoracalgia.

Causes of chest pain: heart problems

Although the symptom is not always associated with the heart, it is the heart that most often causes chest pain.

Ischemic heart disease (IHD). It is accompanied by blockage of the arteries that feed the heart. Less blood is supplied to the heart muscle – hypoxia and myocardial ischemia occur. This causes burning and pressing pain, which is medically called angina pectoris. Angina pectoris is a reversible circulatory disorder of the heart, not accompanied by the death of the myocardium. But this is the first signal that a heart attack is possible in the future.

Cardialgia (heart pain) with an attack of angina pectoris extends to the left scapula, shoulder, hand, jaw and back.Sudden cardialgia occurs during or after physical activity, sex, excitement, excitement, experiences of fear. The symptom goes away with rest.

Myocardial infarction. These are irreversible disorders of the heart muscle due to the arrest of blood circulation in the coronary arteries. Myocardial cells die off, and a scar forms in their place after 1-2 weeks. With a heart attack, pain in the region of the heart is more pronounced and acute than with angina pectoris. Thoracalgia is localized to the left or center of the chest and does not go away with calmness.A heart attack is accompanied by fear of death, sweating, nausea, weakness, and disorientation.

This is a medical emergency that requires medical attention. The first sign of a heart attack is burning, pressing, or constricting chest pain that spreads to the left shoulder blade, shoulder, arm, and back. Unlike angina pectoris, thoracalgia in myocardial infarction lasts longer than 15 minutes and is not eliminated by nitroglycerin. If you find these symptoms, call an ambulance.

Myocarditis.This is inflammation of the heart muscle. In addition to chest pain, myocarditis is accompanied by fever, exhaustion, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath. With myocardial inflammation, the coronary arteries are not clogged and the heart is well supplied with blood, but chest pain with myocarditis can resemble a heart attack.

Pericarditis. This is an inflammation of the heart sac, which protects the organ from mechanical damage and displacement. The disease provokes thoracalgia, which resembles an attack of angina pectoris.However, pericarditis has features:

• pain occurs along the neck and shoulder muscles;
• Pains may be sharp or aching;
• Chest discomfort worse at inspiratory height, while eating or lying on your back.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It is a hereditary disease that causes excessive thickening of the heart muscle. Sometimes cardiomyopathy interferes with cardiac blood flow, but more often it provokes thoracalgia and shortness of breath with exertion. When the heart muscle expands to its limit, heart failure occurs.The heart needs more oxygen and energy to push blood into the aorta and pump it around the systemic circulation. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, in addition to thoracalgia, is accompanied by dizziness, fainting, and fatigue.

Mitral valve prolapse. Pathology is accompanied by the fact that the heart valve cannot close properly: when the muscles of the heart contract, it protrudes into the left atrium and part of the blood rushes back into the atrium.

Mitral valve prolapse presents with chest pain, rapid heartbeat, and dizziness.Prolapse does not appear at the initial stage of development.

Coronary artery dissection. This is a deadly disease in which a dissection occurs in the coronary artery – a tear in the vessel wall followed by hemorrhage and myocardial infarction. The dissection causes severe and severe thoracalgia that spreads to the back, abdomen, and neck.

Causes of chest pain: lung problems

Lung diseases can cause chest pain. These are the reasons related to the pulmonary system.

Pleurisy. This is an inflammation of the pleura that covers the lungs and separates them from the chest. With pleurisy, thoracalgia occurs during a deep breath, sneezing, or coughing. The disease usually develops due to a bacterial or viral infection, pulmonary embolism, or pneumothorax. Less common causes are lung cancer, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Pneumonia or lung abscess. Diseases cause pleurisy, thoracalgia and deep chest pain. Pneumonia develops quickly and suddenly: the body temperature rises, chills and cough with purulent discharge occur.

Pulmonary embolism. A migratory blood clot can enter the lungs. This causes severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, and heart palpitations. The condition is accompanied by fever and disorientation. The likelihood of pulmonary embolism increases in patients who:

• previously suffered from deep vein thrombosis;
• transferred the operation;
• have or have had cancer.

Pneumothorax. This is a pathology in which air accumulates in the pleural cavity.It most often occurs with severe injury to the ribs, sternum or spine with internal damage to the lungs, from which air enters the chest cavity. Pneumothorax is accompanied by chest pain at inspiratory height, low blood pressure, shortness of breath, and bouts of dry cough.

Pulmonary hypertension. The pathology is characterized by high pressure in the pulmonary arteries. This increases resistance – the right heart has to work hard to push the blood out. Pulmonary hypertension causes thoracalgia, which is similar in nature to an attack of angina pectoris.

Bronchial asthma. An acute attack of bronchospasm (narrowing of the bronchi) is accompanied by difficulty breathing, wheezing with a whistling, wet cough, and chest pain.

Causes of chest pain: gastrointestinal diseases

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The disease appears due to a defect in the esophageal sphincter, as a result of which food and hydrochloric acid from the stomach enters the esophagus. Acid reflux causes heartburn in the chest, sour belching and a sour taste in the mouth.The disease is triggered by obesity, smoking, spicy foods and a sedentary lifestyle. Chest pain occurs because the esophagus is close to the heart – irritation is transmitted to the organs of the chest through the nervous system

Hypersensitive reflux syndrome (hypersensitive esophagus). Pathology is accompanied by increased sensitivity to chemicals and mechanical movement of food. The processing of nerve signals is impaired: sensitivity increases with the slightest pressure or contact with food, up to the occurrence of chest pains.

Dyskinesia of the esophagus. The disease is characterized by impaired esophageal motility. In this case, food moves to the stomach more slowly, and the pressure rises in the esophagus itself. This leads to chest pain.

Perforation of the esophagus. It is characterized by sudden sharp pain behind the sternum, which usually appears after vomiting or ingestion of a large amount of food. May rupture the esophagus.

Peptic ulcers. These are defects in the mucous membrane of the stomach or duodenum.They are provoked by alcohol, spicy and fatty foods, psychoemotional stresses and large doses of pain medications (ibuprofen, aspirin, analgin, diclofenac). Pain from peptic ulcers is transmitted from the stomach and intestines to the chest.

Hernia of the esophagus. This is a pathological prolapse of a part of the stomach into the lumen of the esophageal tube. In most cases, it goes without manifestations, but occasionally causes reflux symptoms, heartburn and sternum pain, which becomes worse if you lie on your back.

Pancreatitis. Inflammation of the pancreas causes pain in the upper and middle abdomen that spreads to the chest. The pain increases if you lie on your back or lean forward, with vomiting and physical exertion.

Pathology of the gallbladder. After eating fatty foods, do you feel heaviness in the right hypochondrium and lower abdomen? If so, chest pain may be due to gallbladder disease. If you have any of the above symptoms, you should consult a gastroenterologist.

Causes of chest pain: problems with bones, muscles or nerves

Thoracalgia occurs due to damage to the chest as a result of trauma, shock and overuse of muscles.

Rib problems. A fractured rib can cause severe thoracalgia that worsens with inhalation, coughing, and sneezing. Pain is often confined to one area and worsens when pressed. The fracture can cause arthritis in the joint between the rib and sternum. This will cause pain.

Muscle spasm. The muscles can become inflamed or damaged, and the ligaments can stretch. This reflexively contracts the muscles of the chest, and a strong and prolonged muscle contraction causes pain.

Shingles. It occurs when the body becomes infected with the herpes zoster virus. The disease causes acute thoracalgia that runs along the affected nerve. The appearance of a rash a few days after the onset of pain confirms the diagnosis of shingles.

Other Potential Causes of Chest Pain

Discomfort and thoracalgia can be caused by increased anxiety, fear, or panic attack.Additional symptoms: dizziness, sweating, disorientation, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, hand tremors, tingling and numbness in certain parts of the body.

When to see a doctor for chest pain

Call an ambulance at 103 if the chest pain is:

• burning, sharp and pressing, lasts longer than 15 minutes and is not relieved by taking a nitroglycerin tablet;
• applies to the jaw, left limb, back or left shoulder blade;
• appears suddenly and causes breathing difficulties;
• Causes confusion and increased sweating;
• is accompanied by a rapid drop in blood pressure;
• is accompanied by a slowdown in the heart rate;
• occurs with fever, cough with green mucus, impaired swallowing.

If you are unsure of the origin of chest pain that lasts longer than 2 weeks and does not go away after dietary changes, pain relievers and moderate physical activity, see your doctor for advice.

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Thoracalgia (chest pain). Causes and manifestations in St. Petersburg