Chest pain is never something to be taken lightly since it can be a serious problem. Consulting with a doctor as soon as possible is the right response. There are a variety of potential explanations, but it is critical that you get a professional diagnosis from a physician since the pain in your chest can be life threatening.
While many people immediately associate chest pain with a heart attack or some other heart issue, WebMD reports that one-fourth of people who report chest pains have it with no connection to the heart. Chest pain can be something as mild as heartburn or your body’s response to stress. On other occasions, it can be a much more serious problem like lung cancer or pneumonia.
Pain can radiate from your upper abdomen all the way up to your neck. Sufferers report different types of pain which indicates different health concerns. Words used to describe chest pains are sharp, crushing, burning and aching. It is important to remember that mere seconds can mean the difference between life and death in heart attack cases, so call 9-1-1 if you start having chest pain. It is better to never take any chances by guessing about the probable cause of chest pain, unless you have a common problem that you recognize like heartburn or have consulted with a doctor about the pain and recognize it.
Below are 10 health conditions that cause pain in the chest.
1. Acute Coronary Syndrome
When people think of a heart attack or hear the term unstable angina, these serious conditions are considered to be acute coronary syndromes. Symptoms of this syndrome are chest pains that is often described as pressure or a feeling of fullness. Discomfort or feelings of pain in the jaw, stomach, back, neck or arms may also signal this serious health condition that requires immediate treatment.
Other acute coronary syndrome symptoms are sweating, dizziness or feeling lightheaded, nausea and shortness of breath. Too many people blame these symptoms on other things and make the mistake of not taking it seriously.
If it is a heart attack, the pain comes on suddenly. Unstable angina pain is more unpredictable and can worsen over time, even after periods of rest and relaxation. In cases where a blot clot forms, it is often as the result of years of plague buildup.
A diagnosis can be made from a blood test which will show if the cells in the heart are dying. The other test that is widely used is an electrocardiogram (EKG). This test measures the electrical activity in the heart.
Treatment for acute coronary syndrome includes medicine and a medical procedure known as angioplasty where a small balloon is inserted to open up the blocked artery. Drugs can also be prescribed to dissolve blood clots.
2. Stress
Stress is another culprit that can be blamed for pain in the chest. Medical News Today reported that more than 20,000 patients in 2006 sought medical care due to complaints of chest pain that could not be tied to a medical condition. Unexplained chest pains are very common.
A thesis referenced in the article, Stress Can Be the Cause of Unexplained Chest Pain and published in Medical News Today points out common factors for patients complaining of pain in their chest with no obvious cause. Work stress, depression, lack of exercise and anxiety were reported. In terms of differences between men and women who experienced unexplained pain in their chest, the men in this group often report having stress on the job and in general. Comparatively, women in this group said they suffered from anxiety and depression.
3. Pulmonary Embolism
This life-threatening condition is defined as a blockage in the lungs, specifically a patient’s pulmonary arteries. The reason this condition is so serious is because it blocks the blood from flowing to the lungs. In many cases, blood clots form in the legs and then travel to the lungs. The good news is that fast treatment can save a patient’s life.
Symptoms associated with a pulmonary embolism are chest pain, a cough and shortness of breath. Other symptoms to watch for are a fever, clammy skin, irregular heartbeat, leg pain and swelling, and dizziness. Due to the possible seriousness of this condition, a patient should get immediate medical help if they experience shortness of breath or chest pain.
4. Pneumonia
Another common health condition that causes chest pain is pneumonia. Mayo Clinic defines this condition as an infection that causes the lung’s air sacs with fluid or pus. Bacteria or viruses can be blamed as the cause. Fungi can also be at the root of this serious condition.
Symptoms of pneumonia are a cough, shortness of breath, fever, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, mental confusion, chest pain associated with breathing or coughing, and fatigue. The symptoms can be on the mild side or must worse and are dependent on what caused the infection and the general health and age of the person. Elderly adults, babies and people with a compromised immune system are at higher risk.
5. Asthma
While asthma symptoms can vary by individual, they can include: chest pain or a feeling of tightness in the chest, trouble breathing, wheezing, coughing spells and problems sleeping. This condition is often triggered by pollen, mold, dust or other substances. Cold air and physical activity can also set off an asthma attack. Additionally, stress and some food additives can also cause this condition.
Preventive measures are recommended to manage this chronic condition. The most obvious way to keep an asthma attack at bay is to avoid all triggers. When preventive action fails, then it is crucial to treat symptoms as soon as possible to keep them from getting worse. Taking prescribed medication on time and at the correct dosage is key for best results.
6. Lung Cancer
As the leading cause of cancer deaths, lung cancer is a serious condition. It is usually connected with smoking. Lung cancer is categorized as either small cell or non-small cell. Unfortunately, treatment results are not as promising as they are for many other types of cancer. For this reason, prevention is the best way to avoid this harsh diagnosis.
Symptoms of lung cancer are chest pain, wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing and in some cases coughing up blood. According to MedicineNet.com, about 70 percent of lung cancer diagnoses are in people over 65 years of age. Comparatively, only three percent of lung cancer cases are found in younger people under 45 years old.
7. Panic Disorder
The causes of panic disorder are still being researched with no definitive answers. Heredity and stressful life situations are believed to play a role in the onset of a panic attack. Mental symptoms are feelings of intense fear that are accompanied by physical symptoms similar to a heart attack, such as chest pain, dizziness, trouble breathing and heart palpitations.
Currently, medication and psychotherapy are the two treatments that are used to prevent a panic attack. Therapy has shown excellent results. According to Mental Health America, 70 to 90 percent of people with this disorder who are treated stop having panic attacks or have far fewer incidences.
8. Heartburn
This common condition generates a burning feeling in your chest that can be quite painful. Typically, heartburn occurs after eating a meal and is believed to be related to the consumption of certain types of food. The good news is that it can be easily treated or prevented by avoiding certain foods. In most cases, you can buy over-the-counter medicine for instant relief from the pain.
Symptoms are stomach pain or a burning sensation in the upper abdomen or chest. Difficulty swallowing, a long-term sore throat, hoarseness, and chronic coughing are associated with heartburn.
9. Musculoskeletal Chest Pain
Musculoskeletal chest pain is pain related to ligaments, tendons, muscles and bones. The causes are many. Damage to muscle tissue can be attributed to daily activities or as the result of trauma to that area. Car accidents and falls that traumatize the chest can also occur. Lifting weights is a common way to pull a muscle causing chest pain. Common symptoms reported are a burning sensation or pain.
There are a variety of treatments used to ease the pain. Physical therapy, acupuncture, strengthening exercises, and relaxation techniques can be used to ease the pain. In some cases, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories are recommended for pain relief.
10. Pleuritis
This is an inflammatory condition with many causes. When the tissue lining the lungs or the chest wall become inflamed, then the diagnosis is pleuritis or pleurisy. Symptoms of pleuritis are cheat pain, trouble breathing and localized aches that are tender to the touch sometimes described as a stabbing pain that can affect the front or back of the body.
A number of conditions are blamed for causing pleuritis. According to MedicineNet.com, cancer, congestive heart failure, infections, tuberculosis, and pulmonary embolism can trigger the onset o this condition. Pain medication can reduce the pain. For a long-term cure, the associated disease must be treated for relief.
