Definition
Chest pain is discomfort or pain that you feel anywhere
along the front of your body between your neck and upper
abdomen.
Considerations
Many people with chest pain fear a heart attack. However,
there are many possible causes of chest pain. Some causes
are mildly inconvenient, while other causes are serious,
even life-threatening. Any organ or tissue in your chest
can be the source of pain, including your heart, lungs,
esophagus, muscles, ribs, tendons, or nerves.
Angina is a type of heart-related chest pain. This pain
occurs because your heart is not getting enough blood
and oxygen. Angina pain can be similar to the pain of
a heart attack.
Angina is called stable angina when your chest pain begins
at a predictable level of activity. (For example, when
you walk up a steep hill.) However, if your chest pain
happens unexpectedly after light activity or occurs at
rest, this is called unstable angina. This is a more dangerous
form of angina and you need to be seen in an emergency
room right away.
Common Causes
Other causes of chest pain include:
- Asthma, which is generally accompanied by shortness
of breath, wheezing, or cough.
- Pneumonia, a blood clot to the lung (pulmonary
embolism), the collapse of a small area of a lung (pneumothorax),
or inflammation of the lining around the lung (pleurisy).
In these cases, the chest pain often worsens when you
take a deep breath or cough and usually feels sharp.
- Strain or inflammation of the muscles and tendons
between the ribs.
- Anxiety and rapid breathing.
Chest pain can also be related to problems with your digestive
system. These include stomach ulcer, gallbladder disease,
gallstones, indigestion, heartburn, or gastroesophageal
reflux (when acid from your stomach backs up into your
esophagus).
Ulcer pain burns if your stomach is empty and feels better
with food. Gallbladder pain often gets worse after a meal,
especially a fatty meal.
In children, most chest pain is not caused by the heart.
Click here for more information on Respiratory/Chest consultants at London Bridge Hospital
|
|
