Experiencing chest pain is scary. Chest pain should not be ignored. Maybe it’s a warning sign to worry regarding the worst. Chest pain is quite common, but it should not be overlooked.
JAMA Internal Medicine 2016 StudyAccording to , chest pain without trauma is the second most frequent cause of emergency room visits in adults.
As someone who has suffered from chest pain for years with several causes, such as anxiety, asthma, and costochondritis, I know what that fear is like. I contacted a cardiologist to get an opinion on chest pain.
When chest pain can be a heart problem
Observe when pain occurs.
Cardiologist at Medstar Montgomery Medical Center in Olney, Maryland Estelle Jean “Heart-related chest discomfort usually manifests itself as chest discomfort that gets worse with exercise,” said Dr. It is described as bitter,” he said. He added that pain usually develops gradually, both onset and offset.
If chest pain is secondary to blockage of a heart artery, other signs may also appear. Cardiologist, Director of Medicine, New York University Rangone Health Manhattan Campus Adriana Quinones – Camacho For example, the doctor said the pain “can radiate to the left arm, shoulder or jaw and can be associated with other symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, nausea and vomiting.”
Jean and Dr. Quinones-Camacho agree that rest is important, along with consulting a doctor. “All chest pain symptoms should be taken very seriously and fully evaluated by health care providers,” said Quinones-Camacho.
What are the causes of chest pain, What can be done to relieve chest pain?
Let’s take a look at the common forms of chest pain that are not related to the heart. “It can usually be described as a deep breath or cough, localized pain with one finger, more severe with movement or palpation, and transient pain lasting less than a few seconds,” said Dr.
Many factors can cause chest pain, but the common symptoms that experts see include:
acid reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a disease in which stomach acid or contents from the stomach reflux into the esophagus. You may experience heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and coughing following eating. Jin suggested that GERD be treated with antacids such as Tums or Rolaids.
asthma
Asthma is a disease that narrows the airways and produces mucus. Symptoms include wheezing while exhaling, shortness of breath, and coughing. If you have asthma but aren’t on an inhaler yet, talk to your doctor regarding getting an inhaler. (If you run out of your current inhaler, be sure to get a new one.)
unrest
Like many mental illnesses, anxiety can cause physical problems, such as chest pain. People with generalized anxiety disorder can overthink, grapple with uncertainty, and have a hard time relaxing or concentrating. Dr. Jin said that both psychotherapy and anti-anxiety medications can help.
“How to reduce stress include meditation, yoga, at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night, eating a heart-healthy diet and exercising regularly.” The heart-healthy foods that cardiologists eat are fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains.
excessive muscle tension
Not warming up before exercising, experiencing a contact injury, lifting objects while twisting, or causing muscle fatigue can all cause muscle tension.
Watch out for bruises, pain while breathing, swelling, and difficulty moving. If you experience fainting, dizziness, vomiting, fever, drowsiness, or shortness of breath, you should go to the emergency room immediately. Otherwise, Quinones-Camacho said the problem would be resolved on its own.
Other potential causes of chest pain include chest wall problems, stomach ulcers, pulmonary embolism, and pneumonia. It’s important to get your doctor’s opinion on your specific case.
It’s important to remember that chest pain can be life-threatening, even if it’s not noticeable at first. It is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
* HuffPost US version Translated and edited the article.
