5 conditions that cause chest pain

As a rule, when we feel pain in the chest, we first of all sin on our "flaming motor"; and grab heart medications. However, a similar symptom occurs in other diseases. Some of them do not pose a serious threat to health, while others require prompt treatment. In any case, it is worth consulting with a specialist, since this is exactly the case when it is better to play it safe than miss a serious illness. Esthet-portal.com. talk about what chest pain can be a sign of and how to recognize a serious health problem.

Cost chondritis, or Tietze's syndrome

This is inflammation at the cartilaginous junction of the ribs with the sternum. In adolescents, up to 30% of cases of chest pain are associated with this disease! Among adults, costal chondritis attacks women more often. The disease often occurs against the background of physical overload, acute respiratory viral infections, minor injuries.

Symptomatic:

• pain appears abruptly, increases with movement, coughing, deep breathing, decreases at rest;
• localization of painful sensations – in the anterior part of the chest in the region of the 4th, 5th and 6th ribs;
• pain may radiate to the arm or left side of the chest.

But the main symptom that allows you to exclude a heart attack is chest pain, which increases with pressure, palpation of the chest.

In case of costal chondritis, limitation of physical activity, rest and, of course, consultation of a specialist who, if necessary, will prescribe physiotherapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

If you have chest pain, a doctor's consultation is mandatory, as you need to check if the patient has heart problems and pneumonia.

Panic attack

Panic attack is often confused with a heart attack due to tachycardia and pain radiating to the left side of the chest. But the vegetative manifestations of panic attacks occur due to dysfunctions of the nervous system.

Symptoms:

• increased blood pressure;
• muscle trembling;
• hot flashes, excessive sweating;
• difficulty breathing;
• nausea, urge to vomit, pain in the abdomen;
• numbness of limbs;
• dizziness, faintness.

The main symptom of a panic attack – an attack of obsessive fear, anxiety at the level of a phobia.

One of the main causes of panic attacks – stress. Treatment – psychotherapy, medication (tranquilizers, antidepressants, B vitamins).

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas is accompanied by constant intense pain in the upper abdomen, which can radiate to the chest.

Other symptoms:

• vomit
• dizziness;
• weakness;
• bloating, stool disorder.

Different from symptoms of a heart attack: girdle pain increases when lying on your back, and weakens when you sit down and lean forward a little.

Pancreatitis – The disease is serious and can even result in death. The main causes of – alcohol abuse and gallstone disease. Acute pancreatitis is treated only in a hospital. In chronic pancreatitis, it is important to constantly follow a diet.

Pericarditis

This is an inflammation of the pericardial sac, which is expressed as a sharp, piercing pain in the chest.

Other symptoms:

• weakness;
• cough;
• increasing pain behind the sternum with inhalation;
• shortness of breath;
• heartbeat;
• general malaise.

The main symptom that distinguishes pericarditis from a heart attack is chest pain that lasts from several hours to several days, increases gradually, increases with swallowing, deep breaths, changing body position.

The cause of the occurrence may be past viral infections, rheumatism, tuberculosis. The treatment of pericarditis depends on its form, from bed rest to surgery.

Shingles

In shingles, pain occurs along the course of the nerve, often (in 50% of cases) – intercostal, and this pain in the chest can be confused with a heart. Rashes appear only after 1-3 days.

Other symptoms:

• temperature increase;
• headache;
• nausea, vomiting.

The main symptom that distinguishes shingles from a heart attack:  high temperature.

Everyone who has had chickenpox may one day experience shingles due to weakened immunity due to hypothermia, stress, infection, trauma. It is treated with antiviral drugs, painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Whatever the cause of chest pain, it is important not to ignore it, but be sure to seek medical advice.