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Having Chest Pain? Know 5 Possible Causes And What To Do Next
Heaviness and pressure in the chest could mean many things, depending on the severity and intensity of the pain. According to research published in the BMC Emergency Medicine Journal, chest pain is a "frequently occurring symptom affecting 20-40% of the general population worldwide". Let's discuss the possible causes of chest pain.
Also Read: Expert Tips To Follow In Your 20s & 30s To Have A Healthy Heart Later
Possible Causes Of Chest Pain
Heart problems are one of the primary causes of chest pain. Some of the common heart-related issues that trigger chest pain are as follows:
Heart attack: Also called myocardial infarction, a heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked or reduced.
Angina: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is one of the most common heart problems. It causes several symptoms, including angina, a type of chest pain. It usually takes place when the blood vessels leading to your heart are blocked.
Myocarditis: Myocarditis refers to the inflammation of the heart muscles, also known as myocardium.
Pericarditis: It is the swelling of the pericardium, the tissue that surrounds the heart.
Cardiomyopathy: When your heart muscles find it difficult to pump the blood for your heart, you may be experiencing this.
Lung-related issuesRespiratory or lung problems can also cause chest pain. Some of the common lung issues include:
Pulmonary embolism: This refers to the sudden blockage of the lung arteries due to a blood clot.
Pleurisy: It is the inflammation of the pleura, the layers that cover the lungs.
Asthma: This is a chronic condition wherein the airways narrow down and become inflamed, making it difficult to breathe.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): COPD is a group of respiratory diseases that lead to the blockage of the airway and trigger breathing issues along with other symptoms.
Anxiety or panic attackChest pain is a common sign of anxiety and can also show up in people who suffer from panic attacks. While anxiety often occurs due to the fear of a perceived threat, panic attacks can be more intense and can occur due to no reason, explains Mayo Clinic. Along with chest pain, it can cause other symptoms, including rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness and distressed breathing.
Gastrointestinal problemsDigestive problems can often be a cause of chest pain. Even though it might be difficult to see a connection, here are some stomach issues that can cause chest pain.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): GERD or acid reflux is a gastrointestinal problem that takes place when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the oesophagus, the tube that links the mouth to the stomach. This can often lead to a burning, painful sensation in the chest.
Gallstones: These are hard deposits in the gallbladder. These are usually hardened digestive fluids, also known as bile.
Pancreatic inflammation: Also known as pancreatitis, the condition refers to the inflammation in the pancreas that causes pain that radiates to the chest.
Muscle problems or injuries
Chest pain can also be an outcome of bone problems and muscle issues. Some of the conditions to watch out for are:
Costochondritis: It occurs when the rib cage cartilage suffers from inflammation.
Rib injury: Any breakage or bruising of the ribs can also cause chest pain.
Also Read: Here Are 5 Worst Habits That Affects Your Heart Health
When should you seek medical attention?If the chest pain persists for a long time or if you suspect something dangerous, call your nearest hospital and seek medical help. Beware of the symptoms listed below:
If you develop chest pain, do not panic. Call your doctor and consult immediately. In case of severe pain and discomfort, visit the nearest hospital and get yourself medically examined. Remember! It is better to take all precautions than wait for a cure.
Recall: Supplements With Unapproved Ingredients Causing Vomiting, Diarrhea, Other Issues
TruVision Health recalled 12 dietary supplements sold internationally through the truvy.Com website because they have either hordenine, octodrine or both.
Neither is an approved dietary supplement ingredient in the United States.
The TruVision-written, FDA-posted recall notice says "Some consumers of these products have reported experiencing chest pain, chills, diarrhea, dizziness/lightheadedness, fatigue, headache, high blood pressure, high heart rate, jitters, nausea, nervousness, rash, stomach pain or upset, sweating and vomiting."
READ MORE: A bankrupt company recalls all its human and pet drugs. It can't guarantee safety or that they'll work
The notice admits hordenine might not be safe to take by mouth and is especially dangerous to pregnant women and people with heart disease.
Octodrine aka DMHA (1.5-Dimethylhexylamine) resembles DMAA, which was taken off the market in some countries.
"Since no data exists on its metabolic pathway in humans, the use of octodrine during exercise is potentially dangerous," the recall notice says. "DMHA is considered to be a substance that does not meet the statutory definition of a dietary ingredient and is an unsafe food additive."
The supplements went to the United States, Canada, Germany, England, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia. Here's what's recalled.
▪ truCONTROL, 60-count capsules, lot No. 13580.
truControl, 60-count
▪ truControl with Dynamine, 60-count capsules, lot No. WK65081.
▪ TruControl 7 Day Trifold, lot No. WKW72353.
▪ reFORM, lot No. 34159.
reFORM stick packs
▪ TruWeight and Energy Gen 2+ 60-count, lot No. WK71567.
TruWeight and Energy Gen 2+
▪ TruWeight and Energy Gen 2+ Trifold, lot No. 25173.
▪ Truvy 30-Day Experience Kit, lot Nos. 39643 and 42825.
▪ Truvy 7-Day Experience Kit, lot No. 41404.
Truvy capsules
▪ Truvy Boost 30-Day Experience Kit, lot No. 13993.
▪ TruBoost 7 Day Experience Kit, lot No. 13985.
▪ TruBoost Drink, Citrine Spark, lot No. PM17921F1.
▪ TruBoost Drink, Ruby Rev, lot No. PM18821F1.
Truvy Boost Drink Mix Citrine Spark and Ruby Rev have been recalled.
If you have any of the recalled capsules or drink mixes, return them to TruVision for a full refund, an exchange or toss it in the garbage. Don't use it. Unlike many online sellers who make recalls, TruVision wants the customer to pay for the return shipping.
If you have any questions about this recall, phone the company at 855-213-8788, Monday through Friday, 9 a.M. To 8 p.M., Eastern time.
Why Do I Have Chest Pain When Breathing?
Dull or sharp pain when breathing in or out can range from mild to severe, and it can also make it hard to breathe. This may be a sign of a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Certain factors may make it hard to breathe, like the position of your body or the air quality.
Seek emergency medical care right away for any unexplained chest pain or difficulty breathing. Also, speak with a doctor if you have a chronic illness that results in occasional bouts of painful breathing.
Possible medical emergencyPainful breathing can be a sign of a medical emergency or a symptom of a serious condition. Even if you think the cause is minor, meeting with a doctor can help make sure there isn't something more serious going on.
In some cases, an injury to your chest, like a burn or a bruise, can cause painful breathing. In other cases, the cause may not be clear, and you'll need to visit a doctor for an exam.
Conditions that cause painful breathing can vary widely in severity and include short-term illnesses as well as more serious issues with the lungs or heart.
Infectious causesEven though the common cold can cause wheezing and minor breathing troubles, painful respiration can be linked to more serious illnesses.
It can be painful to take a deep breath, or you may have difficulty breathing when lying down, depending on the cause.
Some illnesses that can cause painful breathing include:
Chest pain while breathing can be a symptom of COVID-19. If your chest pain is related to COVID-19, you may experience other symptoms, such as:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chest pain while breathing could be an emergency warning sign if you have other symptoms of COVID-19. Seek emergency medical attention right away.
Painful respiration may also be a symptom of post COVID-19 condition, or long COVID. This means that the symptom may occur 3 months or longer after a COVID-19 diagnosis.
Lung injuries and disordersLung injuries and disorders can also cause painful breathing. Unlike short-term illnesses, these conditions can cause long-term breathing problems.
You'll likely feel pain when breathing in and out, and your breaths may be shallower. Deeper breathing may cause coughing fits along with pain.
Some of the possible causes include:
Heart disease and other heart issuesHeart disease is another possible cause of painful breathing. In such cases, you'll likely have shortness of breath and breathing discomfort.
About 26 percent of people with heart-related issues, such as a heart attack, may seek treatment because of the breathing difficulty alone.
Types of heart disease that can contribute to painful breathing include:
Heart-related chest pain can also cause:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)GERD occurs when the acidic contents of your stomach move back up into your esophagus. It's a common condition that affects roughly 1 in 5 people in the United States.
The main symptom of GERD is heartburn, but you may also experience:
GERD is also linked to many conditions that can cause painful respiration, such as asthma and COPD.
Panic attackA panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear or discomfort. Symptoms of a panic attack often resemble those of heart disease or breathing disorders. Intensity usually peaks within 10 minutes or less.
In addition to painful respiration, you may experience:
Call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room if you're experiencing chest pain while breathing, along with any of the following symptoms:
A doctor will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of your painful respiration. They'll ask about your:
They'll also ask you where it hurts when you breathe and what does or doesn't help the pain, like changing positions or taking medication.
Your doctor will likely order some tests to help determine the cause of your painful breathing. These tests may include:
Once your doctor has determined the cause of your painful breathing, they'll discuss possible treatment options with you. Your doctor may also refer you to a specialist if they're unable to determine the cause of your pain.
The treatment of painful breathing depends on the cause. While you can treat bacterial pneumonia with antibiotics, other conditions may require anticoagulation medication or even surgery.
Conditions like asthma and emphysema usually require long-term care, including breathing treatments and a prescription drug regimen.
Changing positionsYou may find relief from painful breathing after changing your body's position, especially if you have COPD. You can try elevating your head with a pillow if the pain comes when you're lying down.
Make sure to first speak with a doctor about your symptoms so you don't delay your treatment.
If you're sitting, you can try:
If you're standing, you can try:
Besides medications, there are other preventive care measures and short-term solutions that can help. But as always, it's important to contact a doctor if you have trouble breathing for any reason. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Sitting down and focusing on your breath can help if breathing becomes painful during everyday activities. Tell your doctor if your painful breathing improves with rest.
If the painful breathing interferes with your exercise routine, try lighter workouts such as tai chi or yoga. The meditation and focus aspects of these workouts can also help you relax while improving your breathing.
Long-term respiratory careYou can lower your risk of lung diseases by reducing your exposure to:
If you have asthma or COPD, it's important to follow your treatment plan to reduce breathing problems. Ask your doctor whether certain breathing exercises can help.
Diaphragmatic (deep breathing) techniques can help encourage better breathing over time and reduce pain.
Preventing risk factors for heart disease can also help prevent related illnesses and subsequent symptoms. You can lower your risk of heart attack, angina, and other forms of heart disease by:
Preexisting cases of heart disease must be monitored by a doctor. Make sure you take all medications as prescribed, and notify your doctor if your painful respiration worsens.
Chest pain while breathing can be the result of sudden or short-term problems, or it can be a symptom of a chronic condition. It's important to contact a doctor so you can get an accurate diagnosis.
Long-term solutions to painful respiration will depend on your diagnosis. There are short-term solutions available to you as well, but talk with your doctor first. Different causes require different treatments.
Regardless of the cause, if your symptoms come on suddenly, contact emergency services immediately.
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