CHEST PAIN

 

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

 

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MILD CHEST PAIN

  1. Fleeting Chest Pain: Fleeting chest pains that last only a few seconds and then go away are generally not serious. They may be from pinched muscles or nerves in your chest wall.
  2. Chest Pain Only When Coughing: Chest pains that occur with coughing generally come from the chest wall and from irritation of the airways. They are usually not serious.
  3. Cough Suppression Medications: The most common cough suppressant in over the counter cough medications is dextromethorphan. An example is Robitussin DM. You should not try to suppress coughs that produce mucus and phlegm. Dextromethorphan is best used in the late stages of a respiratory infection when the cough is dry and hacking.
  4. Expected Course: These mild chest pains usually disappear within 3 days.
  5. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Severe chest pain
    • Constant chest pain lasting longer than 5 minutes
    • Difficulty breathing
    • Fever
    • You become worse or develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Adult SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2004

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