CHEST PAIN

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

Definition

• Pain or discomfort in the chest (front or back). This includes the area from the lower neck to the bottom of the rib cage.

Causes

• Most persistent chest pain is from a hacking cough.  Coughing can cause sore muscles in the chest wall, upper abdomen or diaphragm.  Occasionally, chest pain follows strenuous exercise, lifting (e.g. weights or heavy boxes), or work that involves the upper body (e.g., digging).  This type of muscle soreness often increases with movement of the shoulders.  Most brief chest pain lasting minutes is from harmless muscle cramps or a pinched nerve.  Heart disease is hardly ever the cause of chest pain in children.

See More Appropriate Topic(instead of this one) If

• Has asthma symptoms, see ASTHMA ATTACK.
• Caused by a cough, see COUGH.

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.

Pediatric SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2004

See Other Topics:

• Asthma Attack

• Cough

View Anatomic Index of Topics