07 February 2011
Chest wall pain can very well be life-threatening. If chest pain is chronic in nature, it is recommended to seek the care of a physician as soon as possible if not immediately. However, for chronic chest pain, a diagnosis may be difficult to come to. Chronic chest pain can be caused by multiple factors and conditions, but can include angina, refractive angina, asthma, mitral valve prolapse, and anxiety or panic disorders. Because of the wide scope of causes, chest pain can be difficult to diagnose and the treatment plan may be complicated.
Pain in the chest can be related to gastrointestinal problems. Pain can be referred from stomach acid that travels from the stomach into the esophagus and can create an intense burning pain in the chest known as heartburn. Cases can range from mild to severe and pain can be alleviated with the use of over the counter antacids. In some cases, prescription medications or surgery may be the only option if the heartburn is especially severe.
Lung conditions can also be the source of chest pain. A collapsed lung, or pneumothorax, can cause severe chest pain and is usually caused by trauma, including wounds from bullets, knives, or other sharp objects. A collapsed lung can also be caused by a fractured rib causing a puncture and sometimes, though rarely, a collapsed lung can be caused by smoking and drug use. Collapsed lungs are treated depending on severity. If the lung is only minimally collapsed, the treating physician may recommend careful observation and allowing the lung to re-inflate on its own. If the lung collapse is more severe, the treating physician may choose to insert a needle or chest tube into the space between the wall of the chest and the lungs. This procedure will serve to release the air that is trapped between in this space, causing the collapse. Once the air is released, the lung should re-inflate. If indicated, the chest tube may be left in place for a length of time determined by the physician until they feel the patient is stable and the lung is no longer in danger of further collapse.
Asthma is another lung problem that can contribute to chest pain. Coughing can cause a strain of the chest muscles, which then can cause pain for many days. Asthma may also cause a “tight” feeling in the chest which, in the throes of an asthma attack, can feel acutely like pain. Treatment for this pain can include the use of an inhaler to prevent severe attacks and avoidance of attack triggers. Other lung conditions that may contribute to chest pain include acute conditions including bronchitis and pneumonia. Because severe coughing is symptomatic of these conditions, a strain of the chest muscles can occur. Treatments for these conditions include medications to cure the infection or virus and possible cough suppressant medication.
Another cause of chest pain can be heart conditions, including both spontaneous and chronic. Heart attacks obviously will cause chest pain, and can be life threatening. Angina is caused by a build-up of plaque in the arteries, which subsequently causes a narrowing of the space through which blood flows. Pain can be symptomatic of this restriction on blood flow. Other heart conditions can cause chest pain and include pericarditis, aortic dissection, coronary artery spasm, mitral valve prolapse, and other conditions. Treatments for these conditions are dependent on the condition and the severity of the condition, and will be to the discretion of the physician.
Chest wall pain can also be caused by anxiety or panic disorders. These disorders can cause a racing heart which can cause referred pain. Additionally, panic or anxiety may cause a sharp pain in the chest, which can be due to a contraction of muscles in the wall of the chest. These conditions can be controlled with oral medications and the use of learned techniques that include relaxation and breathing exercises.
Chest pain may be caused by conditions involving the spine. The thoracic, or middle, spine is housed in the chest area and can refer pain to the front of the chest. This can be due to a muscle spasm in the thoracic spine area, or can be caused by damage to nerves in the spine that are associated with chest anatomy.
As demonstrated, there are multiple causes to chest pain, as the chest area houses many vital organs and also houses the thoracic spine. Often, chest pain is not preventable. If you should experience chest pain, it is best to err on the side of caution and contact your physician or urgent care center as soon as possible.
