Chest pain can be a scary and uncomfortable symptom to experience. Chest pain can appear in many forms, ranging from a sharp stabbing pain to a dull ache. Although chest pain has a number of different causes, it should never be ignored. Sudden chest pain might be a sign of a heart attack or other serious medical emergency.
Causes of chest pain
Causes of chest pain range from mild to life-threatening. Listed below are some common causes of chest pain
Heart attack
A heart attack is not always a sudden and dramatic event. In some cases symptoms may come on suddenly but appear slowly. Symptoms of a heart attack include:
- A crushing or burning pain in the chest
- A pain that travels up the neck and into the jaw
- A sharp, stabbing feeling that gives you the sensation of extreme pressure on the chest
- Nausea, vomiting or sweating alongside the chest pain
Muscular pain (of the chest)
This type of pain may occur a few days or hours after tough physical exertion or where an injury to the abdomen may have occurred. In muscular pain, tenderness is usually felt when you push on your chest. Pain should not feel stabbing or burning in nature.
Respiratory causes (ie. cold and flu)
Sometimes very bad cases of the cold or flu can cause pain to be felt when you breathe deeply or cough. This is referred to as pleuritic pain and can cause chest pain. Any pain that is felt while breathing should be investigated urgently.
Indigestion
Indigestion or heartburn can cause chest pain. Indigestion is a discomfort in the upper chest that usually occurs a few minutes to hours after finishing a meal. Indigestion tends to recur as most people will experience a few episodes of indigestion over time.
There are many causes of chest pain. Although most cases can be dealt with by your doctor during a routine visit, if you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
- Chest pain that comes on suddenly
- Chest pain that feels crushing or burning
- Chest pain that feels like large pressure on the chest
- Chest pain that feels like it travels up the neck
- Chest pain that causes you to experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chest pain accompanied by nausea or vomiting
- Chest pain that makes you feel dizzy or unsteady on your feet
If you are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms then call 911 or seek medical advice urgently.
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis and treatment of chest pain will depend on the underlying cause. Our doctors will carry out diagnostic tests such as an EKG, blood tests and any necessary scans to determine what is behind your chest pain.
The treatment of chest pain will depend on its specific underlying cause.
Life Savers ER is a freestanding emergency rom that is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We offer emergency medical care for urgent symptoms such as chest pain. Our board-certified doctors, onsite laboratory & diagnostic services let us evaluate, diagnose and treat patients safely and effectively.
With a strict no wait time policy, our healthcare staff is able to see patients as soon as they arrive. Other services we offer include direct transfer to an area hospital (if required) and observation for patients.
If you are experiencing chest pain, we strongly recommend that you have a family member or friend drive you to the emergency room. Our staff will be happy to see you immediately and we will begin evaluation of your condition promptly.
Emergency in Houston?
Life Savers 24 Hour Emergency Room is equipped to handle life threatening conditions quickly. Your emergency or concern is our priority! Life Savers 24 Hour Emergency Room is your Houston ER for immediate definite care. Do not hesitate to call us today or stop by one of our houston emergency room locations: Willowbrook ER, Heights ER, or Summerwood ER.
