Reasons why you're having chest pain!

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: Chest pain should never be ignored, although it may not be caused by a problem associated with your heart or lungs. Chest pain may also occur as a result of problems in your lungs, esophagus, muscles, ribs, nerves, or other health issues.

Depending on its cause, chest pain may vary ranging from a sharp stab to a tight, squeezing or crushing sensation. Whatever the causes may be, seeking immediate medical care may be lifesaving.

Here are some possible causes of chest pain which is one of the most common reasons that people visit the emergency room:

Heart-related problems

Angina – A type of chest pain that occurs when the heart muscle doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood flow. The pain may spread to your arm, shoulder, jaw or back.

Myocardial infarction (heart attack) – This occurs as a result of blood clot that blocks the blood flow to the heart and damages heart muscle. Here the pain is more severe and is accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, nausea

Lung conditions

Many lung problems such as pneumonia, pleurisy, etc, can give rise to a variety of types of chest pain which is also accompanied by other symptoms such as cough, breathlessness, etc.

Pneumonia – an inflammation of the lungs caused by an infection of the fungi, bacteria or viruses.

Pleurisy – an inflammation of the tissues that line the lungs and chest cavity, commonly caused by bacterial or viral infections.

Muscle and bone problems

A strained muscle in your chest wall can result in chest pain. For examples -

Costochondritis – this condition occures when the cartilage of your rib cage - particularly that joins your ribs to your breastbone - becomes inflamed and painful.

Rib problems – a bruised or broken rib can cause chest pain, and the may worsen with deep breathing or coughing.

Muscle strain - strain of the muscles and tendons between the ribs can cause chest pain.

Digestive system problems

Chest pain can also occur due to digestive system disorders such as

Heatburn or gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) – a burning feeling in the lower chest, along with a sour or bitter taste in the throat and mouth. You get heartburn when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus (food pipe).

Stomach ulcer or gastritis - burning pain occurs if your stomach is empty, but feels better when you eat food.

Gallbladder or pancreas problems - gallstones or inflammation of your gallbladder or pancreas can reslt in abdominal pain that radiates to your chest.

Other causes

Chest pain can also occur as a result of an anxiety or panic attacks. Symptoms may include – heart palpitations, sweating, dizziness, breathlessness, trembling, etc.