Health Articles

Knowledge

Diagnosis and solutions if you experience chest pain

Diagnosis and solutions if you experience chest pain


Chest burning can be scary, especially for people who worry about heart health or having a heart attack. In this article, we will discuss the potential causes of chest pain as well as the many treatment options available.


A lot of causes of a burning feeling in the chest are not harmful. In reality, just 15–25% of people who visit the emergency room with chest pain have an acute heart problem.


Diagnosis


To diagnose the cause of burning in the chest, a doctor will typically perform several tests. These may include:


  • chest X-rays
  • a physical exam to check heart rate and pulse, look for swelling, and assess muscle and organ health
  • CT scans
  • an electrocardiogram, which measures electrical activity in the heart
  • a complete medical history
  • blood work to check for infections or changes that may indicate a heart attack or other heart problem

Treatment


Depending on the cause, the treatment options for burning chest pain may vary. For example, heartburn may require a person to take an antacid or make dietary changes, whereas more serious heart or lung conditions often demand extensive lifestyle changes. A person having a heart attack may need blood thinners or surgery, such as bypass surgery.


Patients are not advised not try to treat chronic chest pain at home, especially if they do not know the underlying cause. Even chronic heartburn can cause long term health problems. Only a doctor can diagnose the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.


Home remedies


Some home management strategies can be of some help to relieve minor chest burning and determine whether a person needs emergency care. However, if the pain does not improve, is severe, or indicates a heart attack, they should seek immediate medical attention.


Home remedies for minor causes of chest burning include:


  • applying a hot or warm compress to painful or tender breasts
  • taking an antacid
  • gently massaging the painful area
  • drinking a glass of water
  • changing positions
  • lying down and taking slow, deep breaths

Prevention


It is not always possible to prevent serious heart, lung, and vascular conditions, but people can reduce their risk by staying in a healthy body weight range and exercising regularly. Seeking care for any chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes or coronary artery disease, can help to reduce the chances of developing complications. Eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet that is low in trans fats and sodium can also help.


People with chronic heartburn often find relief from eating fewer acidic foods. Eating smaller, more frequent meals may also help relieve symptoms.


When to see a doctor


Some people may not want to seek medical care for burning chest pain because they fear a particular diagnosis or worry that they are overreacting. However, burning in the chest can be serious, and prompt medical care can be lifesaving — especially for heart, vascular, and lung problems. People who are uncertain of the reason for their pain should seek immediate care.


Go to the emergency room for:


  • sudden, intense burning pain in the chest
  • intense pressure or pain in the center of the chest
  • angina that is different from the person’s usual angina pattern
  • chest pain that occurs with other symptoms, such as confusion, loss of consciousness, or difficulty breathing
  • chest burning that gets steadily worse or does not improve with home treatment

Summary


Burning chest pain can occur for many reasons. Most common causes are heartburn or other gastrointestinal issues, but injuries and panic attacks may also cause a burning chest.


More serious conditions, such as a heart attack or aortic dissection, can also cause a burning chest. Anyone experiencing symptoms of these issues should seek medical attention. A doctor can help diagnose and treat the issue.




More Information:


Praram 9 Cardiovascular Institute

Related Articles (10)

View All

Ovarian Cysts: A Hidden Threat Every Woman Should Know

These days, who would have thought that “ovarian cysts” would become a silent danger women need to be aware of? What’s even more concerning is that ovarian cysts often present no clear warning signs. Many women may be unaware that they have an ovarian cyst until they experience severe symptoms such as intense menstrual cramps, irregular periods, abdominal bloating, noticeable lumps in the pelvic area, or severe pain during intercourse. If left untreated, this condition can potentially be life-threatening. Unveiling the Secrets of Ovarian Cysts with a Specialist Professor Emeritus Dr. Sangchai Preutthipan, a specialist in reproductive medicine and laparoscopic surgery from Praram 9 Hospital, explains that the “ovaries” are small, thumb-sized organs responsible for producing eggs each month. With each ovulation, a fluid-filled sac forms around the egg. Sometimes, these sacs don’t dissolve as they should, leading to cyst formation. There are several types of ovarian cysts, including those caused by ovarian dysfunction, tumor-related cysts, endometriosis cysts (also known as chocolate cysts), cysts resembling other body tissues, and even cancerous cysts. Dr. Sangchai further notes that women of reproductive age up until menopause are at risk for ovarian cysts. Around 30-35% of women develop cysts due to ovarian dysfunction, while 20% develop tumor-related or chocolate cysts. Approximately 15% may have cysts that resemble other tissue types, and 1-5% are diagnosed with cancerous cysts. Each type of cyst carries different health risks.

Read More

Copyright © 2024 All Rights Reserved | Praram 9 Hospital