Although chest pain may sometimes be a symptom of a heart problem, there are many other possible causes, and while some of these conditions are serious, most of them are harmless, and chest pain is one of the most common reasons for visiting hospitals, all over The world, chest pain affects 20 to 40% of the general population, in this report we learn about the causes of chest pain, according to the "Medical News Today" website.
Causes of chest pain
The potential causes of chest pain are numerous, including:
-Muscle strain
Inflammation of the muscles and tendons around the ribs can lead to persistent chest pain. If the pain worsens with activity, it may be a symptom of a muscle strain.
Rib injury
Injuries to the ribs, such as bruises and fractures, can cause chest pain. A person may have heard a crackling sound or felt intense pain at the time of the injury if they had a broken rib.
Peptic ulcers
Peptic ulcers, which are sores in the stomach lining, do not cause severe pain however, and can lead to recurring chest discomfort.
Taking antacids can usually relieve pain from peptic ulcers.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
GERD refers to the return of stomach contents into the throat that can cause a burning sensation in the chest and a sour taste in the mouth.
asthma
Asthma is a common breathing disorder characterized by inflammation in the airways, which can cause chest pain. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing.
Lung collapse
When air builds up in the space between the lungs and the ribs, the lung can collapse, causing sudden chest pain when breathing in. If someone has a collapsed lung, they will also experience shortness of breath, fatigue, and a rapid heart rate.
Costochondritis
Costochondritis is inflammation of the cartilage of the rib cage. This condition can cause chest pain. Costochondritis pain may get worse when sitting or lying in certain positions, as well as when a person does any physical activity.
Esophageal contraction disorders
Esophageal contraction disorders are spasms or spasms of the food pipe. These disorders can also cause
chest pain.
Esophageal hypersensitivity
Changes in pressure in the food pipe or the presence of acid can sometimes cause severe pain. At present, experts are not sure what causes this allergy.
Esophageal rupture
If the food pipe bursts, this can lead to sudden and severe chest pain. Esophageal rupture may occur after severe vomiting or surgery involving the esophagus.
Hiatal hernia
A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes into the chest. This type of hernia is very common and may not cause any symptoms. However, if the upper part of the stomach pushes into the lower part of the chest after eating, it could cause GERD symptoms, such as heartburn and chest pain.
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy occurs when the heart grows too hard due to genetic factors that prevent the thickening of the heart from properly flowing blood from the heart, causing the muscles to work too hard to pump blood.
Symptoms of cardiomyopathy include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting.
A panic attack can increase a person's heart rate and cause chest pain.
Tuberculosis
TB bacteria that grow in the lungs can cause symptoms such as severe coughing, coughing up blood or sputum, or chest pain.
Mitral valve prolapse
Chest pain, palpitations and dizziness are symptoms of mitral valve prolapse, which occurs when the valve in the heart cannot close completely. In mild cases, this condition may not have apparent symptoms.
Panic attack
A panic attack may cause chest pain as well as nausea, dizziness, sweating, fast heartbeat and fear.
Pericarditis
Pericarditis is an inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart. It can lead to severe chest pain that is made worse by breathing in or lying down.
Inflammation of pleurisy
Pleuritis is an inflammation of the membrane that covers the lungs. It can lead to severe chest pain when you breathe deeply.
Lung infections
Lung infections such as pneumonia can cause severe chest pain. Other symptoms of pneumonia include fever, chills, and coughing up sputum.
Pulmonary embolism
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot becomes trapped in an artery supplying blood to the lungs. It can cause chest pain, difficulty breathing, and coughing up blood. Pulmonary embolisms can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.