10 Possible Causes Of Chest Pain Except For Heart Problems

Chest pain is probably the most common reason for visiting an emergency room in the United States.

Chest pain is probably the most common reason for visiting an emergency room in the United States. Sometimes chest pain can indicate heart problems. But there are many other conditions that can lead to feelings of tightness and discomfort in your chest. While some of them are relatively harmless, others are as  dangerous as  heart disease. 

Learn more about the causes of chest pain except for heart problems. 

1. Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is probably the most common cause of chest pain. It occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube (esophagus) that connects your mouth and stomach. This irritates the lining of the stomach and produces symptoms like burning sensations in the chest, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing. 

2. Hiatal hernia

Hiatal hernia is a condition when the top region of your stomach bulges through the big muscle that separates your abdomen and chest. A mild hiatal hernia is typically not a concern. A big hiatal hernia, on the other hand, can lead to heartburn and cause symptoms like chest or abdominal pain. 

3. Muscle strain

Tightness or inflammation of muscles around our ribs can cause persistent chest pain. Chest pain caused by muscle inflammation usually worsens with certain activities. While this problem is relatively harmless, it is often interfering with daily activities and decreases the quality of life. Gentle massage and stretching exercises can help you reduce muscle strain and relieve discomfort. 

4. Asthma

Asthma is a health condition in which your airways swell, narrow, and may produce additional fluid. It can cause symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest pain or tightness, wheezing attacks, and shortness of breath. While asthma cannot be cured, the symptoms of this condition can be managed with help of medications to improve the person’s quality of life. 

5. Ribs injury

Rib injuries like bruises, breaks, and fractures may also produce a lot of chest discomfort. If you heard a crack or experienced severe pain when injuring your ribs, this can mean that your rib is broken. If you suspect that you have a broken rib, be sure to visit a doctor as soon as possible to rule out the risk of lung damage and other complications. 

6. Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a disease that causes the air sacs in one or both lungs to become inflamed. The air sacs may become clogged with fluid or pus, resulting in a cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and trouble breathing. The severity of pneumonia can range from mild to life-threatening. Pneumonia symptoms may include chest pain when you breathe, changes in mental awareness, fatigue, and fever. If you suspect you have pneumonia, call your doctor immediately. 

7. Peptic ulcers

Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop in the stomach lining. Peptic ulcers usually cause stomach pain. But it can cause recurring chest discomfort. The doctor can prescribe you treatment to relieve both stomach and chest discomfort. 

8. Esophageal rupture

Esophageal rupture is a health problem that occurs when a tear occurs in the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth with the stomach.) A rupture of the esophagus lets the foods and fluids leak into the chest. This can lead to severe health problems and cause chest pain. 

9. Esophageal contraction disorders

Spasms or contractions in the food pipe are referred to as esophageal contraction disorders. Because of spasms, food may not reach the stomach and becomes lodged in the esophagus. This can produce chest discomfort.

10. Costochondritis

Costochondritis is the inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone. It causes pain on the left side of the breastbone and worsens when sitting or lying in certain positions. Costochondritis pain often mimics a heart attack or other cardiac illness. The cause of costochondritis is usually unknown. The doctor may prescribe pain medications to relieve discomfort while you wait for the illness to improve on its own. Recovery can take up to several weeks. 

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