Media Center - View

It is often hard to give a specific diagnosis for the cause of chest pain. It can be caused by heartburn, chest infection, anxiety or stress, shingles infection, heart or lung problems. You need to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation. The chest wall is composed of bones, muscles, and cartilage. Any of these can be the source of the pain. Most of the time, nonspecific chest pain will improve within 2 to 3 days with rest and mild pain medicine.

Home care instructions:

1. For the next few days, avoid physical activities that brings on chest pain. Continue physical activities as directed.
2. Do not smoke.
3. Avoid caffeine, and other stimulants.
4. Follow your healthcare provider’s suggestions for further testing if your chest pain does not go away.

Seek medical care if you:

1. Have chest pain does not go away, even after treatment.
2. Develop shortness of breath, an increasing cough, or you are coughing up blood.
3. Develop a rash with blisters on your chest.
4. Have a fever or chills.

Seek immediate medical care if you:

1. Have increased chest pain or pain that spreads to your arm, neck, jaw, back, or abdomen.
2. You have severe back or abdominal pain, feel nauseous, or vomit.
3. You develop severe weakness, fainting.