Many of us will get chest pain at some point in our lives. While chest pain doesn’t automatically mean there is a heart issue, it’s always best to visit your doctor if you have any concerns. With so many problems that can cause chest pain (anything from acid reflux to a heart attack), knowing what to look out for can make a huge difference. Here are a few ways to ease chest pain from several conditions.
Heart Attack
A heart attack occurs when the arteries to your heart get clogged, meaning that blood flow is blocked off, resulting in damage to the heart. You will also experience chest pain, and the chest area will feel achy, dull, and tight. With the pain mainly focusing around the center of your chest, it’s important that you recognize the symptoms of a heart attack to ensure you get the urgent care you require. Symptoms include shortness of breath, vomiting, and dizziness. Until you get medical care, a small amount of aspirin can help to suppress the presence of platelets in your blood, helping to thin both clots and blood.
Pericarditis
Pericarditis is caused when the membrane around your heart (the pericardium) is irritated or swollen. This tends to happen from viral infections, which causes chest pains. If you feel a sharp and stabbing pain either on the left side of your chest or the center, it’s important to get help fast. There are various other symptoms that you should look out for, too, such as heart palpitations, nausea, and low-grade fever. Seeking medical attention in such circumstances is imperative, however, to ease sudden chest pain, make sure to sit up and lean forward until help arrives.
Lung Conditions
There are various lung conditions that can cause chest pain. If you notice your legs have become swollen, or you have been sitting down for a long period, blood clots can form and spread towards your lung arteries, resulting in blockages. One of the main symptoms of a lung condition or lung disease is chest pain, which can get much worse when you move, cough, or even breathe. You may need to have emergency surgery to alleviate symptoms, so it’s important that you head to an emergency room as quickly as you can.
Acid Reflux
If you’re experiencing a burning, tingly sensation in your chest, you may have acid reflux. Many people who suffer from acid reflux may also experience waves of nausea or an acidic taste in the mouth. This condition tends to occur when eating spicy or fatty meals, especially if you sit or lie down after your meal. Acid reflux can cause upper right chest pain, so taking antacid medicine like Mylanta or Pepto-Bismol can relieve your symptoms quickly.
Anxiety Attack
You may not realize it, but anxiety and panic attacks can cause chest pain too. If you’re feeling restless or nervous, your stress levels can rise, causing your heart rate to increase. You may also experience shaking and/or heart palpitations. To reduce pain in your chest due to anxiety, breathe slowly and deeply. You can also learn relaxation techniques when you have extra time so that the next time an attack comes, you’ll know what to do.
If you have persistent chest pain, it’s vital that you seek immediate help. While in many cases, chest pain isn’t a cause for concern, it’s always best to get yourself checked out to know for certain!
