Intermittent Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns

Intermittent chest tightness and pain?

Hello doctor, I have been experiencing occasional chest discomfort and pain.
I recalled that about a year ago, I fell forward while skateboarding, and my chest hit the ground hard.
It was very painful at the time, but it eventually got better.
However, there was an incident where I suddenly felt chest pain while taking a deep breath; it hurt with each breath but then subsided after a while.
Recently, I have been experiencing mild chest discomfort that comes and goes.
About ten days ago, I strained myself during a bowel movement, which may have caused me to exert too much pressure on my chest.
Since then, I have noticed that the chest discomfort has become more pronounced, especially when bending over to breathe.
Sometimes, it feels like I can't take a deep breath, and when I do, I experience a slight pain in my chest.
I am wondering if this could be due to straining during bowel movements and possibly injuring the chest wall muscles.
It has improved a bit over the past ten days, but there are still some mild symptoms.
I had a health check-up three months ago, including a chest X-ray, which showed no issues, and I do not have any hereditary heart or kidney diseases.
I suspect it might be an injury to the chest wall muscles.
I would like to know what you think about my condition.
Thank you very much.

Tochia, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/10/22

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello, based on your description, the X-ray did not reveal any specific issues, and the pain increases with exertion.
This suggests that it may be caused by a muscle injury.
I recommend using some oral or topical anti-inflammatory medications, which should help improve your condition.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2020/10/22

More Info

Intermittent chest pain can be a concerning symptom, and it's important to approach it with caution. Based on your description, it seems that your chest pain may be related to musculoskeletal issues, particularly given your history of a fall while skateboarding and the subsequent strain during bowel movements. However, it's crucial to consider a range of potential causes for chest pain, as they can vary widely in severity and implications.

Possible Causes of Your Chest Pain
1. Musculoskeletal Strain: Given that you experienced a fall and have had episodes of pain associated with deep breathing and bending, it's plausible that you may have strained the muscles or ligaments in your chest wall. This type of pain is often sharp and can worsen with movement or certain positions.

2. Costochondritis: This is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the sternum. It can cause localized chest pain that may mimic heart-related pain but is generally benign.

3. Referred Pain: Sometimes, pain from other areas of the body, such as the abdomen or back, can be felt in the chest. Given your mention of straining during bowel movements, it’s possible that this could have led to referred pain.

4. Pulmonary Issues: Although less likely given your recent chest X-ray results, conditions such as pleuritis (inflammation of the lining of the lungs) or even a pulmonary embolism could cause chest pain, especially if it worsens with breathing.

5. Cardiac Concerns: While you mentioned no family history of heart disease, it's always important to rule out cardiac issues, especially if the pain is new or accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath, sweating, or radiating pain.

Recommendations
1. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their intensity, and any associated activities. This can help your healthcare provider make a more accurate diagnosis.

2. Rest and Avoid Strain: If you suspect a muscle strain, avoid activities that exacerbate the pain. Gentle stretching and over-the-counter pain relief (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen) may help.

3. Deep Breathing Exercises: If you feel comfortable, practicing deep breathing exercises can help alleviate some discomfort and improve lung capacity, which may reduce the sensation of not being able to take a deep breath.

4. Follow-Up with a Healthcare Provider: Since your symptoms have persisted for about ten days, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional. They may recommend further imaging studies, such as an MRI or a CT scan, to rule out any underlying issues that may not have been visible on the X-ray.

5. Consider a Physical Examination: A thorough physical examination by a physician can help determine if the pain is musculoskeletal or if further investigation is needed.

6. Lifestyle Modifications: If you are experiencing stress or anxiety, which can exacerbate physical symptoms, consider incorporating stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or regular exercise into your routine.

Conclusion
While your symptoms may suggest a benign cause, such as muscle strain or costochondritis, it’s essential to remain vigilant. Chest pain should never be ignored, especially if it changes in character or severity. Engaging with a healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation is the best course of action to ensure your health and peace of mind.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Intermittent Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns

Over the past month, I have experienced occasional sharp pain in the chest area, which occurs irregularly and at any time of day, sometimes lasting just a moment and other times persisting with a mild ache throughout the day. There have also been instances of chest tightness and ...

Dr. Suo Ren reply Pulmonology
A slight tingling sensation occurs intermittently, with the tingling shifting from one area to another. There is a feeling of tightness in the chest, often requiring deep breaths. This is often related to prolonged tension in the chest muscles due to factors such as high work str...

Understanding Intermittent Chest Pain: Causes and Management

I have been experiencing intermittent chest pain since middle school. The pain is so severe that it hurts even when I breathe. It would go away after a while, but it occasionally flares up. Recently, over the past few weeks, the pain has started again, but the episodes are sporad...

Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: There are many causes of chest pain, including esophageal issues, musculoskeletal problems, and cardiac conditions, which require professional evaluation by a physician.

Understanding Intermittent Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns

Hello Doctor: For the past three days, I have been experiencing frequent chest discomfort, particularly on the left side. Sometimes it feels sharp, and other times it feels like pressure. The pain often starts when I am quiet or resting, and occasionally I also experience palpita...

Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The discomfort in your chest may be related to your late sleeping habits and anxiety. Additionally, it is important to consider the possibility of cardiovascular disease and thyroid disorders. Since you are still a minor, it is advisable to inform and discuss your health c...

Intermittent Chest Pain: Understanding Causes and Symptoms

Hello Doctor, I experience episodes of uncomfortable chest tightness and pain every once in a while, usually occurring at night while resting. This happens about two to three times a year, with intervals sometimes exceeding six months, and other times occurring within a few month...

Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: There are many causes of chest pain. If you have already consulted a pulmonologist, other factors (such as gastroesophageal reflux disease) should also be considered. You may want to see a pulmonologist again (the X-ray was done last year), or consult a gastroenterologist ...