Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help

Chest tightness or pain?

I am a high school student.
On the afternoon of August 9th, I moved some heavy objects, after which I started experiencing severe pressure and pain in my left shoulder and chest.
I immediately stopped all activities, and then I began to have some difficulty breathing, as if there was a heavy weight on my chest.
When I took deep breaths, I felt intense pain in my chest and left shoulder.
By the early morning of August 10th, there was no improvement, and I have no history of any heart or lung diseases.
Thank you.

Nìmíng, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/08/10

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello, based on your description, it seems you may have a shoulder muscle strain.
It is recommended to rest the injured area, apply some heat, and consider using topical anti-inflammatory ointments or patches, or taking anti-inflammatory medications such as acetaminophen.
If the symptoms persist, you should visit a major hospital's pulmonology or family medicine department for further evaluation.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2021/08/10

More Info

Chest pain can be a concerning symptom, especially for a high school student like yourself who may not expect to experience such discomfort. Understanding the potential causes of chest pain and knowing when to seek medical help is crucial for your health and well-being.

Based on your description, the chest pain you experienced after lifting heavy objects could be related to several factors. One common cause of chest pain in younger individuals, especially after physical exertion, is musculoskeletal strain. This can occur when the muscles or ligaments in the chest or shoulder area are overstretched or injured, leading to pain that may feel sharp or dull and can be exacerbated by movement or deep breathing.

Another possibility is costochondritis, which is the inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the sternum. This condition can cause localized pain in the chest that may worsen with certain movements or deep breaths. It is often benign and can resolve with rest and anti-inflammatory medications.

However, it is essential to consider other more serious causes of chest pain, particularly if the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or radiating pain to the arm, neck, or jaw. While you mentioned that you do not have any known heart or lung diseases, conditions such as a heart attack or pulmonary embolism can present with chest pain and should be ruled out, especially if the pain is unusual for you.

Given that you experienced significant pain and difficulty breathing, it is advisable to seek medical attention if the symptoms persist or worsen. A healthcare professional can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical examination, an electrocardiogram (ECG), chest X-rays, or other diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.

In summary, while your chest pain may be related to musculoskeletal issues or inflammation, it is crucial to monitor your symptoms closely. If you experience any alarming signs or if the pain does not improve, do not hesitate to seek medical help. Early intervention can help address any potential issues and provide you with peace of mind. Remember, your health is paramount, and it is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to chest pain.

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