Chest Pain After Prolonged Singing: Causes and Concerns

Experiencing chest pain after singing with prolonged vocalization?

Today, due to special requirements, I needed to record audio.
The length of the audio required a prolonged exhalation while vocalizing.
I did not take a breath before starting to vocalize and continued to do so until I ran out of breath.
However, at the moment I finished and took a breath, I experienced persistent chest pain for about 5 to 6 seconds.
I'm not sure if it was from my ribs or another area.
I was indeed singing with full effort, and it was only after I felt exhausted that I began to inhale.
After a short while, the pain subsided, but I had previously seen an orthopedic doctor who mentioned that I have congenital pectus excavatum.
Is this normal, and will there be any long-term effects? For the record, I have never experienced this before.

Chenghan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/05/31

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello, based on your description, the chest pain during deep inhalation, if located in the upper part, may be caused by strain on the thoracic wall or ribs.
If it is in the lower part, it could be due to pressure on the stomach.
In any case, this is mostly a physiological phenomenon.
I recommend continuing to monitor the situation.
If it occurs again, you may want to consult a pulmonologist.
If it does not recur, there should not be any major issues.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2022/05/31

More Info

Experiencing chest pain after prolonged singing can be concerning, especially if it is a new symptom for you. Given your description, it seems that the pain occurred after a significant effort in vocalization, particularly when you were exhaling forcefully without taking a breath beforehand. This can lead to a few potential causes of chest pain that are worth exploring.

Firstly, the pain you experienced could be related to muscular strain. Singing, especially for extended periods, requires significant use of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles (the muscles between your ribs). If you exerted yourself to the point of fatigue, it is possible that you strained these muscles, leading to discomfort or pain in the chest area. This type of pain is often sharp and can be exacerbated by certain movements or deep breaths.

Another possibility is that you may have experienced a form of respiratory distress. When you sing or exert yourself vocally without adequate breath support, it can lead to hyperventilation or a temporary reduction in oxygen levels, which might cause discomfort in the chest. This is particularly relevant if you were singing at a high intensity, as it can lead to a feeling of tightness or pain in the chest.

Additionally, given your history of pectus excavatum (funnel chest), it is important to consider how this condition might affect your respiratory mechanics. Pectus excavatum can sometimes lead to reduced lung capacity and altered chest wall dynamics, which may make you more susceptible to discomfort during activities that require significant respiratory effort, such as singing. While many individuals with pectus excavatum lead normal lives without significant issues, it can occasionally contribute to respiratory symptoms, especially during strenuous activities.

If the pain was brief and resolved quickly, it may not be a cause for alarm. However, if you experience recurrent chest pain, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, or palpitations, it would be prudent to seek medical evaluation. A healthcare provider may recommend imaging studies, such as a chest X-ray or CT scan, to assess your lung capacity and the structure of your chest wall, particularly in light of your pectus excavatum.

In summary, while the chest pain you experienced after prolonged singing could be due to muscular strain or respiratory mechanics, it is essential to monitor your symptoms. If you notice any changes or if the pain persists, consulting with a healthcare professional is advisable to rule out any underlying conditions and to ensure your vocal health is maintained. Proper vocal techniques, including breath support and warm-up exercises, can also help prevent such occurrences in the future.

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