Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention

Q: Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention

Hello： Based on your description, your symptoms are non-specific manifestations, making it difficult to determine the underlying cause. <br>If your symptoms persist, you may want to visit a pulmonology clinic for further evaluation. <br>Thank you.

I'm not sure if this can be classified as chest pain?

Hello Doctor,
1.
Recently, I have been experiencing occasional sharp pain in the area above my left breast, just below the collarbone.
The intervals of the pain are unpredictable, and there is no noticeable tenderness.

2.
I also occasionally feel pain in my left back.
At the beginning of October, while my family was driving me to work, I was struck by an unknown person (I’m not sure if I was hit or bumped into something; it just felt like I was hit hard).
At that moment, it was very painful.
When I turned to look, I saw someone immediately put on a mask and walk away as if nothing happened.
Since then, I have felt occasional pain in my back, but it hasn't caused any serious issues, so I didn't seek medical attention.
However, I am now experiencing mild pain and am wondering if I need to see a doctor.
Thank you, and I apologize for the inconvenience.

Ms. Wu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/10/26

Dr. Wang Lanfeng reply Pulmonology

Hello: Based on your description, your symptoms are non-specific manifestations, making it difficult to determine the underlying cause.
If your symptoms persist, you may want to visit a pulmonology clinic for further evaluation.
Thank you.

Reply Date: 2022/10/26

More Info

When it comes to chest pain, particularly in the area you described—under the left clavicle and above the breast—it's essential to approach the situation with caution. Chest pain can arise from various causes, some of which may be benign while others could indicate a serious medical condition. Given your history of trauma, it is crucial to consider both musculoskeletal and potential cardiovascular issues.

1. Understanding the Symptoms: The intermittent sharp pain you are experiencing could be related to several factors. Since you mentioned a past incident where you felt a significant impact, it is possible that the pain is musculoskeletal in nature. This could involve muscle strain, ligament injury, or even rib contusion. However, the pain could also be referred from other structures, including the heart, lungs, or gastrointestinal tract.

2. When to Seek Medical Attention: You should seek medical attention if:
- The pain becomes more severe or persistent.

- You experience additional symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, or sweating.

- The pain radiates to your arm, jaw, or back, which could indicate a cardiac issue.

- You have a history of heart disease or risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or smoking.

3. Potential Causes of Your Symptoms:
- Musculoskeletal Pain: Given your recent trauma, the pain could be due to muscle strain or injury to the ribs or surrounding tissues. This type of pain often worsens with movement or certain positions.

- Nerve Pain: Sometimes, trauma can lead to nerve irritation or injury, which can cause sharp, shooting pains in the affected area.

- Cardiovascular Concerns: Although less likely given your age and the nature of your symptoms, it’s essential to rule out any heart-related issues, especially if you have risk factors.

- Pulmonary Issues: Conditions like pleuritis or pneumothorax can also cause localized chest pain, particularly if there is a history of trauma.

4. Diagnostic Steps: If you decide to seek medical care, a healthcare provider may perform a physical examination and could recommend imaging studies such as X-rays or an MRI to assess for any structural injuries. An electrocardiogram (ECG) may also be performed to rule out any cardiac issues.

5. Self-Care and Monitoring: In the meantime, monitor your symptoms closely. If the pain is mild and does not worsen, you might consider rest, applying ice to the area, and over-the-counter pain relief medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. However, if you notice any concerning changes or if the pain escalates, do not hesitate to seek medical attention.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may be related to a previous injury, it is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to chest pain. Consulting with a healthcare professional can provide peace of mind and ensure that any serious conditions are promptly addressed.

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