First Aid: Chest Pains
Chest pain can be caused by many things, from a pulled muscle to asthma. Depending on the reason for the pain, the symptoms may differ. Chest pain in children is rarely a sign of serious heart trouble.
Signs and Symptoms
- tightness
- discomfort
- burning sensation
- pain when taking deep breaths
- coughing
- wheezing
What to Do
- Call the doctor whenever your child has ongoing chest pain.
Seek Emergency Medical Care
If:
Chest pain is accompanied by:
- trouble breathing or rapid breathing
- a racing heart or heart palpitations (fluttering)
- pressure in the chest
- dizziness or fainting
- blue or gray color around the lips
- exercise or exertion
Think Prevention!
It’s impossible to always avoid chest pain, considering its many potential causes. But you can:
- Make sure kids get routine immunizations to prevent infections that could cause chest pain.
- Follow the doctor’s treatment plan if your child has asthma.
- Avoid foods that seem to bring on indigestion.
- Make sure kids have a thorough physical examination before participating in organized sports.
Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: April 2014
