Chest pain doesn't necessarily indicate a heart attack. Of the thousands of people who go to the emergency room every year, frightened of having a heart attack, 85% receive a diagnosis that has nothing to do with the heart organ. However, since many ailments can cause chest pain - from heart attack to gastroesophageal reflux - you should see a doctor as soon as possible to determine the cause. In the meantime, there are a number of pain relieving remedies you can use while waiting for a specific medical diagnosis.
Steps
Method 1 of 6: Relieve Chest Pain Due to Heart Attack
Step 1. Recognize the symptoms of a heart attack
A heart attack occurs when the arteries that feed the heart become blocked, blocking blood flow. This damages the heart and causes chest pain associated with heart attack. The pain that is experienced during a heart attack can be described as dull aching, squeezing, tightness or pressure and is concentrated around the center of the chest. To determine if you are really having a heart attack, see if you are also experiencing any of these symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Cold sweats
- Pain in the left arm, neck or jaw.
Step 2. Seek help immediately
Call the emergency medical service or ask someone to take you to the emergency room. The sooner the doctors remove the blockage, the less damage to the heart will be.
Step 3. Take an aspirin if you are not allergic to the drug
In most cases, the clots that cause a heart attack are the result of an aggregation between a mass of platelets (blood cells) and a deposit of cholesterol (plaque). Even a small dose of aspirin can prevent platelets from clumping together, thinning the blood and dissolving clots.
- Studies show that aspirin is more effective if you chew it (rather than swallow it whole) to try to dissolve the clot, relieve chest pain and prevent heart damage.
- Slowly chew a 325 mg aspirin tablet while you wait to see a doctor.
- Take aspirin as soon as possible.
Step 4. Lie down or sit in a comfortable position
Do not walk or do anything that forces your heart to beat faster so as not to increase the risk of damage. Sit in a comfortable position and do your best to stay calm. Loosen or take off tight clothes and do what you can to relax.
Method 2 of 6: Relieve Chest Pain Due to Pericarditis
Step 1. Understand what the symptoms of pericarditis are
Pericarditis is a disease that occurs when the pericardium (a membrane around the heart) is swollen or irritated, usually due to a viral infection. The resulting pain usually occurs in the form of a sharp, stabbing pain in the middle or left chest. However, in some patients the pain is more like a soft pressure spreading to the lower jaw and / or left arm. This type of pain can get worse with movement or breathing. Some of the symptoms of pericarditis closely resemble those of a heart attack:
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations;
- Low fever
- Tiredness or nausea
- Cough;
- Swollen legs or abdomen.
Step 2. Seek help immediately
Although pericarditis is generally not a serious disorder and heals on its own, it is not easy to distinguish between its symptoms and those of a heart attack. In addition, in some cases it can become aggravated and surgery may be required to relieve symptoms. For these reasons it is important to see a doctor right away and undergo all appropriate tests to diagnose what is causing your chest pain.
- Call the emergency medical service or ask someone to take you to the emergency room.
- As with a heart attack, the best way to prevent your condition from getting worse is to see a doctor right away.
Step 3. Meanwhile, sit with your torso leaning forward to ease the pain
The pericardium has two layers of tissue that rub against each other when they become inflamed, causing chest pain. By sitting in this position, you can reduce friction, and consequently pain, while you wait to be examined.
Step 4. Take an aspirin or ibuprofen tablet
Take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, to reduce tissue inflammation. Consequently, the friction between the two layers of the pericardium will also be attenuated and therefore also the pain.
- Consult your doctor before taking these drugs;
- If your doctor agrees, take one aspirin or ibuprofen tablet three times a day, with meals. The recommended total daily dose is 2-4 g of aspirin or 1,200-1,800 mg of ibuprofen.
Step 5. Rest
In most cases, pericarditis is caused by a viral infection that can be treated like a normal flu. To speed up healing and pass pain quickly, rest and sleep so your immune system can do its job more effectively.
Method 3 of 6: Relieve Chest Pain Due to Pulmonary Disease
Step 1. Determine the severity of the lung disease
If you have swollen legs or have been sitting for a long time on an overseas plane flight, blood clots may form and spread along the pulmonary arteries, causing an occlusion. Lung diseases can cause chest pain that intensifies when breathing, moving, or coughing.
- Go to the emergency room as soon as possible;
- In the case of some lung diseases it is necessary to intervene surgically to relieve the symptoms.
Step 2. See if you have symptoms of pneumonia
This is an infection that affects the lung alveoli. The latter become inflamed and can fill with fluid, creating mucus and phlegm that are sometimes expelled during coughing. Chest pain can be accompanied by:
- Fever;
- Expulsion of mucus or phlegm from the mouth when coughing
- Exhaustion;
- Nausea and vomit.
Step 3. See your doctor if your pneumonia symptoms get worse
Generally in mild cases it is sufficient to rest and wait for the immune system to defeat the infection, but if the infection worsens it can be even fatal, especially for elderly patients and children. Go to the doctor if:
- You have difficulty breathing
- Chest pain increased significantly;
- You have a fever of 39 ° C or higher and can't get it down
- Your cough doesn't get better, especially if you've ever been expelling pus;
- Be especially cautious if the sick person has a compromised immune system or if they are a child under the age of two or an adult over the age of 65.
Step 4. Ask your doctor for medication
If pneumonia is caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic drug (azithromycin, clarithromycin, or erythromycin) to fight it and speed up the healing process. If antibiotics are not helpful in your case, he or she may prescribe a medicine to relieve chest pain or to reduce the cough that aggravates it.
Step 5. Check for symptoms attributable to a pulmonary embolism or pneumothorax
Pulmonary embolism is a disease that occurs when an obstruction is created in an artery of the lungs. Pneumothorax (lung collapse) occurs when air seeps into the space between the lungs and the chest wall. Both conditions can be accompanied by severe shortness of breath and a bluish discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes.
In delicate patients, such as the elderly or people with asthma, the intense coughing due to pneumonia could cause pulmonary occlusion or tissue tearing
Step 6. Seek help immediately if you have a pulmonary embolism or pneumothorax
If you suspect chest pain is caused by any of these conditions, see a doctor right away. In either case, the pain may be accompanied by severe breathing difficulties and a bluish discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes.
Both conditions require rapid medical intervention. The air or blood that seeps into the chest cavity can build up quickly and start pressing on the lungs. Pulmonary embolism and pneumothorax do not resolve on their own, medical intervention is required. Call emergency services or ask someone to take you to the emergency room as soon as possible
Method 4 of 6: Relieve Chest Pain Due to Gastroesophageal Reflux
Step 1. Make sure it's gastroesophageal reflux (or acid reflux)
Acid reflux occurs when the barrier between the esophagus and the stomach becomes irritated by gastric juices and therefore relaxes. Consequently, gastric juices have the ability to rise and move from the stomach to the esophagus, giving rise to burning in the upper part of the chest. People with gastroesophageal reflux may also experience other symptoms, such as nausea or a feeling that food is having a hard time going down the throat or esophagus. Sometimes the acid regurgitation may even reach the mouth.
- The condition is usually caused or aggravated by very fatty or spicy foods, especially if you have the habit of lying down after eating.
- Drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine, chocolate, red wine, tomatoes, citrus fruits, and mint can cause stomach acid to build up and reflux.
Step 2. Stand or sit
When the burning occurs, do not lie down. The problem of reflux arises when the gastric juices enter the esophagus and being in a horizontal position facilitates the ascent, so it is better to stand or sit.
Doing some light movement may help you digest better. You can take a short walk or simply rock in your chair
Step 3. Take an antacid
Alka-Seltzer, Gaviscon, Geffer, and Magnesia are all over-the-counter antacid medications that can quickly relieve heartburn. You can take them at the end of a meal or when the first symptoms begin to arise. Some antacid medications can be taken before meals to prevent heartburn. Read the package leaflet carefully and respect the dosage, method and time of administration.
Step 4. Consider using medications to limit stomach acid production
Antacids prevent reflux, while for example Buscopan Antacid or Zantac work by blocking the production of acids in the stomach.
- Omeprazole drugs belong to the class of proton pump inhibitors that block the production of acids in the stomach. Generally they should be taken at least one hour before meals to curb gastroesophageal reflux. Consult your doctor and read the information in the package insert carefully to fully understand how these drugs work.
- Ranitidine drugs, such as Zantac, aim to do the same, but block histamine receptors. Generally they should be dissolved in water and taken 30-60 minutes before meals to limit the production of gastric juices.
Step 5. Use a simple home remedy
Dissolve 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda in a glass of water to relieve pain caused by gastroesophageal reflux. Take baking soda at the same time as the disturbance occurs, it will help neutralize the acids.
Step 6. Try a herbal remedy
Drink a cup of chamomile tea or ginger tea or use ginger when cooking. These two plants relieve the stomach and facilitate digestion.
- It uses deglycyrinized licorice root extract (or DGL), it is able to line the walls of the esophagus to prevent acid reflux from damaging them. It therefore also relieves pain.
- Take it in 250-500 mg capsules, three times a day. You can choose to chew it one hour before meals or two hours after you finish eating. Licorice can reduce the amount of potassium in the body by creating an imbalance that can cause symptoms such as palpitations and arrhythmia. If you have used it for a long time, go to your doctor to have your potassium levels checked.
- Use deglycerinized licorice in capsules to prevent side effects such as swelling.
Step 7. Consider getting acupuncture treatment
Numerous studies suggest that it may have positive effects in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. In a six-week study, some patients with acid reflux were treated using the ancient Chinese acupuncture technique at four specific points on the body, while others with traditional medications. Similar results were found on the two groups. The acupuncturist will need to focus on the following points and treat them once a day for a whole week:
- Zhongwan (CV 12);
- Zusanli (ST36);
- Sanyinjiao (SP6);
- Neiguan (PC6).
Step 8. Use a prescription drug if needed
If over-the-counter nonprescription products and home remedies aren't working, you may need to use prescription ones, which are generally stronger. Ask your doctor for a medicine that can effectively relieve chest pain.
Read the package insert carefully to understand how the drug works and what effects it might have on digestion
Method 5 of 6: Relieve Chest Pain Due to a Panic or Anxiety Attack
Step 1. Understand what a panic or anxiety attack is
In most cases, the episodes are triggered by sensations such as agitation, nervousness, stress or fear. To prevent them, you should consider undergoing psychological therapy (cognitive behavioral therapy) and, if necessary, taking psychiatric drugs. During the attacks, the heartbeat may speed up, putting intense stress on the chest muscles that could also lead to pain. Spasms can also occur in the esophagus and coronary arteries, which are felt in the chest. In addition to pain, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Wheezing
- Rapid heartbeat;
- Tremors
- Heart palpitations.
Step 2. Breathe slowly and deeply
Hyperventilation can cause spasms in the chest muscles, arteries and esophagus. Try to breathe slowly and deeply to reduce the rate of breathing and consequently the risk of painful spasms.
- Mentally count to three during each inhalation and exhalation.
- Breathe in a controlled manner rather than letting the air rush in and out of your body. By regulating your breathing, you can regain control and stave off panic or anxiety.
- If you have to, use something that allows you to limit the volume of breathing, such as a paper bag that you place over your mouth and nose to limit the amount of air available for inhalation. This simple remedy can be used to stop the hyperventilation mechanism.
Step 3. Use relaxation techniques
A recent study suggests that massages, heat therapy and multisensory rooms can effectively treat so-called generalized anxiety disorder. After a twelve-week course using these techniques, the subjects showed a reduction in symptoms attributable to anxiety and depression.
- Book a 35-minute massage based on indirect myofascial release techniques (trigger point pressure). Ask the massage therapist to focus on the fascial narrowings affecting the shoulders, chest, cervical, neck, nape, lower back, and the bones above the buttocks.
- Find a comfortable position on the bed before getting massaged, use towels or blankets to make any necessary adjustments.
- Listen to music to help you relax and take long, deep breaths.
- Ask the massage therapist to use Swedish techniques when making the transition between two different muscle groups.
- Also, ask that you place warm compresses or towels on your muscles. As you transition between muscle groups, move the hot object to experience the change in temperature.
- Continue to breathe slowly and deeply until the massage is finished.
Step 4. Consult a psychiatrist
If panic attacks are starting to interfere with your life and relaxation techniques have not brought the expected benefits, you may need to seek help from a specialist. See a psychiatrist to see what causes your anxiety. Make regular appointments to help relieve symptoms.
Your psychiatrist may prescribe antidepressant or benzodiazepine therapy to help cure panic attacks. These medicines treat the symptoms and prevent future new attacks
Method 6 of 6: Relieving Musculoskeletal or costochondritis-Related Chest Pain
Step 1. Learn to distinguish the two pathologies
The ribs are connected to the sternum through the cartilage of the sterno-costal joints. When that cartilage becomes inflamed, usually from exertion, chest pain caused by costochondritis can arise. Exercising may cause you to stretch your chest muscles, but in this case the chest pain would be of a musculoskeletal type although similar to that caused by costochondritis. The pain may be sharp and uncomfortable or more like a feeling of pressure on the chest. Generally you should only feel this when you breathe or move. These two possible causes of chest pain are the only ones that can be triggered by applying pressure to the area with your hand.
- To distinguish the two origins, press on the ribs around the breastbone (the bone in the center of the chest);
- If the pain is close to the breastbone, it is possible that you have costochondritis.
Step 2. Treat yourself with over-the-counter medication
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen will ease the pain that arises from the cartilage and muscles of the chest region. These drugs stop the inflammatory process (in the cartilage or muscles) by relieving the ailment that is causing the pain.
Follow your doctor's directions regarding dosage. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories should be taken at mealtimes to prevent them from irritating the stomach
Step 3. Rest
The pain caused by these two disorders is self-limiting, meaning it usually disappears spontaneously. However, it is important to rest the injured muscles and sterno-costal joints to allow the damaged tissues to heal. If you don't want to stop exercising completely, at least reduce the intensity of training and exercises that put stress on the chest.
Step 4. Stretch before you start exercising
If you don't warm up and stretch your muscles before putting them under strain, you will feel tense and sore at the end of your workout. It is definitely something to avoid if you already have chest pain. Before starting the exercise session, gradually stretch the different muscle groups of the chest:
- Lift your arms and stretch them up, then stretch sideways and backwards as far as you can without feeling pain. Let your chest muscles expand and relax as you stretch.
- Stand in front of the corner between two walls, then extend your arms and place one hand on each wall. Move your hands in the opposite direction, moving them away from each other, letting your chest gradually approach the wall.
- Place your hands on the side jambs of an open door. With your feet firmly planted on the ground, lean your torso forward, without hunching your back, supporting the weight of your body with your arms. If you prefer, you can take a step forward and stand still in that position, keeping your hands resting on the jambs; however, you will feel your chest muscles stretch.
Step 5. Use a warm compress
Heat can be an effective therapy for muscle or joint pain. Put the tablet in the microwave and heat it as directed by the instructions. Place it on the painful area at short intervals so as not to risk burning yourself. The heat will relax the contracted muscles and promote their healing. If you want, after holding the hot compress in place, you can gently massage your chest with your fingertips to further stretch the muscles.
Take a warm bath after dissolving 200 g of Epsom salts in the tub water. It is another effective remedy for relieving pain that originates in the muscles or cartilage
Step 6. See your doctor if symptoms persist
If you keep straining your chest muscles, don't expect the pain to go away any time soon. If, on the other hand, it persists despite rest, you should see your doctor.
Go to the emergency room right away if you've been the victim of an accident that caused chest trauma. A broken rib can damage the heart and lungs if nothing is done. You will need to take an x-ray to see if there are any broken bones
Warnings
- Since chest pain can have so many causes, some mild and others potentially fatal, you should see a doctor as soon as possible to be safe. If you don't know what the source of the pain is, it's important to find out.
- If the pain increases to the point of being unbearable, if it has lasted for days or if you find it hard to breathe, do not wait any longer and see a doctor right away.
- If you have heart disease or a family history of heart disease, get examined immediately.
- If you've had a serious injury or accident involving your chest, call an ambulance or go to the emergency room right away to get an x-ray because you may have broken bones.
- Do not underestimate the danger of pain just because it affects the right side of the chest, it can still be the symptom of a serious pathology.
- If you suspect that you or someone else is having a heart attack, call 911 right away. It is better to be cautious and find it was nothing serious than to intervene too late.
