Chest Pain

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Chest pain

Chest pain. The first thing you may think of is heart attack. Certainly chest pain is not something to ignore. But you should know that it has many possible causes. In fact, as much as a quarter of the U.S. population experiences chest pain that is not related to the heart. Chest pain may also be caused by problems in your lungs, esophagus, muscles, ribs, or nerves, for example. Some of these conditions are serious and life threatening. Others are not. If you have unexplained chest pain, the only way to confirm its cause is to have a doctor evaluate you.

Angina -- or chest pain -- occurs because the heart is not receiving enough oxygen. The pain is usually in the chest and may also be felt in the shoulder, arm, or jaw. Not all chest pain is angina and it may be difficult to determine the cause of chest pain.

The treatment for angina depends on the severity of the symptoms and the results of tests that are done to find the underlying cause.
Stop doing whatever it is that causes your symptoms, remain calm, and call nearest hospital. Immediate help and intervention is your best chance for survival if you are having a heart attack or other serious problem.

Lie down in a comfortable position with your head up.

If you have regular adult aspirin or its equivalent, chew one (as long as you are not allergic to aspirin). Chewing more than one will not do any good and may cause unwanted side effects.

If you have had angina before and been evaluated by your health care provider, follow his or her recommendations.

This may mean rest, and the immediate use of sublingual nitroglycerin.

It may include a visit to the hospital emergency room.

The feeling of physical pain can vary greatly -- mild, sharp, severe, dull. Learn the symptoms for different types of pain, so you can describe them to a doctor.

Causes of Chronic Pain:-

Anything from a bad mattress to stomach ulcers can cause chronic pain. While it may begin with an injury or illness, pain can develop a psychological dimension once the physical problem heals.

What's Causing Your Chest Pain?

Certainly chest pain is not something to ignore. But you should know that it has many possible causes.

Burns and Pain.

Burns differ in type and severity -- as does the pain. Click here for more about the symptoms and treatments of burn-related pain.
Diagnosing Pain

To get to the root of pain, doctors can use several tests. This article provides an overview.

Quality-of-Life Scale for Pain

Quality of life scale is one tool that can help your doctor assess your pain. This same scale can help you and your doctor monitor improvement, deterioration, or treatment-related complications.

Do You Need a Pain Clinic?

A pain clinic is a health care facility that focuses on the diagnosis and management of chronic pain.
Chest pain

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