Chronic chest pain can be caused by cardiac conditions such as angina and pericarditis, as well as respiratory conditions like asthma and anxiety. Treatment depends on the underlying cause, and a proper diagnosis is necessary to rule out serious conditions.
Chronic chest pain refers to persistent pain in the chest area that returns even after taking therapeutic measures. Types of chronic chest pain include those of a cardiac nature, including serious conditions such as angina and pericarditis. Other conditions that aren’t directly related to the heart, including asthma and anxiety, can also cause chronic chest pain.
Anginal pain related to heart failure is typically a cause of chronic chest pain. Although often relieved with antianginal drugs such as nitroglycerin, this type of pain often returns. The underlying cause of angina must be treated before symptoms subside in the long run.
Another cause of chronic chest pain is asthma. This respiratory condition is often diagnosed at a young age, and while there are many treatments that relieve pain and respiratory distress, the extent of the disease often results in persistent chest or lung pain. Pleuritic pain refers to pain associated with irritation of the lining of the lungs. This is common with asthma and can cause substantial pain. It is important that the patient maintains his treatment plan to keep the pain at bay.
In general, chronic chest pain is a frequent manifestation of anxiety. During panic or anxiety attacks, large amounts of adrenaline are released, which can cause tightness or tightness in the chest. While this scary condition can mimic a heart attack, it’s not considered serious. Chronic chest pain from anxiety attacks can be managed with beta-blocker medications or anti-anxiety medications. Anxiety can send people to the emergency room, mistakenly thinking they’re having a heart attack.
Sometimes, an infection can cause heart involvement which is referred to as pericarditis. This condition can produce inflammation of the membrane or sac surrounding the heart, along with the fluid, which can cause significant chronic chest pain. Treatment for pericarditis includes giving antibiotics to treat the underlying infection and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation. Typically, as the infection resolves, the chest pain also resolves, usually with no long-lasting effects.
Although many incidences of chronic chest pain are not serious, more ominous causes must be ruled out before effective treatment can be established. Typically, the diagnosis may include x-rays, blood tests, and a complete medical history. Also, referral to the appropriate health care provider should be made, for example if the pain is related to a heart condition, a cardiologist should be consulted. Also, if your chest pain is thought to be related to anxiety issues, a psychologist or psychiatrist may be able to treat the problem effectively.
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