7 Surprising Triggers of Anaphylaxis
Why Does My Chest Feel Tight?
A heart attack can cause chest tightness and is considered a medical emergency. It happens when a sudden blockage causes a lack of blood flow to the heart.
People often describe heart attack pain as a pressure sensation or discomfort in the center of the chest. It can also feel like burning and may happen in or travel to the neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back, or abdomen. It may last minutes or longer.
Other symptoms of a heart attack can include:
If you think you are having a heart attack, call 911 or your local emergency services.
Coronary artery diseaseCoronary artery disease occurs when the major blood vessels that supply your heart with blood, oxygen, and nutrients become damaged or diseased. Damage usually results from the buildup of a waxy substance called plaque and inflammation in these arteries. This causes decreased blood flow to the heart.
As the artery is narrowed rather than completely blocked (as with a heart attack), blood can still reach the heart at rest but not with exertion.
Coronary artery disease can cause pain (angina), similar to a heart attack. The pain or discomfort typically occurs in the central chest but may radiate to the neck, jaw, or arm.
You may also experience:
Coronary artery disease increases your risk for heart attack, as the plaque can rupture and form blood clots, leading to complete blockage of blood flow to the heart. Angina that is new or worsening needs to be evaluated as a possible heart attack and requires emergency medical treatment.
Treatment can involve lifestyle changes, medications, and procedures, depending on the severity.
Learn more about coronary artery disease.
Many conditions can cause you to experience a tight chest. These can include:
COVID-19COVID-19 may cause tightness in the chest for some people. This is an emergency symptom, so you should contact your doctor or medical services if you're experiencing persistent chest tightness.
Chest tightness may result from inflammation of the heart's lining (pericarditis) or inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis), both of which can lead to serious complications.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), other emergency symptoms of COVID-19 can include:
More commonly, those who have COVID-19 will experience mild symptoms that include fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath.
Learn more about COVID-19.
AnxietyChest tightness is one symptom of anxiety. You may also have other symptoms, such as:
You may find that your anxiety culminates in a panic attack, which can last for 10 to 20 minutes.
Learn more about anxiety.
GERDGastroesophageal reflux disease, often referred to as GERD, occurs when stomach acid travels back up from the stomach to the esophagus, the tube connecting your mouth and stomach.
Along with a tight chest, symptoms of GERD include:
Most people experience some form of acid reflux from time to time. However, people with GERD experience these symptoms at least twice a week or more severe symptoms once a week.
It's possible to treat GERD with over-the-counter (OTC) medications and changes to certain behaviors around eating. Surgery and stronger medications may help those with severe GERD.
Learn more about GERD.
Muscle strainMuscle strain, specifically of the intercostal muscles, can cause chest tightness.
These muscles attach your ribs to one another. Muscle strain typically occurs from intense activity, like reaching or lifting when twisting.
Along with muscle tightness, you may experience:
These symptoms typically worsen with certain body movements and positions.
You can try at-home treatments before seeing a doctor and seeking physical therapy. Though strains typically take a while to heal, sticking closely to your physical therapy regimen can support healing.
Learn more about muscle strains.
PneumoniaPneumonia is an infection of one or both lungs. Your lungs are filled with small air sacs that help oxygen get into the blood. When you have pneumonia, these small air sacs become inflamed and may even become filled with pus or fluid.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe, with mild symptoms resembling those of the common flu. In addition to chest tightness, other symptoms include:
You can develop complications from this infection. Consider talking with a doctor if you may have pneumonia.
Learn more about pneumonia.
AsthmaAsthma is a condition in which the airways in the lungs become inflamed, narrow, and swollen. This, in addition to the production of extra mucus, can make it hard to breathe for those with asthma.
The severity of asthma varies from person to person. Those who have this condition need to manage their symptoms.
Chest tightness is a common sign of asthma, along with:
Some people may have these symptoms flare up at certain times, like when exercising. You can also have occupational and allergy-induced asthma, where irritants in the workplace or environment can worsen your symptoms.
Prescription medications can help manage asthma symptoms, but if you are feeling short of breath, you may need emergency treatment.
Learn more about asthma.
UlcersPeptic ulcers occur when a sore develops on the stomach, esophagus, or small intestine lining. While stomach pain is the most common symptom of an ulcer, it's also possible to experience chest pain. Other symptoms are:
Treatment for ulcers typically depends on what's causing them. However, an empty stomach can make your symptoms worse. Eating certain foods that buffer stomach acids may also bring some relief from these painful symptoms.
Learn more about ulcers.
Hiatal herniaA hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm, or the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen.
In many cases, you may not know you have a hiatal hernia. However, a large hiatal hernia causes food and acid to back up into the esophagus, causing heartburn.
In addition to heartburn and chest tightness, a large hiatal hernia will cause:
Treatments usually include medications to reduce heartburn, or, in more severe cases, surgery.
Learn more about hiatal hernia.
Rib fractureA fractured rib often results from some trauma that causes the bone to crack. Though deeply painful, broken ribs usually heal on their own in 1 or 2 months.
However, it's important to monitor rib injuries so that complications don't develop. Pain is the most severe and common symptom of an injured rib. It usually gets worse when you take a deep breath, press on the injured area, or bend or twist your body. Treatment usually involves pain medication and physical therapy, such as breathing exercises.
Learn more about fractured ribs.
ShinglesShingles is a painful rash that's caused by a viral infection. It's possible to get this rash anywhere on your body, but it usually occurs on only one side, either the right or the left. While shingles isn't life threatening, it can be incredibly painful.
Typically, symptoms only affect the area of the body that's affected by the rash. Symptoms can include:
If you suspect you have shingles, it's best to talk with a doctor immediately. While there's no cure for shingles, prescription antiviral drugs can speed up healing while reducing your risk of complications. Shingles usually lasts between 2 to 6 weeks.
Learn more about shingles.
PancreatitisPancreatitis is a condition in which the pancreas is inflamed. The pancreas is located in the upper abdomen, tucked behind the stomach. It produces enzymes that help regulate how your body processes sugar.
Pancreatitis can go away on its own after a few days (acute pancreatitis), or it can be chronic, developing into a life threatening illness.
Acute pancreatitis symptoms include:
Chronic pancreatitis symptoms include:
Initial treatments may include fasting (to give your pancreas a break), pain medication, and IV fluids. From there, treatment may vary depending on the underlying cause of your pancreatitis.
Learn more about pancreatitis.
Pulmonary hypertensionPulmonary hypertension (PH) is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs and the right side of the heart.
The rise in blood pressure results from changes in the cells lining the pulmonary arteries. These changes cause the walls of the arteries to become stiff, thick, inflamed, and tight. This can reduce or block blood flow, raising the blood pressure in these arteries.
Other symptoms can include:
While there is no cure for PH, medication and possibly surgery can help to manage the condition. Finding the underlying cause for your PH can be crucial in treatment as well.
Learn more about pulmonary hypertension.
GallstonesGallstones are small pieces of solid material that form within the gallbladder, a small organ located under the liver.
The gallbladder stores bile, a green-yellow liquid that helps with digestion. Gallstones typically form when there's too much cholesterol in the bile. Gallstones may not cause symptoms, and if that's the case, they usually don't require treatment.
However, you require treatment if you experience sudden pain in the upper right portion or center of your abdomen, in addition to:
If you have pain, a doctor may recommend surgery to remove the gallbladder. If you can't have surgery, it's possible to try to take medications to dissolve the gallstones, though surgery is generally the first course of action.
Learn more about gallstones.
CostochondritisCostochondritis is the inflammation of the cartilage in the rib cage. It often affects the cartilage connecting the upper ribs attached to the breastbone, or sternum. Pain associated with this condition usually:
Chest pain can range from mild to severe. In mild cases, your chest will feel tender to the touch. In severe cases, you may also experience shooting pain in your limbs.
Costochondritis has no apparent cause, so treatment focuses on pain relief. The pain usually subsides on its own after several weeks.
Learn more about costochondritis.
Esophageal spasmEsophageal spasms cause painful contractions in the esophagus. The esophagus is the muscular tube that connects your mouth and stomach. These spasms usually feel like sudden, severe chest pain and can last from a few minutes to hours. Other symptoms include:
If this condition prevents you from eating and drinking, you may need help from a doctor. They may recommend:
Learn more about esophageal contraction disorder.
Esophageal hypersensitivityPeople with esophageal hypersensitivity are extremely sensitive to conditions that may affect the esophagus. They may report more frequent and intense symptoms, such as chest pain and heartburn. Esophageal hypersensitivity isn't always a problem. However, if it occurs with conditions like GERD, the pain can be debilitating.
The symptoms of esophageal hypersensitivity are typically identical to those of GERD. Initial treatment usually involves acid suppressants. But you may also need other medications or surgery.
Esophageal ruptureA ruptured esophagus is a tear or hole in the esophagus, the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach, where food and liquids pass through.
Though uncommon, esophageal rupture is life threatening. Intense pain is the first symptom of this condition, usually where the rupture occurred, but also in the general chest area. Other symptoms may include:
Prompt treatment can help prevent infection and other complications. It's important to prevent the fluid that travels through the esophagus from leaking. It can become trapped in the tissue of your lungs and cause infections and breathing difficulties.
Most people will need surgery to close the rupture. If you're having trouble breathing or swallowing, seek treatment immediately.
Learn more about esophageal rupture.
Mitral valve prolapseThe mitral valve lies between the heart's left atrium and left ventricle. As the left atrium fills with blood, the mitral valve opens, and blood flows into the left ventricle. However, when the mitral valve doesn't close properly, a condition known as mitral valve prolapse occurs.
It's also called click-murmur syndrome, Barlow's syndrome, or floppy valve syndrome.
When the valve doesn't close completely, the leaflets of the valve bulge, or prolapse, in the left atrium, or upper chamber.
Many people with this condition don't have any symptoms. However, symptoms may occur if blood leaks back through the valve (regurgitation). Symptoms vary greatly from person to person and can worsen over time. They include:
Only some cases of mitral valve prolapse require treatment. Depending on the severity, a doctor may recommend medications or surgery.
Learn more about mitral valve prolapse.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathyHypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) causes the heart muscle to be abnormally thick, or hypertrophied. This typically makes it harder for the heart to pump blood. Many people never experience symptoms and go their whole lives without being diagnosed.
However, if you do experience symptoms, HCM can cause any of the following:
Treatment of HCM depends on the severity of your symptoms. Medications can help relax the heart muscle and slow your heart rate. A doctor may also recommend surgery or the implantation of a small device, called an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), into your chest. An ICD continuously monitors your heartbeat and fixes dangerous abnormal heart rhythms.
Learn more about hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
PericarditisThe pericardium is a thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. When swelling and irritation occur in this membrane, pericarditis occurs. Pericarditis has different classification types, and the symptoms can vary but may include:
The chest pain associated with pericarditis occurs when the irritated layers of the pericardium rub against each other. This condition can come on suddenly but last temporarily, and it is known as acute pericarditis.
When symptoms are gradual and persist for a long time, you may have chronic pericarditis. It may improve on its own over time. Treatment of more severe pericarditis may include medications and possibly surgery.
Learn more about pericarditis.
PleuritisPleuritis, also known as pleurisy, occurs when the pleura becomes inflamed. The pleura is a membrane that lines the inner side of the chest cavity and surrounds the lungs. Chest pain is the main symptom. Radiating pain in the shoulders and back may also occur. Other symptoms include:
Several conditions can cause pleuritis. Treatment usually involves pain control and treating the underlying cause.
Learn more about pleuritis.
PneumothoraxPneumothorax happens when one of your lungs collapses, leaking air into the space between your lung and chest wall. When air pushes on the outside of your lung, it can collapse.
A pneumothorax often results from a traumatic chest injury. It can also occur from damage from an underlying chest disease or specific medical procedures.
Symptoms include sudden chest pain and shortness of breath. While a pneumothorax can be life threatening, some may heal on their own. If not, treatment usually involves inserting a flexible tube or needle between the ribs to remove excess air.
Learn more about pneumothorax.
Pulmonary embolismA pulmonary embolism occurs when one of the pulmonary arteries in your lungs is blocked. This can result from blood clots that travel to the lungs from the legs.
If you experience this condition, common symptoms include:
You may also have additional symptoms.
While pulmonary embolisms can be life threatening, early detection and treatment greatly increase your chances of survival. Treatment usually involves surgery and medication. Doctors may also recommend medications that prevent further clots from forming.
Learn more about pulmonary embolism.
Gas Pain In Chest: Causes, Treatment, And More
Gas pain in the chest can result from food intolerances, indigestion, or other health conditions. But chest pain with other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, may indicate a more serious condition.
Gas pain is most often felt in the abdomen, but it can also occur in the chest. Though gas is uncomfortable, it typically isn't a huge cause for concern on its own when experienced on occasion.
Gas pain in the chest, however, is slightly less common. And it could indicate other serious conditions, so it's important to pay attention to it.
Seek immediate medical attention if you're experiencing any new chest pains, chest pains that are changing, or have chest pain with associated symptoms, such as:
This article explores possible causes of gas pain in the chest, potential remedies, and when to seek medical help.
Gas pain in the chest can feel like jabbing pains or a general tightness in the chest area or under the ribs. Other symptoms may include:
At times, it can be hard to tell the difference between pain caused by your heart and pain coming from your chest area.
Gas pain in your chest is typically accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
If these symptoms accompany your pain, it's most likely related to gas in your chest. However, until you receive additional testing, the pain in your chest could still be related to your heart or other serious causes.
It's important to ALWAYS seek immediate medical attention for any new or evolving chest pains.
Heart pain may often feel like gathering pressure in the center or left side of your chest. It may build and intensify before slowly dissipating, or it may continue to grow in severity.
You may also recognize heart pain because it comes on suddenly and doesn't seem related to other symptoms, things you have eaten recently, or the way you are otherwise feeling that day.
Identifying the signs of a heart attack
If you experience any of the following symptoms along with chest pain, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room, as it may indicate a heart attack:
Heart attacks manifest differently in men and women. Women are more likely to experience shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, and back or jaw pain than men. They're also less likely to experience arm pain.
Gas pain is often felt in the lower chest and may be caused by something as simple as a poor reaction to certain foods or substances. Carbonated beverages and sugar-containing alcohols, for example, can cause an excess of gas in some people.
If you have a sensitivity or allergy to certain foods, they can also cause gas pain.
Food sensitivity and intolerancesSometimes, food intolerances are to blame for gas pain in the chest. Eating dairy if you have lactose intolerance can cause a buildup of excess gas, causing chest pain.
Similarly, if you have celiac disease or another gluten-related disorder, eating food that contains even a trace amount of wheat can cause similar symptoms.
Gluten contamination can also cause inflammation in the intestines, which can take up to 6 months to heal fully, negatively affecting digestion long-term.
Food poisoningFood poisoning can cause sudden gas pain in the chest if you've never experienced it before. It's caused by eating food containing harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
Other symptoms of food poisoning, which can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days, include:
Inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, which can cause severe inflammation in the intestines and affect digestion, may also cause gas pain in the chest. Other symptoms include recurring bouts of:
Irritable bowel syndromeIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common, noninflammatory condition that causes gastrointestinal symptoms. These symptoms tend to be triggered by stress and can worsen after meals. IBS can cause gas pain that may occur in the chest, as well as:
Gallbladder diseases and gallstones can cause gas pain in the chest, especially if some condition is causing your gallbladder not to empty completely.
Gallbladder diseases can often cause excess gas and chest pain. Other symptoms may include:
Pancreatitis is an inflammatory disorder of the pancreas that can cause upper abdominal pain. The pain can come and go quickly, called "acute pancreatitis," or it can be chronic.
Symptoms of acute pancreatitis usually include:
It can be difficult for doctors to diagnose gas pain in the chest based on a preliminary physical examination alone, so they'll likely order follow-up tests to be sure of what it is. This may include an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) to make sure that your heart isn't the cause of the discomfort.
Other tests they may order include:
If you're experiencing chest gas pains, the first thing you should do is drink plenty of noncarbonated fluids. This can improve digestion and resolve constipation, allowing the gas to move through the system.
Water is always a good choice, and hot decaf teas like ginger or peppermint tea can have antiflatulent effects.
Consume gingerYou don't just have to limit yourself to ginger tea — all forms of ginger may act as a digestive enhancer, according to a 2020 review of several trials. That means consuming ginger may help with gas that is related to indigestion.
Whether you're using fresh ginger, powdered ginger, or ginger tea, keep some on hand to use for future gas or digestive problems.
Get some exerciseIf possible, getting some exercise — even in small amounts — can help improve digestion and move the gas through your body. Walking around or even lying on your back and scissor-kicking your legs can improve circulation and give your digestive system a boost.
Avoid carbonated and caffeinated drinksAvoid carbonated or caffeinated beverages, which can actively cause gas. If you have lactose intolerance, avoid dairy.
Over-the-counter medications like Gas-X can offer fast relief from gas pain. And antacids can help reduce the heartburn associated with it.
If your gas pain is caused by conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), IBS, or Crohn's, a doctor may prescribe medications to treat the underlying condition. This may include acid-reducing medications like Pepcid and anti-inflammatory medications like 5-ASA drugs.
Gas pain caused by food poisoning can be treated with over-the-counter medications such as loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) to soothe diarrhea.
If you've been exposed to a parasite, a doctor may also prescribe anti-vomiting medications like chlorpromazine (Thorazine) or antiparasitic medications such as metronidazole (Flagyl).
Gallstones are typically left alone if they're not causing pain. Sometimes you can pass gallstones without even noticing. If you're in pain, your doctor may recommend surgery.
While gas pain typically resolves on its own, there are some gas-causing conditions, such as severe food poisoning and pancreatitis, that can cause other, more serious complications.
Mild cases of food poisoning may pass within 24 hours, but severe cases of food poisoning can be life threatening. Some types of food poisoning can also cause arthritis, rash, and joint pain that can take months to resolve.
Severe cases of food poisoning are a medical emergency
If you experience any of the following, seek emergency medical attention:
Gallstones can cause inflammation of the gallbladder and blockages of the bile duct or pancreatic ducts. Pancreatitis typically requires hospitalization. Both can impair digestion.
Gallbladder complications are a medical emergency
You should get emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of gallbladder complications like:
As long as a doctor has ruled out serious illness, gas pain in the chest should resolve with home remedies, dietary changes, and possibly medications.
However, any new or worsening chest pains should be evaluated by a medical professional immediately, as they could be a sign of a serious illness.
What To Know About Costochondritis
Costochondritis is inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs and breastbone. It can cause a stabbing, burning, or aching pain in the chest wall. Coughing and a blow to the chest are among the causes.
The ribs are connected to the breastbone by tough, protective tissue called cartilage. When this cartilage becomes inflamed, the condition is known as costochondritis or chest wall pain.
While this condition is usually temporary, it can be alarming, as the pain can become so significant it mimics a heart attack.
Doctors may also refer to costochondritis as costosternal syndrome or costosternal chondrodynia. The condition will usually resolve on its own with home treatments.
Though causes are often unknown, in some instances, the condition can be the result of one or more of the following:
However, the condition is most commonly idiopathic – meaning no known cause exists.
Chest discomfort and pain may be stabbing, burning, or aching in nature. The ribs most affected are the second to fifth ones.
The condition most commonly affects people ages 40-50 years old.
According to an older study, an estimated 13-36% of those who seek emergency medical attention for chest pain are experiencing costochondritis.
Upper body movement and deep breathing usually worsen the pain associated with costochondritis.
The pain associated with costochondritis usually occurs on the left side of the body but can affect both sides.
Tietze syndromeThere is a variation of costochondritis called Tietze syndrome. This condition causes pain associated with costochondritis and swelling of the rib cartilage.
The swelling of Tietze syndrome affects at least one of the upper four ribs, usually the second or third ribs. While the pain associated with costochondritis may subside with time, some people with Tietze syndrome will still experience the swelling.
Although doctors have not defined how prevalent this condition is, they consider it a rare disorder. Besides pain and discomfort, it does not cause any long-term harmful effects.
Doctors usually treat costochondritis conservatively. Resting and avoiding strenuous exercise that affects the chest wall can help. So can over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Children under age 18 should not take aspirin due to the increased risk for Reye's syndrome.
In rare instances, a doctor may recommend injections of lidocaine or corticosteroids to reduce pain and inflammation. Other treatments that may help to relieve chest pain include:
If these treatments do not reduce a person's incidence of costochondritis, they should seek a follow-up with their doctor.
If a person has chest pain, they should not try to determine whether it is a heart-related issue or costochondritis. Instead, they should seek immediate medical attention.
If a younger person who is not at risk of heart attack experiences these symptoms, they should seek emergency attention if their chest pain is sharp and does not improve with rest.
If someone has gone to a doctor for their symptoms and has been diagnosed with costochondritis, there are still some instances when a person should seek immediate medical attention again. These include:
If chest pain radiates to the arms, neck, shoulder, jaw, or back, a person should seek immediate medical attention.
Doctors often diagnose costochondritis by ruling out other potential causes of the chest pain and discomfort connected with the condition. For example, if a person is older than 35, a doctor may first want to rule out coronary artery disease (CAD) as a potential cause.
Individuals who are at risk of CAD, such as those with a family history, those who are obese, or those with a history of smoking, should usually have an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) and chest X-ray to check for CAD.
Other medical conditions that may closely resemble costochondritis include:
A doctor will perform a physical examination to detect tenderness of the cartilage to the touch. If a person is having a heart attack or has another type of heart condition, the cartilage in the chest is not usually sensitive to the touch.
The doctor will also listen to the heart and lungs and examine the skin for signs of infection. An X-ray or other imaging studies will not show signs of costochondritis.
Doctors can usually diagnose a child, adolescent, or young adult by asking questions about their medical history and conducting a physical exam. As part of this, the doctor will often check for tenderness in the chest cartilage.
Costochondritis can last from a few weeks to months. It may also recur if it is caused by physical exercise or strain.
The condition does not usually last longer than one year. However, adolescents with costochondritis can sometimes experience a longer period of symptoms.
Below are some commonly asked questions about costochondritis.
What helps costochondritis go away?Generally speaking, costochondritis will get better on its own over time. However, over-the-counter medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help with pain and inflammation.
How does a person test for costochondritis?There is no specific test to diagnose costochondritis.
However, a doctor will usually make a diagnosis based on a combination of a physical examination, medical history, and additional tests (to rule out other conditions). These other tests may include:
What not to eat when a person has costochondritis?While no specific foods directly cause or exacerbate costochondritis, certain foods or ingredients may contribute to inflammation in the body. This, in turn, could potentially worsen symptoms for some individuals.
Some examples include:
Learn more about foods that cause inflammation.
Costochondritis, inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs and breastbone, leads to chest pain, which is often stabbing or burning in nature.
It usually has no known cause but can result from chest injuries, repetitive movements, or underlying conditions like fibromyalgia.
While mostly temporary, the pain can mimic a heart attack, necessitating medical evaluation to rule out other serious conditions.
Treatments range from rest and pain relievers to injections or physical therapy.
It's crucial to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or if chest pain is accompanied by certain symptoms, such as lightheadedness or an irregular heartbeat.
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