Dull pain behind the sternum in the center. The chest hurts in the middle: what is the treatment if there was no injury. Pain in the chest with diseases of the stomach

If it hurts somewhere, it means that not everything is in order with the body. So many people rightly think so. Pain cannot be tolerated, nor can it be ignored. Especially when the pain is concentrated in the middle of the sternum.

Causes of pain

The sternum is an oblong bone located right in the middle of a person's chest. The ribs are attached to the sternum and together they form the chest. This bone structure protects the heart, large blood vessels, lungs, esophagus from mechanical damage from the outside.

Pain in the sternum in the middle can be caused by such pathological conditions:

Diseases of the heart and aorta;
Diseases of the esophagus;
Diseases of the stomach;
Diaphragm diseases;
Diseases of the mediastinum;
Diseases of the skeletal system;
Neuropsychiatric diseases.

Heart disease

If you experience pain in the sternum in the middle, first of all, you need to exclude possible heart problems, as the most dangerous cause. Indeed, in most cases, pain in the sternum is caused precisely by heart disease, and more specifically by coronary artery disease. develops when there is insufficient supply of oxygen to the heart muscle. In conditions of lack of oxygen, the myocardium suffers greatly and gives a signal about this in the form acute pain. And , and are clinical forms ischemic heart disease. However, the nature of the pain in these diseases is different.

For angina pectoris, pressing pains behind the sternum are typical. Patients themselves describe this pain as if someone had put a brick on their chest. Pain often radiates to left hand, neck. Painful attacks last up to twenty minutes, the pain either catches up or releases the person.

Note! characteristic feature angina pectoris is the elimination of pain after the use of nitroglycerin.

With a pronounced lack of oxygen, the death of the heart muscle occurs, this is how myocardial infarction develops. This disease is accompanied by pressing, burning pain behind the sternum, but the pain is much more intense than with angina pectoris. The pain may also radiate to the left arm, neck, under lower jaw, on the entire chest and even the stomach. Often pain is accompanied by a feeling of pronounced fear of death, cold sweat on the face. The pain is unbearable, does not go away after 15-20 minutes, and is also not stopped by nitroglycerin.

Pain in the sternum can also occur with inflammatory heart disease - and pericarditis. This pathology often occurs after suffering infectious disease. In general, for inflammatory diseases heart symptoms are:

Pain on the left chest, as well as the sternum;
elevated temperature;
Weakness, malaise.

Aortic diseases

The occurrence of pain in the sternum can also be caused by disease of the aorta, in particular, its aneurysm. This local extension section of the aorta. on early stages It is asymptomatic, but as the disease progresses, characteristic symptoms appear.

Signs of an aneurysm thoracic aorta are:

Prolonged pain in the sternum, heart area (pain attacks can last several days);
The pain does not radiate;
It is not eliminated after the use of nitroglycerin.

The danger of the disease is that at any time a dissection of the aneurysm can occur, which leads to fatal bleeding. The rupture of an aneurysm of the thoracic aorta is evidenced by such symptoms as the appearance of a sharp pain behind the sternum, often radiating to the back, as well as a drop in blood pressure.

Diseases of the esophagus

The esophagus is located along the sternum. Therefore, it is not surprising that diseases of this organ are often manifested by retrosternal pain. One of the most common diseases of the esophagus is achalasia of the cardia.. This is insufficient relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (cardia), which disrupts the esophagus. Thus, while swallowing food bolus gets stuck at the level of the spasmodic lower esophageal opening and cannot get further into the stomach.

The symptoms of achalasia are:

The appearance of pain in the sternum in the middle can also be associated with (synonymous with GERD). The disease is characterized by the development of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the esophagus due to the reflux of gastric contents. Retrosternal pain in GERD can radiate to the interscapular region, neck, lower jaw, left side chest. It is worth noting that esophageal pain is often mistakenly perceived as an angina attack due to a similar clinical picture. However, chest pain in GERD has its own characteristics:

Pain in the sternum occurs after eating;
Increases after tilting the body forward, as well as in horizontal position body;
Decreases after the use of antacids.

Important! In favor of GERD, symptoms such as belching sour, regurgitation of food also testify.

Diaphragm diseases

The diaphragm is a muscular-tendon plate that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. The diaphragm has natural opening- esophagus through which the esophagus exits chest cavity into the abdomen. The development of a hernia of the esophageal opening of the diaphragm is said to occur when organs abdominal cavity protrude into the chest cavity.

Diaphragmatic hernia occurs with pain in the sternum in the middle and below, spreading to the epigastric region. The pain can radiate to the back, the interscapular region, and even to the hypochondrium, which mimics girdle pain when. Features of retrosternal pain in diaphragmatic hernia:

Pain often occurs after eating, aggravated by coughing, after lifting weights;
Increases after tilting the body forward;
Decreases after belching, deep inspiration, or if the person assumes an upright position;
Pain can be described as moderate, dull;
Pain accompanies the symptoms of GERD.

Stomach diseases

known to cause pain in epigastric region, often extended to lower part sternum. Depending on the location ulcer defect pain can also radiate to the left side of the chest, right hypochondrium, back. The occurrence of pain is directly related to food intake. Often discomfort appear half an hour to an hour after eating.

Ulcer pains are relieved by drugs that reduce gastric secretion. In addition, at the top pain attack a person may experience acidic contents, which brings relief. In favor peptic ulcer also evidenced by belching, . It is also worth noting that in rare cases pain in the sternum is also acute, although for this ailment the localization of pain in the upper abdomen is more characteristic.

Respiratory diseases

Diseases of the lungs, pleura occur with pain in the chest from the side of the lesion. But pain directly in the sternum in the middle can manifest itself only tracheobronchitis. Usually this disease develops within. Therefore, at the beginning of the disease, a person is concerned about weakness, fever, and sore throat. Discomfort quickly descends, spreading to the trachea and bronchi.

Pain in tracheobronchitis is localized behind the sternum in its upper and middle third and intensifies in time. At the beginning of the disease, the cough is dry, unproductive. When a person coughs, he feels an unpleasant soreness behind the sternum. After a few days, the cough becomes wet, the sputum comes off more easily. The pain behind the sternum gradually decreases, the general state of health improves.

Diseases of the mediastinum

The mediastinum is called anatomical space located in the chest cavity. In front, the space is limited by the sternum, behind the spine, and the lungs are located on the sides of the mediastinum. The mediastinum contains the following organs:

thymus;
Trachea;
Upper esophagus;
Heart;
main bronchi;
Large vessels and nerves.

Inflammation of the tissue of the mediastinum is called mediastinitis. The disease develops when an infection enters the mediastinum from neighboring inflamed organs (trachea, lungs, esophagus, heart, etc.), or when the mediastinal organs are injured. Acute mediastinitis develops suddenly and its first sign is the appearance of intense pain behind the sternum. Pain is especially aggravated when swallowing and tilting the head back. There are also signs such as:

Fever;
Chills;
Profuse sweat;
Cough;
Suffocation;
Violation of the heart rhythm;
Puffiness of the face and upper body;
Blueness of the skin.

Note! Mediastinitis is a very serious condition and requires urgent medical attention.

Diseases of the skeletal system

It is logical to assume that pain in the sternum can be provoked directly by diseases of this bone. But it is worth noting that diseases of the sternum are very rare. Therefore, if chest pain occurs, first of all, it is still necessary to think about possible pathology heart or esophagus.

In trauma practice, doctors, although rarely, are still faced with. People get this injury as a result of an accident when their chest hits the steering wheel, less often - with a direct blow to the sternum or strong compression of the chest. With a fracture, the victim feels severe pain in the sternum, aggravated by breathing. In the area of the fracture, edema and subcutaneous hemorrhage are determined. With the displacement of fragments of the sternum, damage to neighboring organs, in particular the lungs, with the development of pneumo- or hemothorax is possible.

The sternum, like any other human bone, can be affected malignant process . Breast cancer is a rare disease, but it is still worth mentioning. Cancer can occur in the sternum primarily or secondarily - after the penetration of metastases into the bone. On early stages the disease does not manifest itself in any way and the patient does not even suspect his diagnosis. As the disease progresses, weakness, malaise, anorexia, low-grade fever develop. Also at this stage, a person begins to be disturbed by pain in the sternum.

Neuropsychiatric diseases

Sometimes a person goes to the doctor with a disturbing pain in the sternum, but after conducting research, it turns out that the person is absolutely healthy. In this case, the pain is psychogenic in nature, this condition is also called cardioneurosis. The patient himself describes his painful sensations, as if a lump or stone behind the sternum. There may also be a complaint about a rapid heartbeat, interruptions in the rhythm, "as if the heart wants to jump out." As a rule, all these phenomena occur after emotional experiences. A person is very worried about retrosternal pain, suspects that he has a dangerous disease. In general, a person with cardioneurosis is characterized by anxiety, anxiety, multiple fears,

Pain in the middle of the chest can occur in a person in different ages. If this happens, then we can talk about physical overstrain or serious illness as the root cause of this condition. In most cases, patients complain of pain under the chest in the middle due to a violation of the heart. But even if you are not sure whether the painful syndrome is related to the heart, in any case, you should immediately see a doctor.

Chest hurts in the middle: causes

Specialists highlight row pathological conditions when you can often feel pain behind the sternum in the middle:

chest trauma;
Heart disease: myocardial infarction and angina pectoris;
Pulmonary diseases: thromboembolism;
Diseases digestive system: acute pancreatitis, disruption of the esophagus, ulcer duodenum and stomach.

A characteristic symptom of myocardial infarction and angina pectoris is the appearance of acute pain in the chest of a stabbing character. If for the first time you have pain in the middle of the chest, then you need to immediately see a doctor.

If you feel a burning sensation and, in addition to everything else, you have a feeling of squeezing in the middle of the sternum, then the cause may be incipient myocardial infarction so you need to call an ambulance right away. Do not neglect such signs, since there are many cases when this led to the death of a person.

Quite often, paroxysmal pain occurs in psychogenic type diseases. In such conditions, the pains acquire a stabbing or pressing character, and are also sharp or dull. Often they are felt in the middle or upper chest.

Much less risk is a constant aching pain in the sternum, in contrast to a sudden pain attack. This symptom often indicates the presence neurological diseases, spinal injury or malfunction digestive tract.

Pain from chest trauma

A person can feel pain in the sternum as a result of injuries received in a car accident, a friendly fight or a drunken fight. And from most patients, you can hear complaints about feeling pain in the chest and back.

Trauma provokes rupture of muscles and blood vessels, and this explains the appearance of pain, which begins to intensify when inhaling, turning and tilting the body.

Damage to the periosteum when struck in the chest is very dangerous. In this case, a person may feel unceasing pain for a long time, which will begin to disappear only after many weeks.

Getting cracks and fractures of the sternum is fraught not only with pain, but also with a violation general well-being, attempts to find the source of pain with your hands leads to an increase in discomfort.

The cause of the pain may be damage to the sternum, however, in each case it may be accompanied by various symptoms. At rest, the pain is felt much weaker, and any movement and deep breathing leads to its aggravation.

The nature of the pain, possible diseases and their symptoms

You should be alert if you are increasingly experiencing severe pain in your sternum and you breathe heavily. Having reported his problem to a specialist, he will have to solve difficult task- establish the cause and exclude serious diseases. When the doctor gets an idea of the location of the pain and its intensity, frequency and duration, then at this stage he can give provisional diagnosis. But to confirm it, additional instrumental and laboratory research. Depending on the strength of manifestation, pain in the middle of the chest can be of several types:

dull;
aching;
acute;
squeezing;
burning.

Cardiovascular diseases

The cause of pain in the middle of the sternum can be cardiovascular diseases.

If you feel in the chest constant pain, then this is a strong marker of an aortic aneurysm. In this state, a person for a long time feels pain, which is aggravated by any physical activity. If the diagnosis of aortic aneurysm is confirmed, then the necessary urgent hospitalization and carrying out the operation.

The cause of severe pain may be pulmonary embolism. In this disease, the symptoms are similar to an attack of angina pectoris, however, here the pain does not radiate to other areas and the patient does not complain that it is difficult for him to breathe. Increased pain is observed with each breath, and taking painkillers can suppress them.

About the person who is worried squeezing pain in the middle of the chest, which occurs in the form of short attacks, we can talk about the presence of angina pectoris. This pathological process characterized by the appearance of blunt and aching pain, which often gives in left shoulder or left hand. With this disease, pain can occur during physical exertion, and at rest it weakens and soon disappears.

Myocardial infarction deserves most attention among other diseases, and pain that occurs in the left side of the chest can indicate it. Unlike angina pectoris, the pain syndrome is more intense and prolonged. A person may feel discomfort even at rest. Additional symptom confirming the diagnosis is the appearance inexplicable fear, shortness of breath and feelings of anxiety.

Pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract

Specialists highlight a number of diseases of the digestive system, in which pain is felt under the chest in the middle.

Most often, this symptom is observed in the following conditions:

stomach or duodenal ulcer,
diaphragmatic abscess,
acute pancreatitis,
acute cholecystitis,
reflux esophagitis.

With each of the diseases listed above, a person may experience heartburn, nausea, belching, and increased gas formation.

In case of disruption gastrointestinal tract pain syndrome may indicate spasm of the muscular walls of the stomach or esophagus. Most often, pain is disturbed in the morning before breakfast or after meals, but they can only be removed with the help of antispasmodics.

About a person who feels pain in the chest when inhaling, we can say that he begins to develop pleurisy, bronchitis, tracheitis, pneumonia. In the latter case, the pain syndrome causes a strong and prolonged cough. Also possible disease maybe diaphragm and intercostal muscle injury.

Treatment process lung diseases very complex and time consuming. Because of this, you should not underestimate the danger of this disease and at the first symptoms you should immediately see a doctor.

Diseases of the spine

Among diseases of the spine, osteochondrosis is most often diagnosed, the main symptom of which is pain in the middle part of the chest, which appears constantly or in the form of attacks. The pain syndrome can have a different strength of manifestation depending on the location of the body: exacerbation occurs during movement, and weakening at rest. similar clinical picture can be seen with radiculopathy thoracic spine, the occurrence of which is often provokes osteochondrosis.

Also, pain in the chest may indicate the presence of the following diseases:

pathology thyroid gland,
intercostal neuralgia,
diaphragmatic hernia,
congenital disorders in the structure of the spine.

At prolonged absence treatment of osteochondrosis in humans, compression of the nerve roots can be detected, which can be determined by pain syndrome. This indicates the beginning of the development of a special disease - intercostal neuralgia. In this condition, the pain syndrome has a very high intensity of manifestation, in terms of the strength of the impact, it is second only to renal colic. The pain manifests itself in the region of the heart and usually gives under left shoulder blade, That is characteristic symptom during an attack of angina pectoris.

This diagnosis can be confirmed failure to take nitroglycerin, which immediately brings relief from heart disease.

First aid

At the first appearance of a sharp pain in the chest in the middle of a person, he may feel pain shock and in some cases faint. Also, in a patient with such a diagnosis, other symptoms are observed - rapid pulse, blanching of the skin of the face and lips, frightened kind of eyes. What to do in a situation where there is a pain syndrome between the chest and spine?

Everyone must be escorted out of the room where the patient is. extra people, as the victim will be even more nervous at the sight of the crowd.

Conclusion

The pain itself is very unpleasant and can interfere with the performance of usual activities. However greatest danger represent chest pains in the middle as they may indicate development of serious diseases. But do not think that pain in this part of the body is a symptom of a violation of the heart. There are many other dangerous diseases in which chest discomfort is also felt. Only a specialist can determine which organ is broken, so you should not ignore these symptoms, but you should immediately consult a doctor. With such a condition, it is very important to undergo an examination as soon as possible in order to start treatment faster and avoid complications.

Practitioners often hear complaints of pain in the sternum in the middle. Similar state very seriously. IN medical practice it is known as retrosternal pain. Located behind the sternum important organs: bronchi, heart, esophagus, lymph nodes, blood vessels. Pain may hit one of them. All this cannot be ignored!

Chest pain - causes

There are many factors that cause such an unpleasant sensation. For example, pain in the sternum in the middle can be caused by such diseases of the cardiac and vascular systems:

angina pectoris- an ailment characterized by blockage of blood vessels supplying blood to the heart. As a result, the body experiences oxygen starvation. In addition, there are unpleasant painful sensations, moreover, both in the chest and in the back, arms. More often, discomfort intensifies after suffering emotional overstrain or excessive stress.
Myocarditis- at similar pathology there is pain in the chest in the middle. At the same time, respiratory disorders and a slight increase in body temperature can be observed.
myocardial infarction- an ailment accompanied by a cessation of blood supply to the heart. As a result, this condition can lead to the death of the cells of this organ. The pain is pronounced, burning in nature. More often it is concentrated on the left.
Mitral heart disease- this pathology is characterized by a violation in the functioning heart valve(It doesn't close all the way). The patient may be overcome terrible pain. They are concentrated on the left and in the center of the sternum.
Pericarditis- an ailment in which the inflammatory process attacks the heart membrane. The pains with it are squeezing in nature. They can intensify, both in the supine position and when eating.
atherosclerosis coronary vessels - for a similar pathology, blockage of the artery is characteristic cholesterol plaques. As a result, over time, a gap may occur. blood vessel. This phenomenon is accompanied by unbearable pain.

Often, pain in the sternum in the middle occurs with dysfunctions respiratory system. More often this condition is observed in the following pathologies:

pneumonia- an ailment that is characterized by pain in the sternum, fever, coughing and expectoration.
Pulmonary hypertension- a pathology accompanied by an increase in the pressure of the blood flow near the lungs. As a result, the patient experiences discomfort, concentrated on the right. In intensity and nature of manifestation, such pain is similar to that observed during an attack of angina pectoris.
Pneumothorax- violation of the integrity of the lungs, due to which the air comes out through the chest. This condition comes with severe pain.
Pleurisy – inflammatory process affecting the lining of the lung. With this pathology, strong pain during inhalation and exhalation.
asthma- with this disease, an uncomfortable sensation is concentrated in the central part of the sternum and near the trachea.

Diseases of the digestive system can also provoke the occurrence of such a condition. More often they include such diseases:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease- accompanied by the return of the contents of the stomach into the esophagus. Pain increases during physical activity, as well as after eating.
stomach ulcer- more often this pathology attacks people who abuse alcohol and smokers.
Diseases of the biliary tract- the pain is aggravated after eating heavy fatty foods.
pancreatitis- the patient's condition worsens when he lies or leans forward.

To other causes that provoke the occurrence pain, include:

trauma;
reduced physical activity;
excessive stress;
osteochondrosis;
intercostal neuralgia;
congenital pathologies of the spine and others.

Pain in the middle of the chest when inhaling

Such an unbearable sensation indicates an acute or chronic process. Pain in the sternum in the middle when inhaling may indicate compression of the nerve roots leading to the ribs from the spine. More often this uncomfortable phenomenon is caused by such reasons:

dysfunction of the digestive system;
pleurisy;
osteochondrosis;
hypothermia.

Pain in the middle of the chest when coughing

Discomfort can be provoked by certain diseases, as well as other factors. More often, pain in the sternum in the middle of the cause has the following:

dysfunction of the cardiac system;
chest injury;
inflammation of the pleura;
lungs' cancer;
pneumonia;
long stay in an uncomfortable (hunched) position;
heavy physical labor;
colds.

Pain in the middle of the chest when moving

Such uncomfortable sensations are more often characteristic of diseases of the heart muscle. Causes of chest pain in women may include:

atherosclerotic vascular lesions;
endocarditis;
heart defects.

Pain in the middle of the chest when swallowing

This unpleasant condition is often provoked by pathologies of the digestive system. Most often, pain in the sternum is caused by the following factors:

spasm of the esophagus;
injury to this organ by a foreign object that has fallen into it;
rupture of the esophagus;
the appearance of scars on the sphincter.

Pain in the middle of the chest when pressed

This unpleasant sensation can be provoked various factors. Experts agree that it often hurts in the middle of the chest for the following reasons:

after surgery;
if the chest is injured;
at age-related changes in bone tissues;
as a result of intense physical exertion, microtraumas occur in cartilage and muscles;
because of a suffocating cough;
in case of violation metabolic processes and hypovitaminosis.

The nature of chest pain

Discomfort can vary in degree of manifestation. Chest pain can be:

dull or sharp;
cutting or pressing;
weak or constant;
accompanied by burning;
appearing at rest or after physical activity.

Pressing pain in the chest

A one-time attack is not associated with any violation. Compressive pain behind the sternum is more often caused by the following reasons:

weight lifting;
a sharp change in climate;
staying for a long time in a stuffy room;
severe stress;
excessive physical activity.

When pressing pain in the middle of the sternum occurs repeatedly, this can be provoked by such factors:

heart attack or angina;
a disease of the spine, in which compression of the nerve fibers occurs;
stomach ulcer;
ischemic heart disease;
pancreatitis;

Burning pain in the chest

A similar symptom may be seen with various problems with health. More often burning pain in the chest occurs for the following reasons:

intestinal colic;
mastopathy;
intercostal myositis;
vegetative-vascular dystonia;
excessive physical activity;
pulmonary embolism;
aortic dissection;
pericarditis.

Aching pain in the chest

This uncomfortable state is warning sign. This is why it hurts in the middle of the chest:

with osteochondrosis;
when a patient is diagnosed with thrombosis;
with a destructive change in the pulmonary artery;
in case of detection of cystic-purulent formation;
with myocarditis.

Sharp pain in the chest

In most cases, this phenomenon is spontaneous. Patients note that this is severe pain behind the sternum. This problem can be called various reasons. Such pain in the sternum when inhaling can occur. In addition, it is provoked by the following pathologies:

displacement of the vertebrae;
pulmonary infarction;
esophagitis;
pericarditis;
angina ischemia of the heart.

Pain behind the sternum in the middle - what to do?

At the first manifestations of such an uncomfortable condition, it is necessary to contact a specialist for medical help as soon as possible. The doctor carefully examines the patient. He knows what causes chest pain, what to do when it is detected. However, there are a number of cases when, when alarming symptoms appear, you need to call ambulance. These include the following states:

pain in the sternum is concentrated in the middle and is combined with an acceleration (more than 90) or a slowdown (less than 50 beats per minute) of the pulse;
this condition is accompanied by a sharp jump or drop in blood pressure;
shortness of breath appears;
the pain is accompanied by a distortion of facial features and weakening of the hands.

The first thing that comes to mind with chest pain is heart problems, which is not always true. Pain in the chest can occur for various reasons: from ordinary overwork to dangerous diseases.

The causes of pain can be determined by its nature and accompanying symptoms. The problem cannot be left unattended! Pain is kind of SOS signal transmitted by the body. It is necessary to respond to it in order to avoid serious complications.

Causes of chest pain

Behind the ribs it hurts with pathologies of various organs. This is due to the structure nervous system. The nerve trunk divides into branches in the chest area.

Therefore, through a common trunk, pain in one organ responds in another. For example, stomach pains are perceived as heart pains and vice versa.

Pain in the chest with pathologies:

of cardio-vascular system;
musculoskeletal system;
mediastinum;
central nervous system;
respiratory organs;
gastrointestinal tract.

Note! The nature and intensity of pain vary and help establish the diagnosis. It is almost impossible to do this without the help of a specialist. Therefore, you need to see a doctor. Any pain, but sometimes they are not life-threatening, and in other cases, you need to start fighting them immediately.

Musculoskeletal system

Painful sensations in the chest in diseases of the spine are very reminiscent of "heart."

The most common cause is osteochondrosis. Because of malnutrition or excessive load on the spine with incorrect posture or excessive training, the spine is modified.

Elastic intervertebral discs, cartilage and bone. As a result - nerve endings squeezed, causing spasms.

Pain in the chest responds to such pathologies of the ODA as:

scoliosis;
ankylosing spondylitis;
rheumatoid arthritis;
slouch;
Tietze syndrome;
herniated discs.

Good to know! Soreness in the chest region is felt with injuries of the spine, ribs and shoulder blades. Hardware studies in a medical institution will help establish the diagnosis.

The cardiovascular system

Vascular and heart diseases confidently occupy the first place in terms of mortality. Therefore, it is especially important to take time to see anxiety symptoms. This is the only way to prevent tragedy.

"Heart" pain is conditionally divided into two subgroups, depending on the origin:

anginal causes ischemia;
cardialgia are characteristic of defects, inflammation of the heart muscle and congenital pathologies, as well as vegetative-vascular dystonia.

Pain accompanies the course of the most dangerous diseases. Among them:

myocardial infarction;
angina;
rheumatic lesions;
inflammation of the heart;
aortic aneurysm;
pulmonary embolism;
pericarditis;
heart attack rear wall ventricle.

Note! All of these diseases are deadly. During their exacerbations, the score usually goes by minutes.

Gastrointestinal tract

Chest pain is hallmark many pathologies of the digestive tract. Main:

stomach ulcer;
hiatal hernia;
reflux;
pancreatitis;
damage to the esophagus;
diaphragmatic abscess;
idiopathic expansion of the esophagus;
duodenal ulcer;
Mallory-Weiss syndrome (rupture of the esophageal mucosa);
cholecystitis.

Attention: if a gastrointestinal disease is diagnosed, it does not mean that chest pain is caused by it. Diseases of the abdominal organs are often asymptomatic and do not exclude coronary artery disease.

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Respiratory system

The lungs occupy a large area of the chest, so the pathology of the respiratory organs causes pain.

Chest pain causes most lung diseases:

lobar pneumonia;
pneumothorax;
tuberculosis;
emphysema;
lung cancer;
abscess;
pleurisy;
hydrothorax (accumulation of fluid in the pleura);
lung infarction.

Good to know! Traumatic injuries lung and pleural areas also cause pain. Most respiratory diseases are very dangerous and require immediate medical attention.

Symptoms of diseases that cause chest pain

Pain syndromes in the chest vary in location and characteristics, depending on the reasons they are caused. Accompanying symptoms also help establish the diagnosis.

Pain with problems musculoskeletal system May be:

Constant or attacks.
Always becomes when moving.
"Shoots" in the shoulder and shoulder blade.
It becomes more intense during inhalation and coughing (similar to intercostal neuralgia).
It can be distinguished from cardiac or gastric by the drugs that bring relief.
Pain medications and warming ointments help, not heart medications.

Cardiovascular disease is defined by several signs of pain:

The first is localization behind the sternum or in the chest on the left. "Shoots" into the left hand, the interscapular region, into the bone of the lower jaw.
By nature, heart pain is: cutting, pressing, baking.
It becomes more painful due to physical or emotional overstrain.

In diagnostics great importance assigned to the time factor. At heart attack the pain does not last continuously for a long time. Usually the duration of the attack does not exceed 15 minutes, after rest or medication.

Pulmonary embolism is characterized by shortness of breath. Chest pain appears suddenly, it hurts to inhale. You may cough up blood.

Attention: pain in the heart for longer than 20 minutes is a symptom of myocardial infarction and aortic aneurysm. Myocardial infarction is also characterized additional features: fear, anxiety, shortness of breath.

With problems in the gastrointestinal tract, the following are added to the pain syndrome:

heartburn,
excess gas,
vomit,
burp,
nausea.
chest pain begins in a hungry state or immediately after eating. Helps to cope with pain taking antispasmodics.

P good to know! With pathological respiratory organs the pain is aggravated by breathing and coughing. Accompanied by sputum, fever, shortness of breath. Sometimes there may be: hemoptysis, excessive sweating, cyanosis.

Pain and crunching in the back over time can lead to dire consequences- local or complete restriction of movements, up to disability.

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When to see a doctor?

If the pain in the chest does not go away for a long time or recurs periodically, it is worth going to the hospital in any case.

It is worth speeding up a visit to the doctor if the painful syndrome is accompanied by the following symptoms:

heartburn, which is not saved by over-the-counter medicines;
pain in chest after eating.

Urgent medical attention is required when the chest hurts for more than 15 minutes, or is added to it:

loss of consciousness;
hemoptysis;
coughing attacks after exercise;
dizziness;
pressing sensation from the chest extends to the back, back, neck, lower jaw;
jumping pulse;
sweating;
intermittent breathing;
vomit;
anxiety.

First aid

If sharp pain in the chest is accompanied by the above symptoms, it is necessary:

call an ambulance;
lay the patient so that the head is slightly lower than the legs;
get rid of clothes that make it difficult to breathe;
ventilate the room;
give nitroglycerin;
wait for the doctor.

You can't self-medicate!

Diagnosis and treatment of chest pain

Diagnosis of the causes of chest cramps should be qualified specialist in a medical setting. It is not the fact itself that needs to be treated discomfort but the primary disease that causes them.

Diagnosis begins with a survey and examination to determine the diseases of which organ is associated with pain.

To clarify the diagnosis, hardware procedures are performed:

study of the gastrointestinal tract;
exercise testing;
vascular angiography;
radiography;
CT scan of the chest.

Based on the results of the research, the doctor establishes a diagnosis and determines the necessary treatment.

Sudden and severe chest pain- this is a symptom that can be described not only as unpleasant, but also as very disturbing. It is called one of the most common reasons for visiting a doctor. And this is the surest reaction - to immediately demand attention from the medical staff. Because sometimes a painful attack is the first signal of serious illnesses requiring urgent care.

Causes of chest pain

With such a symptom, the most typical reasons his appearances are called:

heart problems;
vascular disease;
diseases of the respiratory system;
diseases of the digestive tract;
diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
neuroses;
shingles.

Diagnosis for chest pain

When there are complaints about left chest pain, the doctor first of all reveals whether this symptom indicates serious diseases that pose an immediate threat to life. Namely, it could be a myocardial infarction. In this case, the pain is squeezing, burning or squeezing in nature. It can be paroxysmal, it can capture the entire chest, give it to the arm, neck, shoulder blade, back. Nitroglycerin cannot relieve such pain, and only narcotic analgesics have an effect.

If observed chest pain in the middle, while it is accompanied by shortness of breath, a decrease in pressure and fainting, then against the background atrial fibrillation or phlebothrombosis of the deep veins of the legs, we can talk about thromboembolism pulmonary arteries. Soreness can last up to several hours, and narcotic analgesics can cope with it.

When there is pain in the chest, cough, it is most likely affected bronchopulmonary system. Define more accurate diagnosis localization of the painful area will help. At deep breath or coughing, the patient complains of exacerbation of pain. This means that the pleura is affected. By the way, similar symptoms- Very serious reason for a thorough examination. Since sometimes they indicate the appearance malignant formations in the respiratory system.

Sharp pains in the chest in the middle are caused by diseases of the esophagus. In this case, they are associated with the act of swallowing. Sometimes soreness appears or intensifies while food passes through the esophagus. The causes of pain may be ulcerative esophagitis, damage foreign body. But the symptom sometimes also declares a much more terrible disease - cancer of the esophagus. Therefore, at the slightest manifestation of pain, you should immediately consult a doctor!

Pain under the chest can be caused by hiatal hernia. In this case, it increases in the supine or sitting position, but disappears completely in the vertical. Additionally, the diagnosis is confirmed by heartburn, increased salivation.

Right chest pain: causes

If pain is felt with right side This does not mean that there is no cause for concern. Sometimes the reason for this is problems with the spine. For example, pain in the right chest is caused by scoliosis or spondylosis. In this case, it is long-term. Sensations arise not as a result of movement, but, on the contrary, with a load in one position. That is, problems will manifest themselves after prolonged sitting or standing. The disease is easier to cure initial stage. Experts such as chiropractor, vertebroneurologist or neurologist.

Another cause of pain on the right side can be thoracic sciatica. It is caused by damage or irritation nerve root. This is caused by injuries, hypothermia, serious exercise stress. If loss of sensitivity is added to the unilateral nature of the pain, then immediate medical intervention is necessary.

When causes chest pain should be sought immediately. Moreover, in some cases it does not appear immediately. For example, if there was an injury to the thoracic region, then after a few days a person will complain of soreness. As a rule, the pain is localized under the ribs, aggravated by pressure and breathing. Accordingly, the doctor will prescribe an x-ray to find out the nature of the damage and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

It is worth mentioning such a cause of pain as shingles. This terrible disease can cause severe attacks, as a result of which the patient cannot fall asleep, and only narcotic analgesic. Since such pain can manifest itself before a specific rash is visible on the skin, it is especially difficult to correctly diagnose.

With the appearance of any pain in the chest, it is necessary to carefully monitor their nature. The sooner you respond to such symptoms, the more likely it is that any disease can be reversed.