The first step in treating substernal chest pain is recognizing the underlying cause. Diagnosis is important, as it will determine which treatments are necessary.
Substernal chest pain can be caused by a number of things, some of which are serious. Recognizing that you’re experiencing this pain is the first step toward recovery.
If you think you may have this condition, it’s important to seek medical treatment. Fortunately, there are several options available.
Some treatments include antidepressants and mood-stabilizing medications. Other options include cognitive behavioral therapy.
Is Substernal Chest Pain Serious?
If you are experiencing substernal chest pain, you should consult your physician. This type of pain can signal many conditions.
They include heart attack, pneumonia, aortic stenosis, and atrial fibrillation. It may also be caused by severe anxiety. There are many treatments for substernal pain, but first, it’s important to determine what’s causing it.
Understanding Substernal Chest Pain
Symptoms
Substernal chest pain can have many causes, including a heart attack or pulmonary embolism. It can also be caused by aortic stenosis or pneumonia. It may also be caused by severe anxiety.
There are several symptoms associated with substernal chest pain, including:
- Pain or discomfort in the ribs
- Pain that worsens during deep breathing or coughing
- Mild, aching pain in the upper chest
- Swelling in the upper chest
- Stiffness in the shoulder joints
- Severe pain when raising the arms
- Signs of collarbone trauma, such as bruising or swelling
- Difficulty breathing
- Grinding or popping sensation in joints near the sternum
- Frequent belching
- Heartburn
- Feeling too full
- Throwing up blood
Causes
Substernal chest pain can be caused by a variety of conditions. The pain can come from the heart itself, the intercostal nerves, or the vagus nerve.
Symptoms are usually transmitted to the brain via these nerves, but they can also come from other sources. Depending on the cause of the pain, treatment can be either conservative or invasive.
Many common causes of substernal chest pain include pulmonary embolism, unstable angina pectoris, and aortic stenosis. In addition, the muscles that connect the sternum to the ribcage can become strained or injured. Strenuous movements, such as coughing or sneezing, can also cause muscle strains.
Another possible cause of substernal chest pain is inflammation of the pleura, which are the sheets of tissue that connect the lungs to the ribcage. If the pleura are inflamed, the pain can be even sharper, especially when breathing deeply. The condition can also be accompanied by a sour taste in the mouth.
Noncardiac causes of chest pain are not usually serious, but they still require the attention of a physician. As the Cleveland Clinic points out, most people with noncardiac chest pain actually have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which affects their esophagus.
Some causes of noncardiac chest pain are stress, panic disorder, various gastrointestinal disorders, and chest wall syndrome.
Fortunately, most of these are treatable with over-the-counter medications. However, if you have chest pain that persists for more than five to 15 minutes, you should visit a physician.
Sternum and substernal pain can be caused by a variety of things, including:
- Costochondritis
- Sternum fracture
- Sternoclavicular joint injury
- Collarbone injuries
- Muscular strain or bruise
- Hernia
- Acid reflux
- Pleurisy
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
Treatment
The first step in treating substernal chest pain is to determine the cause. If the pain is not relieved by medication, it may be indicative of a heart condition.
A chest X-ray will help to determine if the cause is a heart problem. If it is a heart problem, the doctor may recommend tests such as computer tomography.
This test can give detailed images of the heart. If the condition is more serious, a physician may perform cardiac surgery. Substernal chest pain may occur as a result of a variety of diseases, illnesses, or disorders.
Depending on the cause, the pain can be due to a heart attack, pulmonary embolism, aortic stenosis, or aortic stenosis. In more severe cases, patients may also experience pain in the opposite side of their chest.
In some cases, substernal chest pain may be a symptom of a lung condition, such as pleurisy or pleuritis. According to NHSInform, Pleurisy is an inflammation of the layer of tissue covering the lungs. If the cause is an infection, the patient will likely be prescribed antibiotics. Otherwise, the condition may clear up on its own.
A computerized tomography scan and electrocardiogram can be used to diagnose substernal chest pain. The diagnosis of the cause is important because treatment of the condition depends on whether the pain is cardiac or noncardiac.
If the pain is caused by a musculoskeletal issue, conservative measures such as rest or medication may be effective. In some cases, however, surgery is necessary.
What Does Substernal Pain Feel Like?
Substernal pain can be caused by a variety of health conditions, including heart attacks and pulmonary embolism. It can also occur in people with aortic stenosis, stable angina pectoris, atrial fibrillation, or pneumonia.
The pain is usually sharp, but can also feel like crushing. Sometimes it can even radiate to other parts of the body. It can be frightening to experience, especially when the pain lasts only a few seconds.
When Should I Be Concerned About Sternum Pain?
If you experience chest pain, you should see a doctor right away. It may be a sign of a heart attack, so it is important to get checked out.
In most cases, sternum pain is not a serious condition, but it should be taken seriously if you feel pain or discomfort that is not going away after a few days.
Last but not least, find out more about Chest and Back Pain, Chest Wall Pain, Chest Pain When Coughing and Gas Pain in the Chest.
