6 Ways to Relieve Sudden Chest Pain

2024 Author: Jason Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 10:50

Chest pain is not always a sign of heart disease. In the US, of the 5.8 million people admitted to the emergency department for chest pain each year, 85% are diagnosed with no associated heart disease. However, because there are many problems that can cause chest pain – from heart attacks to stomach acid – you should see a doctor immediately to determine the disorder you are suffering from. Meanwhile, there are ways to relieve chest pain while waiting for a doctor's treatment.

Step

Method 1 of 2: Relieve Chest Pain from Heart Attack

Step 1. Recognize the symptoms of a heart attack

A heart attack occurs when the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart become blocked. This will damage the heart and cause chest pain associated with a heart attack. Chest pain experienced during a heart attack may feel like a dull ache, tightness, or pressure. The focus of pain is around the center of the chest. To confirm that you are indeed having a heart attack, watch for these other symptoms:

• hard to breathe,
• nausea or vomiting,
• feeling light-headed and dizzy or dizzy,
• a cold sweat,
• pain in the left arm, jaw and neck.

Step 2. Seek emergency help immediately

Call an ambulance or have someone take you to the emergency department right away. The faster the doctor removes the blockage, the less damage there will be to the heart.

Step 3. Take aspirin if you are not allergic to this drug

Most cases of blockage of blood vessels that trigger heart attacks are caused by clumps of platelets (blood cells) that are fused with cholesterol plaque deposits. Aspirin in low levels will also help suppress the presence of platelets in the blood thereby reducing blood clots.

• Research shows that chewing aspirin tablets is more effective at treating blood clots, relieving chest pain, and preventing damage to the heart, than swallowing them directly.
• Slowly chew 325 mg aspirin tablets while waiting for medical attention in the emergency department.
• Try to get the aspirin absorbed by the body as soon as possible.

Step 4. Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible

You don't have to move around much or do anything to keep the blood from pumping. The pumped blood will do more damage to your heart. Sit in a comfortable position and try to stay calm. Wear loose, comfortable clothes, and try to relax as much as possible.

Method 2 of 2: Relieve Chest Pain Due to Pericarditis

Step 1. Learn the symptoms of pericarditis

Pericarditis occurs when the lining of the heart (the membrane around the heart) swells or becomes irritated, usually due to a viral infection. This type of chest pain will feel sharp, stabbing in the center or left of your chest. In some patients, the pain is felt as a gentle pressure that radiates to the jaw and/or left arm. This pain worsens when the patient breathes or moves. Some of the symptoms of pericarditis are similar to those of a heart attack:

• hard to breathe,
• heart beat,
• low fever,
• tired or nauseous,
• cough,
• swollen legs or stomach.

Step 2.

Seek medical help immediately.

Although it is often mild and goes away on its own, the symptoms of pericarditis are difficult to distinguish from those of a heart attack. These symptoms can also indicate a more severe case that must be treated with surgery. Thus, you should be monitored immediately and undergo an examination to determine the cause of the pain.

• Call an ambulance or ask someone to take you to the nearest emergency room.
• Just like in a heart attack, early treatment is the best way to prevent your condition from getting worse.

Relieve pain by sitting and leaning forward. The pericardium has two layers of tissue that rub against each other during inflammation, causing chest pain. So, sit in this position to reduce friction on the painful tissue while you wait for medical attention.

Take aspirin or ibuprofen. The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen will relieve swelling of the pericardial tissue. Thus, the friction between the two layers of the pericardium will subside, as will the chest pain you experience.

• Consult a doctor before using these drugs.
• With the approval of the doctor, take the drug three times a day after meals. You can take 2-4 grams of aspirin or 1,200-1,800 mg of ibuprofen a day.

Much rest. Pericarditis is usually caused by a viral infection. So, you can treat it like a cold to speed up healing and get rid of pain quickly. Rest and sleep will help improve the function of the body's immune system while speeding up the healing process.

Relieves Chest Pain due to Lung Disorders

1. Know the condition of your lungs. If your legs swell or you sit too long on an airplane, blood clots can form and spread to the pulmonary vessels, and this can cause blockages. Lung disorders cause chest pain that can worsen when the sufferer breathes, moves, or coughs.

   

   • Immediately visit the emergency department.
   • Lung disorders require immediate surgery to relieve symptoms.

2. Watch for signs of pneumonia. Pneumonia or pneumonia is an infection that affects the air content in the lungs. The lungs become swollen, and may become filled with fluid, causing phlegm and mucus that appears when the sufferer coughs. Your chest pain may be accompanied by:

   

   • fever,
   • coughing up phlegm or mucus,
   • tired,
   • nausea and vomiting.

3. See a doctor if your pneumonia symptoms get worse. In mild cases, you can just rest at home and wait for your immune system to fight off the infection on its own. However, severe infections can be life threatening, especially if they occur in children and the elderly. See a doctor if:

   

   • you find it hard to breathe,
   • chest pain getting worse
   • You have a fever at 39 C or higher and it doesn't subside,
   • your cough doesn't go away, especially if you have a pus-filled cough,
   • cough is experienced by children under 2 years old or in elderly people over 65 years old, or anyone who has a weak immune system.

4. Ask your doctor for medicine. If the pneumonia is caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics (azithromycin, clarithromycin, or erythromycin) to fight the infection and speed healing. However, if your case of infection cannot be treated with antibiotics, your doctor may prescribe medication to treat chest pain or reduce coughing that is making the pain worse.

   

5. Watch for signs of pulmonary embolism and pneumothorax. Pulmonary embolism occurs when there is a blockage of the vessels in the lungs (pulmonary). Pneumothorax (lung failure) occurs when air leaks into the cavity between the lungs and the chest wall. Both of these conditions cause shortness of breath or blue fingers and mouth.

   

   In weak patients such as the elderly or people with chronic asthma, a cough that does not go away due to pneumonia can cause blockages or even tears in the lungs

6. Seek immediate medical attention in case of pulmonary embolism and pneumothorax. If you suspect a case of pulmonary embolism or pneumothorax, seek medical attention immediately. In addition to chest pain, both conditions can cause very short breaths or blue fingers and mouth.

   

   Both of these conditions require immediate medical attention. Call an ambulance or go to the emergency room as soon as possible

Relieves Chest Pain Due to Stomach Acid

1. Make sure whether you suffer from stomach acid disorders. Acid reflux occurs when the acid in the stomach irritates the passage between the stomach and the esophagus (gullet), causing it to relax. Relaxing conditions in this channel can cause acid flow from the stomach up into the esophagus and cause a burning pain in the chest. People with acid reflux usually also experience nausea or feel like food is stuck in the chest or esophagus. Sometimes, this condition leaves a sour taste in the mouth.

   

   • This condition is usually triggered or exacerbated by eating fatty or spicy foods, especially if you lie down after eating.
   • Alcohol, chocolate, red wine, tomatoes, oranges, peppermint, caffeine products, and coffee can cause stomach acid to rise.

2. Sit or stand. When you feel a burning sensation, you should not lie down. Acid reflux occurs in the esophagus, and lying down will cause stomach acid to flow through it. Sit down to help hold stomach acid up and into the esophagus.

   

   You can also try gentle movements, such as rocking in a chair or walking slowly. These movements will help improve your digestive condition

3. Use antacids. “Tums”, “Maalox”, “Promag”, and “Mylanta” are some examples of over-the-counter antacids, which can quickly relieve chest burning symptoms. Take this medication after eating or after you start to feel symptoms. You can also take antacids before meals to prevent chest burning. Read the directions on the package label carefully, and take the medicine as directed.

   

4. Consider taking medications that reduce stomach acid production. Antacid medicines prevent stomach acid, but "Prilosec" and "Zantac" work to stop the production of stomach acid.

   

   • Prilosec is an over-the-counter proton pump inhibitor, which stops the production of acid in your stomach. Take one tablet at least an hour before a meal to slow stomach acid production.
   • "Zantac" works to produce the same effect, namely by blocking histamine receptors. Dissolve a tablet in a glass of water and wait for it to completely dissolve. Drink the solution 30-60 minutes before meals to reduce stomach acid production.

5. Make simple home remedies. A mixture of baking soda and water (also known as “sodium bicarbonate”) can be very useful in relieving acid reflux pain. Just mix 1 or 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a glass of water and drink it when you feel chest pain due to stomach acid. The bicarbonate in the baking soda will help neutralize these acidic conditions.

   

6. Try herbal remedies. Make chamomile or ginger tea, or add ginger to your diet. These two types of herbs help improve digestive conditions and have a calming effect on the stomach.

   

   • DGL-licorice extract (Glycyrrhiza glabra) can help wrap the mucosal lining of the esophageal tract and prevent damage and pain from stomach acid.
   • Take this extract capsule at a dose of 250–500 mg three times a day, by chewing it 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after eating. If you take it long term, see a doctor to check the potassium levels in your body. Licorice can lower potassium levels in the body, and thus can cause cases of palpitations and arrhythmias.
   • Purchase deglycyrrhizinated capsules to prevent side effects such as swelling.

7. Consider acupuncture treatment. Several studies have stated that acupuncture treatment can have a positive impact in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. In a six-week study, people with stomach acid disorders were treated with traditional Chinese acupuncture techniques at four specific points on the body. The group of patients treated with acupuncture showed similar results to the group treated only with traditional medicine. Ask the acupuncture therapist to focus on the following areas once daily for one week:

   • zhongwan (CV 12),
   • second zusanli (ST36),
   • sanyinjiao (SP6),
   • neiguan (PC6).

8. Ask your doctor to prescribe a higher dose of medication if needed. If you find that over-the-counter medications and home remedies aren't working, you may need a higher dose of prescription medication. Over-the-counter versions of "Prilosec" are also manufactured in higher doses and may help relieve your pain.

   

   Make sure that you follow the directions on the package label for any indigestion conditions

Relieves Chest Pain from Anxiety or Panic Attacks

1. Learn the ins and outs of anxiety or panic attacks. These attacks are usually triggered by feelings of restlessness, nervousness, fear, or stress. To prevent these attacks, sufferers should get behavioral therapy and possibly medication from a doctor. A tense emotional state can increase the rate of breath and strain the chest muscles to the point of pain. This high emotion can also cause spasms in the esophageal tract or coronary arteries of the heart, which can be felt in the chest. In addition to chest pain, you may also experience:

   

   • increased respiratory rate,
   • increased heart rate,
   • Shaky,
   • heart palpitations (to the point that it looks like your heart is going to burst out of your chest).

2. Breathe deeply. Hyperventilation can cause spasms in the chest muscles, arteries, and esophageal tract. Breathing deeply and slowly reduces the rate of breathing and reduces the chance of pain from spasms.

   

   • Count to three silently each time you inhale and exhale.
   • Control your breath instead of letting the air rush in and out. By controlling your breath, you can control your anxiety and panic too.
   • If necessary, use assistive devices to limit the volume of breath, such as paper bags used in the mouth and nose to limit the amount of air that enters your body. This can help stop the hyperventilation cycle.

3. Use relaxation techniques. A recent study stated that massage therapy, thermotherapy, and indoor relaxation therapy are effective ways to treat anxiety disorders in general. After following relaxation techniques for 12 weeks, patients showed a reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression.

   

   • Schedule a 35-minute massage therapy focusing on indirect myofascial release (at trigger points). Ask the massage therapist to focus on muscle limitations in the shoulders, cervix, thorax, spine (lumbar), neck and back of the head, and the bony areas of the top of the buttocks.
   • Find a comfortable position on the massage mat, and use a blanket or towel to cover any areas of your body that need covering.
   • Play music that relaxes you, and take slow, deep breaths.
   • Ask the massage therapist to use Swedish massage techniques in between massages on each muscle group.
   • Ask the massage therapist to place a warm towel or warm pillow on your muscles. As he transitions between each muscle group, have him lift the hot device so you feel the transition to a cooler temperature between the muscle groups.
   • Breathe deeply and slowly during the massage session.

4. Schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist. If panic attacks start to affect your life and relaxation techniques are no longer working, you need the help of an expert. See a psychiatrist to discuss possible causes for your anxiety. Regular one-on-one therapy meetings are the best way to relieve your symptoms.

   

   Therapists sometimes prescribe benzodiazepines or antidepressants for people with panic attacks. This treatment manages symptoms when an attack occurs and prevents you from having them in the future

Relieves Costochondritis or Musculoskeletal Chest Pain

1. Distinguish costochondritis and musculoskeletal pain. The ribs are connected to the sternum via cartilage in the chondrosternal joint. When the cartilage swells - usually from strenuous activity - you can feel costochondritis chest pain. Exercise can also strain the chest muscles, which refers to musculoskeletal pain that feels like costochondritis. This type of pain feels sharp, aching, or feels like pressure in the chest. You will usually feel it only when you move or breathe. However, it is only these two types of chest pain that can feel worse when pressed by your hand.

   

   • To tell the difference between musculoskeletal chest pain and cartilage joint pain, press the ribs around your breastbone (the bone in the center of your chest).
   • If there is pain next to the cartilage, you likely have costochondritis.

2. Buy over-the-counter drugs. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen will relieve pain due to pressure on cartilage joints and chest muscles. These medications suppress the swelling process – either in the cartilage or in the muscles – and reduce conditions that cause pain.

   

   Take two tablets with water and food. Food helps prevent irritation due to the effect of the drug in the stomach

3. Much rest. Pain from these conditions is limited, i.e. it will go away on its own instead of persisting. However, you will need to rest tense muscles and knuckle joints to heal the damaged tissue. If you can't stop exercising completely, at least cut back on activities that put a strain on the chest area.

   

4. Stretch before you exercise. If you don't stretch your muscles properly before strenuous activity, you will feel tension and pain after you stop. You certainly don't want to experience cartilage or muscle pain. Before starting an exercise session, be sure to stretch the muscle groups in your chest by:

   

   • Raise your arms above your head and stretch them backwards and sideways. Let your chest muscles stretch and relax as you perform this movement.
   • While facing the corner, stretch your arms and place one hand against the wall. Move your hands away from each other and let your chest close to the wall.
   • With your feet on the floor, hold the door frame open. Lean your chest forward and support your body by holding the door frame. Walk forward holding your body against the door frame.

5. Use a heating pad. Heat can be an effective therapy for working muscles or joint tissue, and can relieve this type of chest pain. Place a heated pillow in the microwave and heat according to directions. Place a pillow over the painful area intermittently, so you don't burn your skin. The heat will break down and heal muscle tension. You can also massage the area with your fingers, after applying hot compresses from the pillow. This method will further relieve the tension of the muscles.

   

6. Make an appointment with your doctor if symptoms persist. If you continue to feel tension in your chest muscles, don't expect the pain to go away quickly. However, if the pain persists even after plenty of rest, you should make an appointment with your doctor.

   

   Seek medical attention if you have had an accident involving trauma to the chest. Broken ribs can damage the lungs and heart if left untreated. Your doctor may order X-rays to check for the presence of broken bones

Warning

• Because chest pain can have a variety of causes – some of which are dangerous and some have the potential to cause death – you should always see a doctor right away when you experience it. If you don't know the cause of the pain, you need to be diagnosed.
• You should see a doctor if the pain becomes unbearable, has difficulty breathing, or has persistent pain for days that does not improve at all.
• Seek a medical diagnosis immediately, especially if you have a family medical history of heart problems.
• If you have a traumatic injury to the chest (for example, from an accident), seek immediate medical attention to check for a fracture.

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