Little-Known Causes Of Chest Pain In Children And Adolescents

[LoShiNi]

There are various reasons for chest pain, and some of them can be life threatening. Therefore, you should never ignore it, no matter how old you are. Even children who are physically active can complain of chest pain after playing or working out.

Most types of chest pain in children and adolescents are not related to the heart. In any words, these are non-cardiac causes of chest pain. Some of these problems go away without any professional intervention, while other symptoms can indicate some serious heart diseases. Therefore, it is important that parents take their children to a doctor regardless the type of chest pain.


1. Musculoskeletal Causes Of Chest Pain

Problems with the musculoskeletal system are the most common cause of chest pain in children and adolescents. This kind of pain can be caused by various abnormalities in the musculoskeletal system.

Costochondritis

- This condition is characterized by a sharp, stabbing pain.

- The pain is aggravated by deep breathing.

- It usually lasts from a few seconds to a few minutes.

Tietze Syndrome

- This condition is commonly found in adolescents and young adults.

- This pain may be caused by an upper respiratory tract infection with excessive coughing.


- There may be signs of inflammation experienced in the form of warmth, swelling, and tenderness.

- The affected cartilage is well palpated.

Idiopathic Chest-Wall Pain

- A non-specific chest-wall pain that is most commonly found in children.

- There may be a sharp pain felt in the chest, which may last for a few minutes.

- This pain can increase with rapid breathing.


Slipping-Rib Syndrome

- This chest pain can pass to lower ribs.

- This pain may be felt in the lower chest area or the upper abdominal area, which may be caused due to a trauma or dislocation of the 8th, 9th, and 10th ribs.

- These ribs are more prone to trauma.

Trauma And Muscle Strain

- Most children and teenagers involved in sports and gymnastics are prone to chest-wall trauma.

- This pain is characterized by localized pain and swelling in the affected area.

- Weightlifting can lead to serious chest injury if the exercises are not performed correctly.

Precordial Catch

- This chest pain may be caused due to poor posture or even a pinched nerve.

- It can be characterized by sudden, acute pain, which can last from a couple of seconds to several minutes.

- This condition can occur at rest or while performing a mild activity.

Xiphodynia

- This condition is also known as hypersensitive xiphoid syndrome.

- This pain is characterized by a localized pain or discomfort.

- The pain or discomfort may be increased by eating a heavy meal, coughing, as well as bending and rotating movements.

2. Pulmonary Causes Of Chest Pain

Many children and adolescents may experience chest pain due to problems in the respiratory system. The most common cause of lung soreness is bronchial asthma. Sometimes, physical exercises can cause asthmatic symptoms, even in children with normal breathing.

In addition, acute chest pain can be caused by infections in the lungs, including bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, empyema, bronchiectasis, and lung abscess. It can also increase in cold climatic conditions. Cough is one of the important symptoms of this chest pain type.

3.Gastrointestinal Causes Of Chest Pain

Discomfort in the stomach can cause soreness in the chest. Common gastrointestinal causes of chest pain in children and adolescents include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, spasm or inflammation of the esophagus, and cholecystitis. In addition, similar sensations can be caused by a foreign object in the esophagus. The most common symptom is a burning sensation felt.

4. Psychological Causes Of Chest Pain

Chest pain in children and teenagers may be caused due to certain psychological issues. These include anxiety and stress, experienced in schools or at home. Experiencing stressful events can cause chest pain and breathlessness. It may also cause sleep disturbances.


Hyperventilation, which is often caused due to anxiety or a panic attack, can lead to chest pain in children. Children may also experience dizziness and difficulty in breathing.

These are some of the common causes of chest pain in children and adolescents and are not related to a heart condition. Do not forget that many of these symptoms can be a sign of a serious disease. To find out the exact cause of chest pain, make sure to take your child to a doctor!