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Chronic chest pain – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Thursday, February 15, 2018 by

Pain is our body’s way of telling us something is wrong. Most of the time, the sensation is acute and fleeting. Pain in this form suggests an immediate hurt (such as a wound or lesion) which — thankfully — can be resolved relatively quickly. However, when pain becomes chronic, it can imply a more serious condition. One such example is chronic chest pain.

Chest pain is characterized by pressure or tightness that originates in or radiates from the chest. Chronic varieties normally do not suggest a heart attack but can be indicative of digestive problems (such as heartburn), lung disease (such as pneumonia), or costochondritis (inflammation of joints in your chest). Chronic chest pain can either be sharp or dull; although most people with the condition report a persistent discomfort around the heart area followed by an aching or burning sensation. Chronic chest pain may also radiate towards the back, neck, jaw, or arm depending on the underlying condition.

Patients who experience chest pain for more than two weeks are asked to seek immediate medical attention. These episodes should not be taken lightly; the pain may be a symptom of a potentially life-threatening disorder.

Take note that despite the pain occurring in the chest, the cause may not be related to the heart. Sometimes chronic chest pain may be caused by:

  • Pleuritis (inflammation of the membrane that covers the lungs)
  • Acid reflux
  • Disorders of the ribs, rib cartilage, or nerves in the chest.

It is best to eliminate any potential illnesses so that your doctor can prescribe you with proper medication.

Known side effects of chronic chest pain

As a whole, there are no other known side effects of chronic chest pain other than pain which can range from acute to dull. The condition is, most likely, the side effect of another condition.

Chest pain should be described to the doctor as: constant or intermittent; dull or sharp; whether it feels like the heart is being “crushed” or “squeezed”; whether the heart feels “tight”; if there are palpitations; and if a burning sensation accompanies the pain.

Body systems harmed by chronic chest pain

Chronic chest pain usually is a sign of another more serious condition. Your doctor would need to conduct several tests to determine what the underlying illness is before designing a treatment plan. As such, several possible body systems could be harmed by chronic chest pain.

Food items or nutrients that may prevent chronic chest pain

Holistic healers recommend garlic as one of the easiest ways to relieve chest pain. Studies have shown that garlic contains compounds that prevent and delay cardiovascular disease, which lessens the risk of experiencing pain in and around the chest. Those with chronic pain are suggested to take ½ tsp of garlic juice to a cup of how water.

Ginger is another proven home remedy for chest pain. The root helps reduce cholesterol levels and is a good source of powerful antioxidants. For better cardiovascular health, eat a piece of raw ginger on an empty stomach daily.

Other herbs and spices that have been suggested to relieve chest pain are turmeric, cayenne pepper, basil, and alfalfa. It is best to consume these spices as a tea to receive the most benefits.

Treatments, management plans for chronic chest pain

Chronic chest pain should never be treated as is. Reducing the amount of pain you feel will only provide you with temporary relief to what is truly causing the discomfort.

Once you and your doctor find out the main reason for your pain, you can both work out a proper treatment plan for your condition.

Where to learn more

Summary

Chronic chest pain can be a symptom of a more serious medical condition. The pain can be dull or sharp and can originate in or radiate from the chest area. Patients who have experienced chronic chest pain for more than two weeks are asked to seek immediate medical attention.

Sources include:

MedicinePlus.gov

NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

HealthLine.com

MerckManuals.com

MedicineNet.com

Top10HomeRemedies.com



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