When Symptoms Are Benign vs. Life-Threatening
Sudden and sharp pain in the chest can feel alarming.
There are many causes, such as pericarditis orprecordial catch syndrome.
This article discusses severe and benign causes of chest pain and how to tell the difference.
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Location
Typically, sharp and sudden chest pain develops in the chest’s middle or left side.
It can also radiate into the back, shoulder, or limbs if it is particularly severe.
Sudden Symptoms
The sudden and sharp pain is almost like a stabbing sensation in one area.
This leads to stomach acid entering the esophagus from the stomach.
People can experience sharp sensations in their chest, burning, and pain when it happens.
These disorders, although uncomfortable, are not considered severe or life-threatening.
It is not considered serious; typically, the pain goes away a few minutes after it develops.
In contrast, panic attacks can occur even if a person is relaxing.
In these instances, knowing when you should head to your local emergency department is important.
Because of that, if you suspect you may have pericarditis, you must see a healthcare provider.
This can lead to various symptoms, such as sharp chest pains.
Other signs of pneumonia include:
Bacteria, viruses, or fungi typically cause pneumonia.
The pain comes on when a person breathes deeply, and it can also radiate to the shoulder.
Other signs of pleurisy include shortness of breath and a dry cough.
Pleurisy can develop on its own but can also be triggered by other health disorders, includingpulmonary embolisms.
The discomfort may also radiate into the shoulder and worsen when you breathe or cough.
The pain may spread to the neck, back, or shoulders when it develops.
If you experience them, you should head to your nearest emergency health center.
Chest pain that occurs because of a benign condition does not threaten your life.
If it doesn’t improve shortly, you should head to your nearest hospital emergency room.
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Texas Children’s Hospital.Sharp chest pain?
Your child might have PCS.
Beth Israel Lahey Health.Panic attack vs. heart attack.
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Venekamp LN, Velkeniers B, Noppen M.Does ‘idiopathic pleuritis’ exist?
American Lung Association.Pulmonary embolism symptoms and diagnosis.
Penn Medicine.Collapsed lung (pneumothorax).
