What can be pain in the middle of the chest and what to do

Pain in the middle of the chest is often suspected of infarction, however, this is one of the rarest causes and when it happens it is accompanied by symptoms other than just pain, such as difficulty in breathing, tingling in one arm, pallor or seasickness, for example. See the 10 signs that may indicate a heart attack.

Usually, this pain is a sign of other less serious problems, such as gastritis, costochondritis or even excess gas, so it need not be cause for anxiety or concern, especially if there are no risk factors such as a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, overweight or high cholesterol.

Even so, if a heart attack is suspected, it is very important to go quickly to the hospital for tests, such as the electrocardiogram and the measurement of tumor necrosis markers in the blood, popularly known as cardiac enzyme measurement, to assess whether it may be a heart attack and start proper treatment.

1. Excess gases

Excessive intestinal gas is one of the most common causes of chest pain and can often be mistaken for a heart attack, causing anxiety, which ends up making the pain worse and contributing to the idea that it may actually be a heart attack.

Pain caused by excess gas is more frequent in people with constipation, but it can happen in many other cases, such as when taking a probiotic, for example, or when a lot of time has been spent trying to control the urge to defecate.

Other symptoms: in addition to pain, it is common for the person to have a more swollen belly and even feel some pain or stitches in the abdomen.

What to do: You can do an abdominal massage to try to release the gases that are accumulating in the intestine and drink teas like fennel or cardomomo, which help to absorb the gases. Some medications, such as simethicone, can also help, but should only be used with the doctor's recommendation. See how to prepare these teas and others for intestinal gas.

2. Costochondritis

Sometimes the pain in the middle of the chest is due to the inflammation of the cartilages that connect the ribs to the bone that is in the middle of the chest and which is called the sternum. Thus, it is common for the pain to become stronger when you tighten your chest or when you are lying on your stomach, for example.

Other symptoms: feeling of aching chest and pain that gets worse when you put pressure on the spot or when you breathe and cough.

What to do: Applying a hot compress over the breast bone can help relieve the pain, however, the treatment needs to be done with anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed by a general practitioner or orthopedist. See better how is the treatment of costochondritis.

3. Heart attack

Although it is the first suspicion when severe chest pain arises, infarction is usually quite rare and usually occurs in people who have some risk factor such as being overweight, high cholesterol or cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, for example.

Another symptom: infarction is usually accompanied by cold sweat, nausea or vomiting, pallor, shortness of breath and heaviness in the left arm. The pain also tends to get worse, beginning as a slight tightness in the chest.

What to do: if a heart attack is suspected, you should immediately go to the hospital or call medical help by calling 192.

4. Gastritis

Inflammation of the stomach, known as gastritis, is also one of the main causes of pain in the middle of the chest, as it is common that, in these cases, the pain arises in the region of the mouth of the stomach, which is located very close to the center of the chest. and may even radiate to the back.

Gastritis is more common in people who eat poorly, but it can also occur in those who have a very stressed lifestyle, since excessive worry alters the pH of the stomach, which may contribute to their inflammation.

Other symptoms: usually gastritis is accompanied by a feeling of full stomach, lack of appetite, heartburn and frequent belching, for example.

What to do: One way to decrease stomach inflammation and relieve symptoms is to drink a glass of water with a few drops of lemon or drink potato juice, as they help to increase the pH of the stomach, reducing inflammation. However, as gastritis may be caused by an infection by H. pylori, it is best to consult a gastroenterologist, especially if the pain persists for more than 3 or 4 days. Learn more about gastritis and how to treat it.

5. Gastric ulcer

In addition to gastritis, another very common stomach problem that can cause pain in the middle of the chest is gastric ulcer. Usually, the ulcer is a consequence of gastritis that has not been treated properly and that has caused a sore in the lining of the stomach.

Other symptoms: the ulcer causes a stinging pain that can radiate to the back and chest, in addition to other signs such as frequent nausea, a feeling of heaviness in the stomach and vomiting, which may even contain small amounts of blood.

What to do: It is important to consult a gastroenterologist whenever you suspect an ulcer, as it is usually necessary to start taking medications that decrease stomach acidity and make a protective barrier, such as Pantoprazole or Lansoprazole, for example. However, you should also eat a light diet with foods that are easy to digest, to avoid worsening the ulcer. See how the diet should be in cases of ulcer.

6. Liver problems

Along with stomach problems, changes in the liver can also cause pain in the middle of the chest. Although it is more common for liver pain to appear on the right side, just under the ribs, it is also possible that this pain radiates to the chest. Check out 11 signs that may indicate a liver problem.

Other symptoms: usually associated with pain can be constant nausea, loss of appetite, headache, dark urine and yellow skin and eyes.

What to do: If a liver problem is suspected, it is advisable to consult a hepatologist to identify the correct diagnosis and start the most appropriate treatment.

When to go to the doctor

You should go to the doctor whenever you suspect a heart attack or heart problem. Although infarction is a rare cause in emergencies, when there is suspicion or doubt, it is always best to seek an emergency service for clarification, as it is a very serious disease.

However, if this is not the case, it is recommended to go to the doctor if the pain lasts more than 2 days or if it is accompanied by: