The chest is the upper section of the trunk, technically known as the thorax. The important organ it contains are the lungs, which takes up the greater part of its space, and the heart. The chest has more or less the shape of a cone, expanding below and diminishing at the top. It is bounded below by the diaphragm, through various openings in which it communicates with the abdomen.
Chest pains may be due to disorders of any of its contained organs or their coverings. It may also be due to rheumatism of the intercostal muscles. Some of the main causes of chest pain are: adenoids, whooping cough, bronchitis, pleurodynia, rheumatism and other disorders of the stomach such as acid reflux disease, heartburn, among others.
Anywhere in the chest, behind the breast bone or in the throat, it could be simple indigestion, cramp caused by shallow breathing, heartburn or a disease of the esophagus. Inflammation and pain around the breastbone and upper abdomen, could be a viral infection, which can cause inflammation and pain in a condition known as Bornholm disease. Like other viral infections, it will clear up with rest, relaxation, plenty of fluid, nourishing soups, extra vitamin C and so on.
In the chest, it should be taken seriously as it could be angina or the early signs of a heart attack especially if accompanied by pain in the arms. Behind the shoulder blades, it could mean gall bladder trouble. If it strikes the upper right quadrant, consider gastroenteritis, gastritis, gallstones, ulcer or hiatus hernia. In the upper left or lower left quadrant, it may be diverticular disease, constipation, ulcerative colitis or irritable bowel syndrome. The pain of hiatal hernia may also radiate to the lower left or right side under the ribs.
The pressure of trapped wind, it can be excruciating and deceiving. Not only does the discomfort move around, it can also be an amazing mimic, resembling the pain of gallstones, appendicitis and a heart attack all within the space of an hour or two . If there is trouble breathing along with the chest pain or it gets worse when taking deep breaths then the person should seek medical attention. If belching and/or a burning sensation in the upper abdomen comes with the chest pain and if it comes and goes before, during or after eating and gets worse when bending or lying down, chances are it is trapped wind, and an antacid should somewhat alleviate the pains.
The treatment of chest pains depends wholly upon the cause of the pains, for any of the above causes, then you should visit a healthcare professional, as chest pains can range from minor to severe, and they can be extremely painful, but in the case of trapped wind, which is the most minor, then an over the counter medicine should be taken to relieve the wind, and if that is not sufficient, then the services of a healthcare professional should be employed.
