Chest Pain

Common causes of chest pain in children

  1. Musculoskeletal Causes

    • Costochondritis (inflammation of the cartilage connecting ribs to the sternum)

    • Muscle strain (e.g., after physical activity or coughing)

    • Chest wall injuries (e.g., bruises or fractures)

  2. Respiratory Causes

    • Asthma or bronchospasm

    • Pneumonia or pleuritis (inflammation of the lung lining)

    • Chronic cough from respiratory infections

  3. Gastrointestinal Causes

    • Acid reflux (GERD)

    • Esophageal spasm

    • Swallowing foreign objects

  4. Cardiac Causes (rare but important)

    • Congenital heart defects

    • Pericarditis (inflammation of the heart lining)

    • Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)

    • Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle)

  5. Psychological Causes

    • Anxiety or panic attacks

    • Stress or emotional distress

  6. Other Causes

    • Sickle cell crisis (in children with sickle cell anemia)

    • Shingles (especially if pain follows a nerve path)

When to Seek Medical Attention

  • Severe or sudden pain

  • Pain with difficulty breathing, dizziness, or fainting

  • Pain radiating to the jaw, arm, or back

  • Fever or signs of infection