Chest Pain
Chest pain or discomfort in the chest is a dull ache or a sharp stabbing pain that radiates to the neck or shoulder.
Signs & symptoms of chest pain
The common signs & symptoms associated with chest pain are:
- The pain is heavy or pressing.
- The pain last for more than 15 minutes.
- The pain may spread to other parts of the body like arms, back or neck.
- Nausea
Common causes of Chest Pain & their treatment
Angina
It is a condition when the blood supply to the heart is reduced.
Treatment options for Angina
Self Care
- Regular exercise for 20-30 minutes per day improves the cardiovascular health.
- Weight loss.
- Quitting smoking & alcohol intake.
Medications
- Beta blockers – They reduces the blood pressure & slows the heart rate.
- Blood thinners – They prevent blood clotting.
- Calcium channel blockers – They relax the blood vessels.
Major Interventions
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
It is a condition in which the stomach acid comes up into the oesophagus.
Treatment options for GERD
Self Care
- Eat smaller & frequent meals.
- Weight loss.
- Quit smoking & alcohol intake
Medications
- Antacids- They neutralise the effects of stomach acid.
- Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) – They reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach.
Surgery
- The surgical options includes:
Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF). This procedure is done under the influence of general anesthesia. During this process the ring of muscle at the bottom of the oesophagus is tightened which stops acid leaking from the stomach.
Costochondritis
This condition is characterised by the inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone.
Treatment of Costochondritis
The symptoms of costochondritis may go away after some time & may be relieved by painkillers.
Lung conditions
Pneumonia
It is the inflammation of lungs caused by infection. The treatment of pneumonia includes rest, antibiotics & fluids intake.
Pleurisy
It is the inflammation of the membranes surrounding the lungs. The treatment of pleurisy includes antibiotics.
Stomach Ulcers
It is the break in the lining of the stomach. The treatment of stomach ulcers includes:
Medications
- Antacids- They neutralise the effects of stomach acid.
- Antibiotocs
- Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) – They reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach.
Endoscopy
A hollow tube with a camera & light at it end known as endoscope is passed down the throat and into the esophagus & stomach and provide treatment.