Updated on: 10 November, 2024 03:30 PM IST |Hatim Kanchwala
Explore the 5 common causes of chest pain that arent heart attacks, from pulled muscles to panic attacks. Understanding these factors can help differentiate between minor issues and serious health concerns.
1. Pulled Muscle
Chest pain can sometimes be the result of a pulled or strained muscle, which may occur from lifting heavy objects, exercise, or sudden movements. Unlike heart-related pain, a pulled muscle in the chest may feel worse when you move or press on the area, and it generally resolves with rest and gentle stretching.
2. Asthma
Asthma can cause chest tightness and pain when the airways become inflamed or constricted, especially during an asthma attack. This pain can make breathing difficult and is often accompanied by wheezing or shortness of breath. Managing asthma with inhalers or prescribed medications usually helps alleviate this discomfort.
3. Heartburn
Heartburn, which results from stomach acid moving up into the esophagus, can create a burning sensation in the chest that resembles heart-related pain. This pain often follows meals or lying down and can be alleviated by antacids or lifestyle changes like avoiding acidic foods.
4. Shingles
Shingles, a reactivation of the chickenpox virus, can cause severe, burning pain along nerve pathways, including those around the chest. This pain usually appears with a rash and can linger for weeks or even months, requiring antiviral medications for relief and management.