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First Aid: Chest Pains

First Aid

Chest pain can be caused by many things, from a pulled muscle to asthma. Depending on the reason for the pain, the symptoms may differ. Chest pain in children is rarely a sign of heart trouble.

Signs and Symptoms

  • tightness
  • discomfort
  • burning sensation
  • pain when taking deep breaths
  • coughing
  • wheezing

What to Do

  • Call the doctor if your child has ongoing chest pain.

Get Emergency Medical Care If:

  • Chest pain happens during exercise.

Your child has:

  • trouble breathing or rapid breathing
  • a racing heart or heart palpitations (fluttering)
  • pressure in the chest
  • dizziness or fainting
  • blue or gray color around the lips

Think Prevention!

It's hard to always avoid chest pain because it has many possible causes. But you can:

  • Make sure kids get routine immunizations to prevent infections that could cause chest pain.
  • Follow the doctor's treatment plan if your child has asthma.
  • Avoid foods that seem to bring on indigestion.
  • Make sure kids have a sports physical before playing organized sports.

Reviewed by: Kate M. Cronan, MD
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2018

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