Does the chest pain occur in a person who has had a recent operation or illness that has kept them in bed and does he or she have the following symptoms, too?

  • Shortness of breath
  • Fainting or faintness
  • Low fever
  • Cough (with or without blood in the sputum)
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Pain and swelling in a leg prior to the symptoms listed directly above
 Yes: Seek Care
No
Is there trouble breathing along with the chest pain? Does it get worse when taking deep breaths? Yes:See Doctor
No
Are one or more of the following present?
  • Fever
  • Cough with sputum of any color (pink, green, yellow, gray, etc.)
 Yes:See Doctor
No
Do belching and/or a burning sensation in the upper abdomen come with the chest pain? Does it come and go before, during or after eating and does it get worse when bending or lying down? Yes:See Doctor
No
Does the chest pain stop with antacids and do you have to take antacids often? Yes:See Doctor
No
Do any of these describe the chest pain?
  • It's only on one side of the chest
  • It's not affected by breathing
  • It comes with a burning feeling and a skin rash at the pain site
 Yes:See Doctor
No
Self-Care

Self-Care

Self-care for chest pain from a pulled muscle or minor injury to the rib cage:

  • Do not strain the muscle or ribs while pain is felt.
  • Rest.
  • Take a pain reliever such as aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

    (Note: Do not give aspirin or any medication containing salicylates to anyone 19 years of age or younger unless a doctor tells you to.)

  • Do call your doctor if the pain lasts longer than two days.

Self-care for chest pain from a hiatal hernia:

  • Lose weight if you are overweight.
  • Eat 5-6 frequent meals, instead of 3 meals a day. Do not eat large meals.
  • Avoid tobacco, alcohol, coffee, spicy foods, peppermint, chocolate, citrus juices and carbonated beverages.
  • If you have heartburn, take antacids after meals and before going to bed.
  • Do not eat food or drink milk two hours before going to bed.
  • Avoid bending over or lying down after eating.
  • Do not wear tight clothing, tight belts, or girdles.
  • Raise the head of your bed about 3 to 4 inches (40 degree angle) when you sleep.

Self-care for chest pain from anxiety and hyperventilation:

  • Talk over the source of your anxiety with family, friends and clergy. If this is not enough, you may need the help of a professional counselor or psychiatrist.
  • When you hyperventilate, cover your mouth and nose with a paper bag. Breathe into the paper bag slowly and re-breathe the air. Do this in and out at least 10 times. Remove the bag and breathe normally a few minutes. Repeat breathing in and out of the paper bag as needed.
  • Avoid using large amounts of aspirin or other salicylate-containing medicines. (Note: Do not give aspirin or any medication that has salicylates to anyone 19 years of age or younger unless a doctor tells you to.)

Copyright © 1996

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