What are the causes of substernal chest pain?
What are the causes of substernal chest pain?
What are the causes of substernal chest pain?
Pain felt just behind or below the sternum is called substernal pain and is sometimes caused by gastrointestinal problems….Some of the most common causes of sternum and substernal pain are:
- costochondritis.
- collarbone injuries.
- sternoclavicular joint injury.
- hernia.
- sternum fracture.
- acid reflux.
- muscular strain or bruise.
What is dull substernal chest pain?
Classically, angina presents as substernal chest discomfort that occurs with exertion, but it also may occur at rest. The discomfort is frequently described as a pressure or heaviness. Other commonly used adjectives for anginal pain include dull, aching, or squeezing.
How do you treat substernal chest pain?
Retrosternal chest pain can be a symptom of many conditions affecting the upper stomach and esophagus….Treatment often includes OTC medications such as Pepcid but your doctor might prescribe:
- esomeprazole (Nexium)
- lansoprazole (Prevacid)
- omeprazole (Prilosec)
- other drugs that stop or reduce stomach acid production.
Is substernal chest pain serious?
Brief substernal pain resulting from myocardial ischemia, commonly provoked by physical activity or emotional stress, is a common and significant symptom of coronary heart disease. Patients with angina, especially unstable or severe angina, are at increased risk for arrhythmias, MI, and sudden death.
Where is substernal chest pain felt?
Causes of Sternal Pain. Sternum pain is usually caused by problems with the muscles and bones near the sternum and not the sternum itself. Pain felt just behind or below the sternum is called substernal pain and is sometimes caused by gastrointestinal problems.
What is substernal chest pain like?
Classic angina presents with substernal chest pain that’s described as “squeezing” or “pressure-like.” It often radiates to the arms or jaw and is made worse by exertion or emotion and made better by rest or nitroglycerin. It may be associated with diaphoresis, nausea, weakness or shortness of breath.