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Compliments of American Academy Of Family Physicians

Chest Pain, Acute

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Severe, sudden chest pain can represent a life-threatening problem. Follow this chart for more information.

SYMPTOMS	DIAGNOSIS	SELF-CARE

1. Is the person a child or infant?	See Chest Pain in Infants and Children.

2. Do you have severe chest pain and/or severe shortness of breath?	Go to Question 8.**

3. Do you have symptoms of a cold or flu, such as fever, aches, chills, runny nose and/or cough?	Go to Question 6.*

4. Do you have a productive cough (greenish, yellowish, or tan mucus) and a fever?	Your symptoms may be from an infection such as PNEUMONIA.	These infections are serious and should be diagnosed and treated by your doctor.

5. Do you have a cough, minimal clear mucus and pains when you take a deep breath?	You may have VIRAL BRONCHITIS, and your pain may be from PLEURISY, an irritation of the lining of the lung, or from hard coughing that causes pain in the muscles and chest wall.	Treat yourself with cold medicines and/or anti-inflammatory medicines, and see your doctor if the cough continues for more than a few days or if you develop a fever.

*6. Do you have a sharp pain in one side of your chest when you take a deep breath?	Your pain may be from PLEURISY, an inflammation of the lining of the lung.	Treat yourself with cold medicines and/or anti-inflammatory medicines, and see your doctor if the cough continues for more than a few days or if you develop a fever.

7. Do you have pressure in your chest along with shortness of breath and numbness around your lips or in your hands or feet?	These symptoms may be HYPERVENTILATION, an episode of overbreathing from exercise or emotions.	Lie down, relax and try to slow your breathing. Some doctors suggest breathing into a paper bag held loosely over your nose and mouth. IF YOU HAVE A HEART PROBLEM, LUNG CONDITION OR ASTHMA, GO DIRECTLY TO THE HOSPITAL.

**8. Do you have any of the following symptoms? Crushing pain in the middle of your chest Squeezing pain in the chest or left upper arm Sweating and nausea Severe shortness of breath	Your pain may be from a HEART ATTACK or MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION.	EMERGENCY CALL AN AMBULANCE RIGHT AWAY.

9. Are you uncomfortable from your shortness of breath?	Go to Question 12.***

10. Do you have chest pressure, shortness of breath and numbness around the lips or on the hands?	You may be HYPERVENTILATING.	Lie down, relax and try to slow your breathing. Some doctors suggest breathing into a paper bag held loosely over your nose and mouth. IF YOU HAVE A HEART PROBLEM, LUNG CONDITION OR ASTHMA, GO DIRECTLY TO THE HOSPITAL.

11. Has the shortness of breath been buildling gradually?	You may have a serious problem, such as CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE, ASTHMA, PULMONARY EDEMA or a PNEUMOTHORAX.	See your doctor right away.

***12. Does the pain occur only when you swallow?	Your pain may be irritation of the stomach or esophagus, called GASTRITIS or ESOPHAGITIS, or a HIATAL HERNIA (a weakness in the diaphragm).	Try an antacid, plus smaller, less spicy meals, and see your doctor if the problem persists.

13. Do you have a painful blistering rash on your chest or back?	You may have a viral infection of the nerves and skin called SHINGLES.	See your doctor.

14. Do you have back pain that radiates around to the front of your chest?	Your pain may be from a compressed nerve, possibly from a COMPRESSION FRACTURE.	See your doctor promptly.

For more information, please consult your doctor. If you think the problem is serious, call right away.

This tool has been reviewed by doctors and is for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information in this tool should not be relied upon to make decisions about your health. Always consult your family doctor with questions about your individual condition(s) and/or circumstances. Source: American Academy of Family Physicians. Family Health & Medical Guide. Dallas: Word Publishing; 1996.