CHEST PAIN

Pain in the chest is quite a common symptom and whilst it is not always due to serious causes by any means, there are important reasons to be concerned about chest pain. The cause is more likely to be serious if the pain resembles one of the following patterns:

• Severe pain in the centre of the chest which is often described as crushing or like a severe tightness or pressure. It may go into the left arm or jaw and it may be associated with nausea or vomiting. This type of pain may well be due to a heart attack or to angina although other causes such as indigestion or a virus infection can cause similar symptoms. Unless the condition has already been diagnosed by a doctor and the patient has some treatment to try first - e.g. an angina spray or an antacid - you should get in touch with us via the emergency number. This is also true if the patients usual treatment has stopped working or quickly loses effect.

• Sharp chest pain on breathing. If this is to the side (either) this is possibly due to inflammation of the lining of the lungs(pleurisy), if it is in the centre it could be due to inflammation of the lining around the heart (pericarditis). However this type of pain is often due to an inflamed or strained chest muscle - in which case the chest is often very tender to touch. Signs that it could be more serious are if the patient has coughed up blood or coloured phlegm, is short of breath or feels generally unwell or has a fever. If you have any cause for concern with chest pain then ring to discuss the case with the duty doctor.

Other patterns of chest pain are quite common but are much less likely to be serious provided that the patient is not breathless or otherwise unwell but if the problem persists then it would be wise to make an emergency surgery appointment. The duty doctor would be happy to advise you by 'phone if you feel concerned about a pain in the chest.

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