[19M] Experiencing sudden sharp chest pain

Patient Description

A 19-year-old male reports sudden onset of sharp chest pain occurring today. The pain was described as initially mild but intensified briefly to a more severe level. The patient states that the pain is not affected by any particular movements or activities and that nothing has been done to alleviate it. There are no accompanying symptoms reported. The patient has only experienced this pain today.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you provided, there are a few possible explanations for your chest pain:

  • Costochondritis: This is an inflammation of the cartilage in your rib cage. It often results in chest pain that can be sharp and localized, and it can sometimes feel intense. It's usually harmless, but it can be alarming because the pain can be intense.

    • Treatment typically involves over-the-counter pain relievers, rest, and heat or cold to the affected area.
  • Anxiety or Panic Attack: Sometimes, anxiety or panic attacks can cause physical symptoms like chest pain. It's not uncommon for people to mistake panic attacks for heart attacks because the symptoms can be similar.

    • Treatment often involves cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
  • Heart Conditions: Although less likely due to your age and the absence of other symptoms, certain heart conditions can cause chest pain. These include conditions like pericarditis (inflammation of the tissues around the heart) or a heart attack.

    • Treatment for heart conditions varies widely depending on the specific condition and its severity.

Please note that it's important to get chest pain evaluated by a healthcare professional, especially if it's a new symptom.

What you can do

  1. If the pain is severe, or if you experience additional symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, or pain radiating to your arm or jaw, seek immediate medical attention.
  2. Try to rest and avoid strenuous physical activity until you've been evaluated by a healthcare professional.
  3. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help with the pain, but they should not be used as a long-term solution without speaking to a healthcare professional.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Chest pain that spreads to your jaw, left arm, or back
  • Chest pain that gets worse with physical activity
  • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
  • Sweating, nausea, or dizziness with chest pain
  • Chest pain that lasts longer than a few minutes

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you provided. It's always important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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10 mo ago

People Also Ask


What is costochondritis and how is it treated?

Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage in the rib cage, often causing sharp, localized chest pain. Treatment typically involves over-the-counter pain relievers, rest, and applying heat or cold to the affected area.


Can anxiety or panic attacks cause chest pain?

Yes, anxiety or panic attacks can cause physical symptoms like chest pain. These symptoms can be similar to those of a heart attack, which is why they can be alarming. Treatment often involves cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.


What heart conditions could cause chest pain in young adults?

While less common in young adults, heart conditions such as pericarditis (inflammation of the tissues around the heart) or even a heart attack can cause chest pain. It's important to get evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out these conditions.


When should I seek immediate medical attention for chest pain?

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience chest pain that spreads to your jaw, left arm, or back, gets worse with physical activity, or is accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or dizziness. Also, if the chest pain lasts longer than a few minutes, it's important to get evaluated.


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