Chest Pain
Chest Pain
Does this describe your child's symptoms? |
Definition
Causes
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If not, see these topics
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When to Call Your Doctor |
Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance) If |
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Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If |
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Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If |
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Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If |
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Parent Care at Home If |
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HOME CARE ADVICE FOR CHEST PAIN |
Treatment for Sore Muscle Pain
Reassurance:
Chest pains in children lasting for a few minutes are usually harmless muscle cramps. They need no treatment.
Chest pains (sore muscles) from vigorous exercise or work using the upper body usually start soon after the activity and need the following treatment.
Pain Medicine: Give acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen. Continue this until 24 hours have passed without pain.
Local Heat: Apply local heat for 20 minutes 4 times a day. Use a heating pad, warm washcloth or hot shower to the area.
Stretching Exercises: Gentle stretching exercises of the shoulders and chest wall in sets of 10 twice daily may prevent recurrence of muscle cramps. Stretching exercises can be continued even during active chest pain. Avoid any that increase the pain.
Expected Course: For sore muscles, the pain usually peaks on day 2 and lasts 6 or 7 days.
Call Your Doctor If:
Pain becomes severe
Pain lasts over 7 days on treatment
Your child becomes worse
Treatment for Heartburn (Reflux) Pain
Reassurance:
Heartburn is common
It's due to stomach acid refluxed up into the esophagus
Causes a burning discomfort behind the lower sternum, a sour (acid) taste in the mouth and belching
Antacids:
Heartburn is usually easily relieved by 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 - 30 ml) of liquid antacid by mouth.
If you don't have an antacid, wash out the esophagus with 2 to 3 ounces (60 - 90 ml) of milk.
For persistent heartburn, give antacid 1 hour before meals and at bedtime for a few days.
Heartburn Prevention:
Avoid overeating which overfills the stomach
Avoid foods that increase reflux (chocolate, fatty foods, spicy foods, carbonated soda, caffeine)
Avoid bending over during the 3 hours after meals
Avoid tight clothing or belts around the waist
Call Your Doctor If:
Heartburn doesn't resolve after 2 days of treatment
Your child becomes worse
And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
Updated:  
March 22, 2017