What Causes Persistent Chest Pain?

Posted on Mon, 3 Apr 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 3 Apr 2017 Answered on

Tue, 25 Apr 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : My daughter,22, is having a sharp chest pain on her right side. she smokes. its not an asthma attack. she said the pain has been going on for almost an hour now. it's starting to go up to her neck. she said it hurts to breathe deep. what could this be and does she need to go to the er?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Jolanda (-5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Do the following examinations

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for asking in HCM

I can understand your concern

As you explain the history this kind of pain better to be examined with the following tests:

Chest x ray
EKG
Abdominal ultrasound
Hemogram
CRP

These are to determine the cause of the pain.

Usually smoking or even asthma attack do not cause pain but more the sensation of breathlessness.

Does she have fever ? Is this the first time having this kind of pain?

Did she take any painkiller and if yes what is the intensity of the pain after using it?

If all of the above are negative than a muscle contraction is the most probable cause.

But please consult with her doctor for he problem

If the pain get worse with the passing time please get the medical help immediately.

Take care and feel free to ask again

Dr. Jolanda

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy