The chest pain that your little one complains about doesn't necessarily come from the heart. So, don't worry too soon, Bun. Come on, identify the various causes of chest pain in other children.
Chest pain is a condition when the chest feels like it is being compressed, stabbed, or burning. This pain can occur in any area of the chest, either on the right, left, or center. Chest pain can last for a short time to days.
Causes of Chest Pain in Children
In adults, chest pain is often associated with problems with the heart. However, this cause is rare in children, which is less than 5% of all events. Most chest pain in children is caused by muscle and breastbone problems, respiratory, digestive, and psychological disorders.
The following are some possible causes of chest pain in children that you need to know:
1. Costochondritis
Costochondritis is swelling of the cartilage that connects the sternum to the ribs. This is one of the most common causes of chest pain in children.
Pain due to costochondritis can be felt on both sides, but tends to be on the left breastbone. The pain will get worse when your little one moves, coughs, sneezes, laughs, or takes a deep breath.
No need to worry, usually the pain will go away on its own in 2-3 days. Mothers can give your child over-the-counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen. In addition, Mother can also compress the Little One's chest using a cloth that has been soaked in warm water.
2. Asthma
Asthma is a chronic disease characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways. This condition can make your child feel tightness and pain in the chest, difficulty breathing, coughing, and wheezing.
To relieve asthma symptoms, you can give your little one inhaled medicine according to a doctor's prescription. Meanwhile, to prevent recurrence or prevent asthma attacks from coming back, keep your little one away from the trigger factors.
3. GERD
The chest pain experienced by your little one may be caused by food and stomach acid rising into his esophagus. This condition is called GERD (gastroesophagealreflux disease) or acid reflux disease.
Usually, chest pain due to GERD will get worse when your child bends down, lies down, or finishes eating. So that GERD does not recur, make sure your little one does not eat large amounts at once, does not lie down or sleep within 2 hours after eating, and raises his head while sleeping.
4. Anxiety
Just like adults, children can also feel anxious. This is normal how come, Bun. Anxiety can arise when children enter a new environment, face an exam, or when separated from their parents.
Anxiety can suddenly cause chest pain for no reason. However, chest pain can also be triggered from hyperventilation. Hyperventilation is a condition when breathing becomes faster and deeper. This condition can cause your child to have chest pain, dizziness, and difficulty breathing.
Mothers can help overcome the little one's anxiety by listening to his complaints. Make sure your little one feels understood and help him find solutions to his anxiety.
There are various causes of chest pain. Although, most are harmless, you still have to be aware of other causes, yes. If the chest pain that your little one is complaining about lasts a long time and is accompanied by fever, difficulty breathing, dizziness, blue lips, or even fainting, you should immediately take him to the doctor.
