Chest pain in children can be a frightening experience for both kids and parents. This article will explore the common causes of childhood chest pain. We’ll also discuss when chest pain might indicate something more serious, how doctors diagnose the cause, and what parents can do to help.
At Bootin and Savrick Pediatric Associates in Houston, Texas, our pediatricians have experience treating children with chest pain and work closely with families to determine the cause and guide the right care. If your child complains of chest pain or shows worrisome symptoms, schedule an appointment with our team today for a thorough evaluation and peace of mind.
Chest pain in children is a common complaint, and can come from a number of different childhood illnesses, but it’s rarely caused by heart disease. Unlike adults—where chest pain can often signal a heart problem or heart attack—most children experience chest discomfort due to causes outside the heart, such as the chest wall muscles, lungs, stomach, or anxiety. While the pain may be concerning, it’s important to remember that life-threatening symptoms in children are rare.
Chest pain occurs when a child feels discomfort or pain anywhere in the front of the chest between the neck and upper abdomen. The pain can feel sharp, dull, burning, or tight, and may appear suddenly or gradually. Many children describe it as pain that occurs when taking a deep breath or moving their upper body.
Among the common causes of chest pain in kids are:
Though heart-related causes like coronary artery or heart muscle problems are rare in kids, they can occur, especially in those with a known heart disease or congenital condition.
The most common cause of chest pain in children is musculoskeletal pain—discomfort coming from the chest wall muscles, ribs, or cartilage. This pain often follows exercise, sports, or injury and can worsen with certain movements or deep breathing.
Other common causes include:
In rare cases, heart problems may be the cause. Conditions like inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis) or coronary artery abnormalities can cause pain. However, these conditions usually come with other worrisome symptoms, such as fainting, difficulty breathing, or extreme fatigue.
When a child complains of chest pain, your pediatrician will begin by taking a thorough medical history and performing a physical exam. The doctor may ask about when the pain occurs, what triggers it, whether it’s related to breathing or exercise, and whether there are other symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, or fever.
If further testing is needed, your pediatrician might order:
If the pain appears heart-related, your child may be referred to a pediatric cardiologist for specialized evaluation.
Parents can take several steps at home to help manage non-serious chest pain:
Keeping a journal of when chest pain occurs, how long it lasts, and what activities or foods are involved can help your pediatrician determine the cause of chest pain more easily.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. For most children, chest pain improves with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relief when recommended by your pediatrician.
When chest pain is linked to cardiac problems, your pediatrician will coordinate care with a pediatric cardiologist to ensure the safest and most effective treatment plan.
Parents should seek immediate medical care if their child’s chest pain is accompanied by life-threatening symptoms such as:
Even though sudden cardiac death and heart attack are extremely rare in children, prompt evaluation is important for any worrisome symptoms.
While chest pain in children can be alarming, many children experience it for harmless reasons. By working closely with your child’s pediatrician, you can determine whether the pain is due to the chest wall, lungs, stomach, or heart muscle, and ensure that your child receives the care they need.
At Bootin and Savrick Pediatric Associates in Houston, we have experience treating childhood illnesses, including chest pain and other conditions that may cause discomfort or concern. If your child experiences chest pain or any worrisome symptoms, schedule an appointment with our compassionate team in Houston, Texas, today. Together, we’ll help your child feel better and ensure their heart—and your peace of mind—stay healthy.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Patti Savrick
