Chest pain can be alarming for many people, especially as we age. It can be frightening, leaving people wondering if it’s a sign of a serious illness or simply a passing discomfort. If you have experienced chest pain that has come and gone, you are not alone. Intermittent chest pain can have multiple causes, from harmless muscle strain to serious problems such as heart disease.
In this blog, we discuss 10 potential causes of sharp chest pain that come and go and mild chest pain that comes and goes for days. Knowing the possible reasons for chest pain may help you decide to seek medical attention for your condition. If in doubt, it’s always best to get checked out, particularly if you’re experiencing discomfort over long.
1. Muscle Strain
One of the leading causes of intermittent chest pain is muscular strain. This can happen after exercise, heavy lifting, or bad posture. Pulled or strained muscles in the chest can cause pain that waxes and wanes and is usually aggravated by movement or deep breaths. Pain may be sharp and focused, but it typically goes away in a week or two with rest and over-the-counter pain relief.
2. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition where stomach acid backs up into your oesophagus. This can create a burning feeling in the chest, sometimes confused with heart pain. One of the hallmark symptoms of GERD is mild, intermittent chest pain. The pain typically gets worse after a meal or when lying down, but it can be alleviated with antacids or acid-reducing medicines.
3. Costochondritis
Costochondritis is the inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone. This condition can lead to sharp, short bursts of chest pain that can feel like a heart attack. The pain is often focused in the front of the chest and may get worse with exertion or deep breathing. But costochondritis is not life-threatening, and it usually gets better with anti-inflammatory medications and rest.
4. Panic Attacks
Panic attacks may cause mild chest pain that comes and goes, along with feelings of anxiety, difficulty breathing, and a racing heart. The pain of a panic attack can be sharp or tight and can feel similar to the pain of a heart attack. If the panic attack goes away, the chest pain also flies away. Counselling and medications that reduce stress and anxiety can also be effective in treating recurrent panic attacks.
5. Angina
Angina is chest pain felt when the heart isn’t receiving enough oxygen because coronary arteries are narrowed or blocked. The discomfort is usually described as tightness or pressure in the chest and often comes and goes, usually for a few minutes. But if you have sharp pain in the chest that comes and goes on physical treatment or stress, consult a doctor. Angina may be a sign of heart disease.
6. Heart Attack
Although sharp chest pain that comes and goes can be related to less serious conditions, it can also be a sign of a heart attack. Heart attack pain isn’t like that with other causes; it doesn’t tend to come and go. The pain can spread to the arm, back, or jaw and is often accompanied by nausea, dizziness, and sweating. If you have chest pain that waxes and wanes over days, especially if it worsens over time or is accompanied by other symptoms, call for emergency medical help immediately.
7. Pulmonary Embolism
A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot that blocks a blood vessel in the lungs. This condition may lead to sharp, intermittent chest pain worse with deep breaths or coughing. Other signs are shortness of breath, dizziness, and a fast heart rate. A PE is a medical emergency and must be treated quickly. If you think you have this condition, get medical attention immediately.
8. Acid Reflux or Esophageal Spasm
Besides GERD, oesophagal spasms can also produce days-long bouts of chest pain. These spasms represent abnormal contractions of the oesophagus that can lead to severe pain in the chest. The pain can be so intense that it sometimes feels like a heart attack, which causes confusion. The treatment for oesophagal spasms usually consists of medications that relax the oesophagus and help decrease symptoms.
9. Lung Conditions
Pneumonia, pleurisy, or a collapsed lung may cause intermittent chest pain. These conditions frequently produce sharp pain aggravated by deep breathing, coughing, or sneezing. Other symptoms can include shortness of breath, fever, and fatigue. It’s important to talk to a healthcare provider to find out whether a lung condition is to blame for the chest pain.
10. Shingles
Shingles, a reactivation of the chickenpox virus, can produce chest pain, which may come and go with a burning or stabbing quality. There can be pain in the chest also along the path of one specific nerve before a rash appears. The pain may be severe, but it almost always resolves the rash. Treatment with antivirals started early can also reduce the severity of the symptoms.
Why Choose Olive Elder Care for Geriatric Counseling?
If you or a loved one has chest pain that comes and goes for days, you should know there can be many causes, from something with no health implications to a serious medical issue. Some causes, like muscle strain or anxiety, are not typically life-threatening, while others like heart disease or a pulmonary embolism can be. As always, see a doctor if you’re unsure what kind of pain you’re dealing with or if it gets progressively worse over time.
Olive Elder Care understands the hardships that come with caring for the elderly and is here to provide Peace of Mind Kitchens and care. If you or someone you love would benefit from support managing health concerns, including geriatric counselling, contact us today. Our experts in healthcare too can guide your way in making the best decision in healthcare plans for your loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it normal for chest pain to come and go?
Yes, intermittent chest pain is common and has lots of potential causes, a number of which are benign. However, chronic chest pain, or pain that comes with other symptoms, such as shortness of breath or dizziness, should be assessed by a medical professional to rule out serious conditions.
2. What type of chest pain is not serious?
Intermittent mild chest pain from muscle strain, GERD, or costochondritis is typically not serious. But any chest pain should be treated seriously, particularly if it gets worse or comes with other troubling symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, or nausea.
3. Why do I keep getting a random pain in my chest?
Chest pain originating from other causes may simply be related to muscle strain, anxiety, acid reflux, or certain conditions like costochondritis. If the pain comes and goes and is not severe, it may not be cause for alarm. But if it continues or becomes worse, you should see a healthcare provider to rule out more serious problems.
4. What is it called when chest pain comes and goes?
Intermittent chest pain is a term used when chest pain is not persistent. It can be sharp, dull, or burning in nature, depending on the underlying cause. While intermittent chest pain can be a harmless condition, there are some causes that require immediate medical attention.
