Chest pain is not something to assume or let go away on its own. Although it might not always indicate a heart problem, it is essential to find out rather than risk a severe complication. You can find a cardiologist Philadelphia, PA, specialist before trying self-medication for chest pain. The medical expert can diagnose your condition and understand the best treatment approach to take based on the reason for your pain. Mild chest pain can be due to panic attacks or anxiety. But severe cases could indicate issues within your arteries or lungs. Here is what you can do about chest pain.
Manage Your breathing
If you experience chest pain with breathing, you can manage this by slowing your breathing or controlling your emotions. If you are anxious, you might experience chest pain when breathing excessively deep and rapidly. Slow down and moderate your breathing to ensure every breath takes several seconds. Also, reach out to a family member or friend for reassurance. They can calm you down with soft phrases to relax you and help raise your carbon dioxide level t to reduce your hyperventilation. Also, learning how to do pursed-lip breathing can help you stop chest pain due to breathing.
Call Your Doctor
If you are experiencing consistent chest pain that does not go away with your efforts, your doctor can identify any underlying condition to manage your symptoms better. You can also ask your doctor to check for pleurisy, especially if you do not have anxiety but are experiencing consistent chest pain. The condition where membranes around your lungs are inflamed can be effectively managed through medications.
See Your Doctor for a Long-Term Chest Pain
If your chest pain has lasted for several days, even if it comes at intervals, ensure you make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. Although it is unlikely to be caused by a heart attack, there are high chances it could be due to a severe health condition. Ensure you can explain your symptoms clearly to your doctor, including the frequency and intensity and any changes you might have experienced for the entire time. Long-term chest pain could also indicate several issues within your lungs, aorta, and other internal organs.
Consult Your Doctor about Angina
The development of plaque in the walls of your arteries can cause chest pain. This condition is known as angina. Over time, the condition can line significant streets supplying blood to your heart. Therefore, asking your doctor about evaluation or testing for the condition is essential, especially if you have been experiencing moderate, frequent chest pain. Atherosclerosis is mainly associated with angina and can be managed through medications.
Seek Help if You Have Experienced Chest Injury
Tracking down your pain to an injury you might have recently experienced is essential as you seek an expert diagnosis. Remember to mention a recent fall to your doctor, especially if pain since the injury has lasted more than 24 hours. Your doctor might order an x-ray to evaluate your chest organs and ribs to see if they are damaged.
It is crucial to seek an expert diagnosis for chest pain without hesitation to confirm or rule out chronic complications like a heart attack. Get in touch with chest pain specialists at Corrielus Cardiologist for help. You can book your consultation appointment via a call or online.
