CHEST PAIN

There are many causes of chest pain. Some are serious, some are not. Chest pain caused by poor circulation to the heart, called angina, can be serious. This pain often occurs with exercise, but may occur while resting or during sleep. Sometimes the pain may go up into the neck, jaw, ears, or down the arm - especially the left arm. Chest pain may also be caused by injury, coughing, pneumonia, anxiety, heart burn, or other problems with the ribs or lungs. Sharp pains occurring occasionally and lasting only a few seconds are common and you do not need to worry about them.

       What Should You Do When You Have Chest Pain?

If the pain is severe, call your doctor immediately. If you have had the same pain before, follow your doctor's previous instructions or take the medicine prescribed.

   When Should You Call The Doctor?

• the first time severe chest pain occurs.
• pain lasting more than 30 minutes especially if the pain goes into the neck or down the arm.
• if you are dizzy, faint, nauseated, or very sweaty.
• if you are coughing up blood.
• if you have shortness of breath.
• if you have fever.
• if you are coughing up green or yellow sputum.