What causes pulling pain in the center of the chest when raising the head, and what should be done about it?

Pain in the center of the chest when lifting the head may be caused by conditions such as tuberculous pleurisy, bacterial pericarditis, or viral myocarditis. Treatment can include home care, medication, and other interventions. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Tuberculous Pleurisy

Tuberculous pleurisy refers to inflammation caused by the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis on the thin membrane between the lungs and the chest wall. During the illness, patients may experience symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, and coughing. Under medical guidance, patients can take anti-tuberculosis medications such as rifampicin tablets and isoniazid tablets.

2. Bacterial Pericarditis

Bacterial pericarditis is a disease caused by excessive bacterial invasion within the pericardial cavity. Due to inflammatory mediators released by bacteria, patients may develop radiating (pulling) pain, edema, and shortness of breath. Patients can be treated under medical supervision with antibiotics such as amoxicillin capsules or ampicillin capsules.

3. Viral Myocarditis

Viral myocarditis is a condition in which viruses invade and damage the heart muscle. During the illness, patients may experience symptoms including chest pain, heart failure, and arrhythmias. Under a doctor’s guidance, patients may take antiviral medications such as acyclovir tablets or oseltamivir phosphate granules.

In addition to the common causes listed above, similar symptoms may also be associated with diseases such as coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, aortic stenosis, aortic dissection, or mitral valve stenosis. If clinical symptoms are severe, patients should promptly seek medical attention at a hospital, identify the exact cause, and receive standardized treatment as directed by a physician.