What causes pain in the upper part of the chest?

Generally, pain in the upper chest area may be caused by trauma, costochondritis, intercostal neuralgia, pleurisy, cholecystitis, or other conditions, and treatment should be tailored according to the specific cause. Details are as follows:

1. Trauma: Upper chest trauma may include direct injury or pressure from incidents such as collisions, falls, traffic accidents, or sports injuries. Pain resulting from trauma is usually associated with obvious external damage or swelling and may be accompanied by skin abrasions or bruising.

2. Costochondritis: This refers to inflammation at the junctions between the ribs and adjacent cartilage. The inflammation may result from infection, irritation, or overuse of the chest muscles. It typically causes sharp, burning, or pressing pain in the upper front chest, which often worsens during deep breathing or coughing. Medications such as diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, penicillin V potassium tablets, or levofloxacin hydrochloride capsules may be taken under medical guidance for treatment.

3. Intercostal Neuralgia: When the body's immunity is low, bacterial or viral infections may lead to intercostal neuralgia. Under inflammatory stimulation, the aforementioned symptoms may occur. The pain may manifest as stabbing, burning, or dull aching sensations, typically distributed along the lower edges of the ribs. Patients may take medications such as mecobalamin tablets, ibuprofen sustained-release tablets, or acyclovir sustained-release tablets under a doctor’s direction to relieve symptoms.

4. Pleurisy: This may be caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, or autoimmune diseases, possibly leading to pleural thickening and adhesions, thereby impairing lung expansion and respiratory function. Symptoms may include cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and back pain. Treatment may include medications such as prednisone acetate tablets, cefixime capsules, or ethambutol hydrochloride tablets, used as directed by a physician.

5. Cholecystitis: Cholecystitis is an infection or inflammation of the gallbladder. It commonly causes severe pain in the right upper abdomen and upper chest, especially after consuming greasy foods. The pain may be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and fever. Patients may take amoxicillin capsules, anti-inflammatory and cholagogue tablets, or cefixime dispersible tablets under medical supervision.

In daily life, it is recommended to maintain a positive mindset, avoid spicy, stimulating, and greasy foods, get adequate rest, and develop healthy lifestyle habits.