What causes a sudden sharp pain in the chest?

Generally, sudden sharp chest pain may be caused by mental or emotional factors, strenuous exercise, chest trauma, intercostal neuralgia, pleurisy, or other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Mental or Emotional Factors

Long-term mental tension, anxiety, or similar factors may lead to sympathetic nerve excitement, elevated blood pressure, increased heart rate, greater cardiac workload, and higher myocardial oxygen consumption, thereby causing sharp chest pain. Emotional regulation through relaxation training, psychological counseling, and maintaining a positive mindset while avoiding mental stress can help alleviate these symptoms.

2. Strenuous Exercise

Insufficient warm-up or engaging in overly intense physical activity unsuitable for one's condition may cause chest muscle or ligament strain, resulting in sharp pain. At this time, it is advisable to stop the current activity, allow the body sufficient rest, and perform appropriate stretching exercises to relax the muscles.

3. Chest Trauma

Injuries such as those from traffic accidents, falls, or impacts may cause rib fractures or damage to internal chest tissues, leading to sharp chest pain. If the pain is mild, rest and cold compresses can help relieve pain and swelling. If symptoms persist or are severe, prompt medical attention is necessary, including CT scans, chest X-rays, blood tests, and other relevant examinations before further treatment.

4. Intercostal Neuralgia

Intercostal neuralgia caused by viral infections, thoracic spine disorders, pleurisy, or other factors typically presents as intermittent, needle-like chest pain. Treatment may include medications such as carbamazepine capsules, phenytoin sodium tablets, or gabapentin capsules, as directed by a physician. Additionally, adequate rest should be maintained in daily life, avoiding excessive fatigue and strenuous exercise.

5. Pleurisy

Pleurisy is usually caused by infections such as bacteria, viruses, or tuberculosis. It may manifest as chest membrane sensitivity, with sharp pain occurring during movement or stretching, possibly accompanied by symptoms such as coughing and difficulty breathing. Treatment may involve medications such as aspirin tablets, isoniazid tablets, or penicillin V potassium capsules, following medical advice. At the same time, appropriate rehabilitation exercises such as lying down and arching the chest can be performed.

In daily life, maintaining a balanced diet and consuming more vitamin-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains is recommended. Spicy, greasy, and irritating foods should be limited to avoid increasing the burden on the heart.