What causes chest pain?

Generally, chest pain may result from intense physical exercise, emotional agitation, costochondritis, mammary gland hyperplasia, pleurisy, or other causes. If discomfort occurs, it is advisable to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a reputable hospital. A detailed analysis follows:

1. Intense Physical Exercise

After high-intensity chest and back exercises, lactic acid accumulates in the chest muscles, and muscle strain or overuse may cause soreness and discomfort. Rest promptly, gently relax the chest muscles, and avoid high-intensity chest-expanding or weight-bearing activities in the short term.

2. Emotional Agitation

Sudden anxiety or anger can induce tension and spasm of the thoracic musculature, disrupt normal breathing rhythm, and trigger dull or distending chest pain. Maintain emotional calm, practice slow, deep breathing, and minimize abrupt emotional fluctuations.

3. Costochondritis

Aseptic inflammation of the costal cartilage leads to local tissue hyperemia, stimulating nearby nerves and causing tenderness or sharp, stabbing pain upon palpation of the chest. Under medical guidance, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as diclofenac sodium enteric-coated tablets, meloxicam tablets, or celecoxib capsules may be prescribed; large-amplitude chest movements should be minimized.

4. Mammary Gland Hyperplasia

Hormonal fluctuations cause breast glandular proliferation and edema, stretching surrounding tissues and resulting in cyclical distending chest pain. Under medical guidance, medications such as Rupixiao tablets, Xiaoyao pills, or Xiao Jin pills may be used. Additionally, maintaining regular sleep-wake cycles and emotional stability is recommended.

5. Pleurisy

Infection-induced pleural inflammation causes friction between inflamed pleural surfaces, stimulating nerves and producing sharp chest pain that intensifies with deep breathing. Antibiotics—including amoxicillin capsules, levofloxacin tablets, or clindamycin hydrochloride capsules—may be prescribed per physician instructions. In cases of severe pleural adhesions, video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) pleural adhesiolysis may be required.

In daily life, maintain emotional stability and engage in appropriate physical activity; avoid external compression or trauma to the chest; adhere to regular sleep schedules and a balanced diet; and undergo timely imaging studies if chest pain recurs frequently.