What causes chest tightness and pain?

Hello, chest tightness and pain require immediate exclusion of cardiac disease as the top priority. Pulmonary causes may include pleuritis, pulmonary embolism, malignancy, or spontaneous pneumothorax. Chest X-ray, chest CT, or CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) can help establish a definitive diagnosis. In young individuals presenting with sudden onset symptoms, spontaneous pneumothorax—commonly referred to simply as “pneumothorax”—should be strongly considered. In simple terms, this condition occurs when the lung ruptures, allowing air to leak into the pleural cavity and compress lung tissue, thereby causing chest pain and tightness. Pain is typically exacerbated by deep breathing or coughing. Spontaneous pneumothorax most commonly affects tall, slender young adults or elderly patients with underlying emphysema or bullous lung disease. In young patients, precipitating factors often include vigorous physical activity, loud speaking, or singing prior to symptom onset. If all the above conditions are ruled out, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) should also be considered. We hope this information is helpful to you. Wishing you good health and happiness!