Chest pain in children can be present for a variety of reasons.
The pain could be coming from the lungs, the ribs, the chest wall muscles, the diaphragm, and the joints between the ribs and breastbone. Injury, infection, or irritation to any of these tissues can be responsible for chest pain.
Occasionally, referred pain can happen. Chest pain may also happen because of stress or anxiety. Rarely, the heart is the source of chest pain in children.
However, chest pain may be a symptom of a serious underlying disease. But, most chest pain in youngsters is caused by issues that are not serious.
These are some of the common illnesses that can cause chest pain in children.
Costochondritis occurs after inflammation of the “joint” between the breastbone and the ribs. It is particularly common in adolescent and pre-adolescent females, but can occur in anyone at any age and can be caused by frequent coughing.
Injury to the muscles and bones of the chest wall. It may be caused from a direct blow or heavy lifting.
Stress or anxiety can also cause chest pain. The pain is often dull or non-specific and gets worse with stress or anxiety.
Acid reflux can cause stomach or chest pain. It sometimes manifests as a burning sensation below the sternum, though children may not be capable of accurately describing this symptom.
Unlike adults, chest pain due to a cardiac cause is extremely uncommon in children
Other common causes of chest pain include air pockets, fluid, or inflammation in the chest as well as lung infections and asthma.
If you have any concerns consult your physician.