Chest pain treatment will generally depend on the cause of the chest pain. Not all incidences of chest pain are related to the heart and doctors will work to pinpoint the cause in order to carry out the most sufficient treatment. In the event that the pain is in fact heart-related, heart medications and medical procedures are often used to correct cardiovascular problems causing the pain. Chest pain treatment for gastrointestinal causes commonly include medicines such as antacids and sometimes surgery. In addition, asthma-related chest pain may be treated by using a bronchodilator.
Nitroglycerin is commonly used as a chest pain treatment when the pain is related to the heart. This type of medicine may reduce chest pains by widening blood vessels which can improve blood flow in the heart. Calcium channel blockers and beta blockers are also used to treat pain of this nature. These medicines generally help to relax the arteries and muscles in the heart which can reduce spasms, pain and decrease an elevated heart rate. In the event of chest pain caused by a heart attack, an angioplasty and stenting may be done to open a blocked or narrowed artery and keep it open.
Antacids are commonly used to treat burning chest pain caused by conditions such as heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This type of chest pain treatment works by neutralizing acids occurring in the stomach. Although, antacids can generally be purchased directly over the counter, severe symptoms may need a stronger remedy, such as a prescription medicine from a doctor. A gastrointestinal issue such as a gallbladder problem can also cause chest pain. Most of the time removal of the gallbladder will be the treatment of choice for this chest pain cause.
Asthma and chest pain frequently occur together. To treat asthma-induced chest pain, doctors usually prescribe a quick-acting medicine that can promptly reduce symptoms. Bronchodilators are commonly used for this purpose and some people may be given corticosteroids intravenously and orally to treat severe chest pain caused by asthma. In addition, if an individual's asthma is triggered by certain things, staying clear of such triggers may prevent an attack and the pain that may result from it.
Bronchitis chest pain is quite common. When a person has bronchitis, he or she may get chest pain upon coughing or breathing in very deeply. Pain relievers and cough suppressants are commonly used as chest pain treatment in cases such as this. The pain relievers will generally reduce pain in the chest wall while the suppressants may be used to alleviate repeated coughing spells. Other treatments geared toward the primary illness may include drinking fluids, antibiotics when the illness is caused by a bacteria and plenty of rest.
Often, excessive stress can trigger sporadic chest pain. When chest pain is caused by stress, there a number of ways to treat it. Often, avoiding stress triggers will eliminate this type of pain. Some people may also benefit from practicing different relaxation techniques. When these conservative measures cease to help, a physician may prescribe an anti-anxiety medication to relieve stress and symptoms of it such as chest pain.
