Chest Pain: Check Your Symptoms

Content provided by Healthwise

When to See a Doctor

Do you have pain in your chest muscles or ribs (chest wall pain)? Note: Pain may or may not increase with coughing or deep breathing.

See significance of chest wall pain if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have severe chest wall pain?

Yes

Are you coughing up blood or sputum mixed with blood?

Yes

Do you have pain deep in your leg or calf that is not from a leg injury?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have new, moderate pain that does not have an obvious cause, such as a muscle strain or other injury to the chest wall?

Yes

Do you have new, moderate pain that does not have an obvious cause, such as coughing, wheezing, sneezing, or difficulty breathing?

Yes

Have you had ongoing, violent coughing for longer than 24 hours and you are unable to rest or sleep?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

For the past 24 hours, have you had sudden, sharp pain that comes and goes but only lasts for a few seconds?

Yes

For longer than 2 days, have you had mild pain when you cough or take a deep breath?

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Have you had any chest wall pain for longer than 1 week?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	April 27, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer