Chest pain in Bhilai and Durg

Reviewed by Dr. Smaran Cladius, MD Respiratory Medicine

Chest Pain: Types, Causes & Symptoms

Chest pain is discomfort or pain felt anywhere in the chest and can arise from the heart, lungs, pleura, chest wall, muscles, bones or digestive system. Causes range from relatively minor conditions to serious medical emergencies. Chest pain may occur with respiratory conditions such as pneumonia, pleurisy, pulmonary embolism or pneumothorax, but cardiac causes must also be considered.

Sudden or severe chest pain, especially when associated with breathlessness, sweating, fainting, nausea, or pain spreading to the arm, shoulder, back, neck or jaw, requires urgent medical evaluation.

Patient experiencing chest pain and discomfort

Describing the Chest Pain

Not all chest pain feels like a "sharp poke." Pay close attention to how the sensation feels, as this provides vital clues to its cause:

Medical care for respiratory related chest pain

Pressure or Heaviness: Often described as an "elephant sitting on the chest."
Sharp or Stabbing: A localized pain that might get worse when you breathe in or cough.
Burning Sensation: Often felt behind the breastbone, sometimes moving up toward the throat.
Aching or Tenderness: Pain that feels sore to the touch or changes when you move your torso.

Common Causes of Chest Pain

Because the chest contains several vital organs, the source of pain can vary widely.

Cardiac (Heart-Related) Causes

Angina: Pain caused by poor blood flow to the heart, often triggered by exertion.
Heart Attack: A sudden blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle.
Pericarditis: Inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart, often causing sharp pain that improves when leaning forward.

Pulmonary (Lung-Related) Causes

Pleurisy: Inflammation of the lining of the lungs; usually causes sharp pain when breathing or coughing.
Pneumonia: A lung infection that can cause deep chest aching and a productive cough.
Pulmonary Embolism: A blood clot in the lung—this is a life-threatening emergency.

Gastrointestinal & Musculoskeletal Causes

Acid Reflux (GERD): A burning sensation caused by stomach acid rising into the esophagus.
Costochondritis: Inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone.
Muscle Strain: Soreness resulting from heavy lifting or intense coughing fits.

Comparing Symptoms: Heart vs. Other

Distinguishing between a heart issue and something less urgent can be difficult. Use this general guide:

Feature

Likely Heart-Related

Likely Other (Reflux/Muscle)

Location

Triggers

Duration

Relief

Center or left side; may spread to jaw/arm

Physical exertion or stress

Lasts several minutes or goes away and returns

Rest or nitroglycerin

Often localized or behind the breastbone

Eating, lying down, or specific movements

Can be momentary (seconds) or last for hours

Antacids or changing body position

Warning Signs: When to Call Emergency Services

Doctor evaluating patient with chest pain symptoms

You should never "wait and see" if chest pain is severe or unusual. Seek immediate medical help if you experience:

Sudden, crushing pressure or "tightness" in the center of the chest.
Pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back.
Shortness of breath, cold sweats, or nausea.
A feeling of lightheadedness or extreme weakness.
Pain that does not improve with rest.

What to Expect at the Clinic

To determine the cause of chest pain, healthcare providers typically use a combination of:

Medical consultation for chest discomfort diagnosis

EKG (Electrocardiogram): To record the electrical activity of your heart.
Blood Tests: To check for "markers" (proteins) that indicate heart muscle damage.
Chest X-ray: To examine the lungs and the size/shape of the heart.
Stress Tests: To see how your heart performs under physical activity.

Important Note: If you are unsure about the cause of your chest pain, it is always better to be evaluated by a professional than to ignore it. Early intervention saves lives.

About the Service Provider

Dr. Smaran Cladius - MD Respiratory Medicine, Fellowship in Interventional Pulmonology, Certificate in Allergy Testing & Allergen Immunotherapy

Pulmonologist | Chest Physician | Allergy & Sleep Specialist

Dr. Smaran Cladius is a pulmonologist specializing in the diagnosis and management of respiratory diseases, including chronic cough, asthma, COPD, respiratory allergies, tuberculosis, interstitial lung diseases and sleep-related breathing disorders.

Medically reviewed and Last updated: July 2026

This information is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Read our full Medical Disclaimer →