When you get a sudden chest or abdominal pain, the first thing your mind think is heart attack. If you are having chest pain, you do not want to ignore it. But before automatically assuming your chest and abdominal pain is a heart attack, know that there are many other possible causes. Over 25% of the U.S. population has reports some sort of chest pain that is not related to the heart.
Different Types of Chest Pain
Pains in your chest could be related to issues with many different areas of your body including lungs, muscle, ribs, and nerves. Your chest and abdominal pain can have different variants of pain. Some people have a sharp, stabbing pain. Others have a dull, burning, aching, or a tight sensation.
If you are having any doubt about the type of chest and abdominal pain that you are experiencing, call a doctor.
When to See a Doctor for Chest Pain
If your chest pain includes any of these, please call 911 immediately:
- Chest pain that spreads to your jaw, left arm, or back
- A sudden feeling of pressure, squeezing, tightness, or crushing under your breastbone
- Nausea, dizziness, rapid heart rate or rapid breathing, confusion, ashen color, or excessive sweating
- Very low blood pressure or very low heart rate
- Sudden sharp chest pain with shortness of breath, especially after a long period of inactivity
Different Types of Abdominal Pain
There are two different types of pain that you can have in your abdomen.
Generalized Abdominal Pain: The first type of pain is a generalized pain, which can happen with many different illnesses. This type of pain is known to go away without any medical treatment.
Localized Abdominal Pain: The second type of abdomen pain is a localized pain. This is when you only have pain in one part of the abdomen. These pains normally happen suddenly and get worse over time.
Find the nearest Emergency Clinic location by visiting us online or calling today!
Alamo Heights Emergency Clinic: 210-930-4500
By the Pearl Emergency Clinic: 210-961-4118
La Vernia Emergency Clinic: 830-779-3200