Chest pain, as a common clinical signs and symptoms, may be caused by a variety of diseases or physiological conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, digestive system disease, trauma and neuropathic pain. In the face of sudden chest pain, correct treatment measures are very important, which can not only effectively alleviate symptoms, but also win valuable time for follow-up medical treatment. The purpose of this article is to popularize the scientific treatment of chest pain and help the public to deal with it calmly and take correct measures in time.
1. Initial self-assessment and environmental safety When chest pain occurs suddenly, the first thing to do is to keep calm and quickly assess your condition. If chest pain is accompanied by severe expiratory dyspnoea, confusion, sweating or syncope and other critical symptoms, call the emergency telephone (such as 120 in China) immediately, and try to keep lying or sitting quietly while waiting for rescue to reduce physical exertion. At the same time, ensure the safety of the environment, avoid being in dangerous areas when chest pain occurs, such as driving, operating machinery or being in high places, in order to prevent accidents.
2. Identify the possible causes of chest pain. There are many kinds of chest pain, which may hide different causes. Understanding the common types and characteristics of chest pain is helpful to preliminarily determine the etiology, so as to take more targeted measures. 1. Chest pain related to heart disease: such as angina pectoris and myocardial infarction, usually manifested as pressure, tightness or burning pain, which may radiate to the left arm, neck or jaw. This type of chest pain is often associated with exercise, emotional agitation, or after a full meal, and can be temporarily relieved by rest or sublingual nitroglycerin. 2. Chest pain caused by lung diseases: such as pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, chest pain may be accompanied by expiratory dyspnoea, cough, fever and other symptoms. Change of position, heat, or cold can sometimes relieve pain. 3. Digestive system diseases: such as gastritis, gastric ulcer, esophageal reflux, etc. Chest pain is usually related to eating, and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, acid reflux and other symptoms. Adjusting diet, avoiding stimulating food, or using acid-suppressing drugs under the guidance of doctors can alleviate it. 4. Traumatic chest pain: such as muscle strain and rib fracture, the pain usually points to the injured part. Rest, cold compress (initial stage) or hot compress (later stage), and the use of chest fixation belt if necessary can help alleviate the pain and promote recovery. 5. Nervous chest pain: such as intercostal neuralgia, the pain may be tingling, electric shock-like, and related to emotions and stress. Relaxation techniques, deep breathing, meditation, and psychological support can help relieve pain.
3. Emergency measures 1. Keep quiet: For most chest pain, keep quiet and rest, avoid strenuous exercise and emotional excitement, help to reduce the burden on the heart, reduce oxygen consumption. 2. Call for first aid: If the chest pain lasts for a long time, is severe, or is accompanied by other serious symptoms, call the first aid service immediately, and do not try to drive to the hospital by yourself. 3. Record symptoms: While waiting for help, record the time, nature, location and accompanying symptoms of chest pain, which are crucial to the doctor’s diagnosis. 4. Drug preparation: For patients with known history of heart disease, carry emergency drugs (such as nitroglycerin) with them and use them correctly under the guidance of doctors. 5. Psychological comfort: Chest pain is often accompanied by intense fear and anxiety. At this time, deep breathing, meditation or communication with others can be used to calm emotions and reduce stress reactions.
4. After the follow-up medical treatment arrives at the hospital, the doctor will determine the specific cause of chest pain according to the patient’s symptoms, signs and necessary examination results (such as electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, blood test, etc.), and formulate the corresponding treatment plan. In order to prevent the recurrence of chest pain, patients should follow medical supervision, take medicine on time, review regularly, and adjust their lifestyle, such as smoking cessation, alcohol restriction, reasonable diet, moderate exercise and weight control.
5. Chest pain prevention strategies 1. Healthy lifestyle: maintain a low-fat, balanced and regular diet, avoid overwork, and have regular physical examination. 2. Control of risk factors: active treatment of hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and other chronic diseases, control of blood sugar, blood pressure, blood lipids within the normal range. 3. Psychological adjustment: Learn to manage stress, maintain a positive and optimistic attitude, and seek psychological support when necessary. 4. Avoid predisposing factors: Understand and avoid the known predisposing factors of chest pain, such as specific food, exercise intensity, mood swings, etc.
In conclusion, in the face of chest pain, the correct initial treatment can lay a good foundation for follow-up treatment. The public should enhance their health awareness and understand the relevant knowledge of chest pain so as to make correct judgments and actions at critical moments. At the same time, timely medical treatment and medical supervision are the key to ensure effective treatment of chest pain.
