What department should I visit for pain in the upper left chest?

Update Date: 2024-05-30 Source: Network

Pain above the left chest is relatively common in daily life, and the causes can be diverse. If it occurs in women, it may be related to breast hyperplasia. Additionally, it can also be associated with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. If the pain is severe, it may also cause shoulder pain, which should raise alert as it could be a sign of myocardial infarction. If experiencing pain above the left chest, it is recommended to consult a cardiologist, respiratory medicine specialist, or gastroenterologist.

1. What Specialist Should I Consult for Pain Above the Left Chest?

Pain above the left chest is often associated with heart diseases and lung diseases. Common conditions include pneumonia, tuberculosis, pleurisy, and heart diseases such as coronary heart disease, angina, and myocardial infarction. It can also be related to esophageal and gastric diseases. Therefore, it is important to consider the accompanying symptoms of the pain above the left chest to make a specific diagnosis. Generally, consultation with a cardiologist, respiratory medicine specialist, or gastroenterologist is recommended to undergo various tests and identify the underlying cause. Additionally, it is necessary to rule out traumatic diseases. If there is a history of trauma, consultation with a thoracic surgeon may be appropriate.

2. What Causes Pain Above the Left Breast?

There are several possible causes for pain above the left breast:

Physiological Factors: If the pain occurs when pressing on a specific area, it suggests that the pain originates from the chest wall, which may be due to muscle spasms caused by prolonged improper posture, bending over, intense physical activity, or local exposure to cold. This condition is common among individuals who work in front of computers.
Angina: Another possibility is chest pain caused by the heart, with angina being the most common. Angina pain typically comes in waves and is located in the precordial region. Pressing on the painful area does not increase the pain.
Rib Lesions: Rib lesions, particularly costochondritis, can also cause pain. This condition is characterized by local thickening, swelling, and tenderness when pressed, without skin redness or swelling.
Intercostal Neuralgia: Pain often radiates along the intercostal spaces, particularly around the axillary line, beside the spine, and beside the sternum. It can be stabbing or burning and is worsened by turning, deep breathing, or coughing.
Pleurisy: Pleurisy pain is often located under the arm or near the axillary region and is accompanied by low-grade fever, coughing, and shallow breathing.

It is important to consult a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment.