What causes chest pain in children and teenagers?
A variety of factors can cause a child or teenager to feel chest pain. In most cases, chest pain in children and teenagers is not caused by a heart problem. The most common cause of chest pain in children and teenagers is chest wall pain. “Chest wall” is a term for the structures that enclose and protect the lungs, including the ribs and sternum. We do not always know what causes chest wall pain, but it is typically associated with brief sharp pain that is worse with breathing in. Injury to the ribs, sternum or other bones in the chest and back also can cause chest wall pain. There are also a variety of muscles and joints in the chest area that may be sore, inflamed or strained. Causes can include an infection or injury, such as from sports or a fall. Typical chest wall pain is not treated with medications, although chest wall injuries and inflammation can respond to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen. Otherwise, treatment for the chest pain will be dependen
