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Chest pain in children
1University of Calgary.
Insights
Pediatric chest pain is typically benign, often stemming from musculoskeletal issues or an unknown cause. Cardiac conditions are rare, and most cases are diagnosed through patient history and physical exams.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Cardiology
- Symptomatology
Background:
- Chest pain is a common presenting symptom in pediatric patients.
- While often benign, it can cause significant parental anxiety.
- Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for appropriate management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the common and uncommon causes of chest pain in children.
- To outline diagnostic approaches based on history and physical examination.
- To discuss management strategies for pediatric chest pain.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on pediatric chest pain.
- Analysis of diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols.
- Emphasis on clinical evaluation including history and physical examination.
Main Results:
- Musculoskeletal causes are the most frequent identifiable reason for pediatric chest pain.
- Cardiac disorders represent an uncommon etiology.
- A significant proportion of cases remain idiopathic (no identifiable cause).
- Diagnosis is predominantly achieved through clinical assessment.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric chest pain is generally not indicative of serious cardiac disease.
- Management should focus on addressing the specific underlying cause.
- For idiopathic chest pain, reassurance and regular follow-up are key interventions.
Abstract:
Chest pain is usually a benign symptom in children. The most common identifiable causes are musculoskeletal. Often, no cause can be identified. Cardiac disorders are uncommon causes of chest pain children. Most causes can be diagnosed from history and physical examination. Treatment should be directed at the underlying cause. For idiopathic chest pain, reassurance and regular follow-up examinations are important.