“What can I give my child for chest pain?”
My daughter is 10 years old and she has chest pain. What can I give my child for chest pain?
2 Answers
PediatricianPediatrician
"Chest pain" in children is usually NOT associated with heart conditions. The most common infectious reason is called "costochondritis" and is an acute inflammation of the cartilage that attaches the ribs to the sternum, typically associated with an acute respiratory infection. The hallmark symptom is pain when breathing IN. If it's a more chronic "burning" type pain right in the middle of the chest, that's suggestive of stomach reflux, and can be diet related. Tums work on an occasional basis and the extra calcium is a bonus. If it's a chronic problem, associated with changes in stooling pattern, weight loss, etc., that needs to be evaluated by a pediatrician. Typical "acid reflux" drugs you can buy in the grocery store for adults are NOT indicated for children and should not be taken.
Shelley C. Springer, MD, MBA, MSc, JD, FAAP
Shelley C. Springer, MD, MBA, MSc, JD, FAAP
Donna A. Johnson
Pediatrician
Most chest pain in children is musculoskeletal. Ibuprofen would help as would a heating pad.
