Sudden Chest Pain
Chest pain that comes on suddenly, which can be a sign of a medical emergency such as a collapsed lung or heart problem.
What is Sudden Chest Pain?
Sudden Chest Pain is a symptom that people may experience for many reasons. It can be related to infections, chronic conditions, injuries, medication effects, or other health changes. The presence of this symptom alone does not diagnose any condition.
If you have Sudden Chest Pain that is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other warning signs, contact a qualified healthcare provider.
Possible conditions associated with Sudden Chest Pain
The following conditions have been associated with Sudden Chest Pain. Only a health professional can determine the underlying cause.
Costochondritis
Inflammation of the cartilage where the ribs meet the breastbone, causing sharp chest pain that is often worse with deep...
Pneumothorax
A collapsed lung caused by air leaking into the space between the lung and chest wall, causing sudden chest pain and bre...
Precordial Catch Syndrome
A benign cause of sudden, brief, sharp chest pain, most often in children and young adults. The pain is typically felt n...
Related symptoms
When to seek medical care
Seek urgent care if Sudden Chest Pain is severe, sudden, or occurs with chest pain, difficulty breathing, confusion, severe weakness, or other serious symptoms.