Is chest pain a symptom of corona?
Chest pain and chest discomfort is often the cause of concern. The matter scares you when you do not know the obvious reason for the chest tightness. Chest pain is also a symptom of corona or COVID-19. Chest discomfort is also one of the common signs of medical issues in case of anxiety. So, what are the differentiating factors that separate the symptoms of chest discomfort from both the diseases- corona and anxiety. Let us completely understand this.
Sparsh Hospital Yeshwanthpur helps people to push towards a healthy lifestyle. They bring notable changes in the life of patients and let them have peace of mind. The primary goal of the hospital is to serve you with prestigious and quality care services. They make the medical and surgical facilities available at affordable prices.
- Chest pain is a documented symptom of Corona or COVID-19. The disease notably affects the respiratory system of human beings and spreads to other human beings like an infection. It is currently one of the largest pandemics spread across the countries since 2019.
- The enlisted and underlying symptoms of Corona or COVID-19 include chest pain or pressure on the chest. This may require immediate action.
- Anxiety is also an underlying disease that causes pressure around the muscles of the chest. People experiencing panic attacks often develop chest pain and other symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of a heart attack.
Table of Contents
Chest pain and other underlying diseases like anxiety or heart attack
Anxiety is one of the disorders that affect one in every five members of the group of patients. It is also shown in the study that people diagnosed with anxiety possess an underlying symptom of chest discomfort.
In general anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive worries. Worries are common in situations of depression and anxiety. When you feel worried, the body fights with the activities of the sympathetic nervous system. This lead to changes in the body like:
- muscle tightness
- rapid heartbeat
- shaking
Also, an increase in mental tension can cause constrictions around the muscles of the chest. It may lead to chest pain and shortness of breath. Some people with anxiety develop panic attacks. Panic attacks are sudden and often come without any prior notice to the body. This may mimic the symptoms of a heart attack. However, the symptoms include:
- chest pain
- rapid heart rate
- shortness of breath
Chest pain is the underlying symptom of corona
The virus that causes corona or COVID-19 enters the hearts, lungs, and other tissue through enzymes called angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). It damages the tissues when it enters the heart, lungs, and other organs. The researchers speculate that the chest pain due to Corona may also be the cause of injury to the organs like the heart and lungs caused by the entering of the virus.
It further leads to inflammation in the body organ. Once the virus enters your organs like the heart and lungs, it causes the body to release molecules that promote inflammation. These molecules further damage the heart cells while forming out-of-control immune systems. Chest pain is one of the common symptoms of Corona or COVID-19. It is three times more common in people who die because of corona than in the survivors.
Emergency COVID-19 symptoms
If you are experiencing chest pain along with shortness of breath, this could be the cause of COVID-19. You may call the emergency room immediately. Moreover, the underlying emergency symptoms of corona are:
- inability to stay awake
- pale gray or blue lips, skin, or nails
People with dark skin may find it hard to differentiate between the color changes. They may require strong power to notice the changes. If the changes accompany chest pain, try to look for immediate help.
When is the right time to seek help for chest tightness or pain?
Chest tightness and pain are severe signs of health conditions. The best thing is to look for immediate help from any doctor. he/she may help you with the understanding of the symptoms. Also, it is important to seek medical help if the pain in the chest occurs all of the sudden or the pain doesn’t go away with the use of painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen.
How to identify whether the chest pain belongs to COVID-19 or anxiety?
Treatment for chest pain depends on the underlying causes. It is one of the typical causes that is the result of both COVID-19 and anxiety.
COVID-19
A common symptom of corona or COVID-19 is chest pain. It may also accompany shortness of breathing. You may seek immediate medical help if the symptoms are not cured by normal home remedies and other medical measures. People having trouble breathing may be given oxygen or put on a ventilator to assist the breathing. However, the use of a variety of medications can help to manage the symptoms of the corona.
- Antiviral drugs such as remdesivir help your body fight off viral infections.
- Monoclonal antibodies: These are the proteins that target the virus causing COVID-19. They may also be used in combination with other medications like bamlanivimab/etesevimab or casirivimab/imdevimab.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs: These drugs help to relieve inflammation. Studies have shown that drugs like dexamethasone have the greatest benefit for people requiring mechanical ventilation.
- Immunomodulators: These are the class of drugs that modify the immune system of the body. The drugs like baricitinib/remdeivir or tocilizumab may help with the treatment plan.
Anxiety
Anxiety also causes chest pain. In case you have anxiety disorder and are facing shortness in breathing, try to focus on your breathing pattern. During a panic attack, the National Health Service recommends following the techniques:
- breathe in through your nose. Follow the pattern using slow and fast breathing techniques.
- exhale through your mouth slowly and gently
- close your eyes and focus on your breathing pattern for a while
- count to five for each time you inhale or exhale
You may also call the doctor for immediate needs. They may recommend medications, physiotherapy, and certain types of diet to overcome the underlying symptoms.
Also check:
Can Migraine with Aura lead to death?
Heart attack symptoms in women?
Difference between Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack
Online Doctor consultation app in India
Why is Prenatal care critical during pregnancy?
Treatment options for Chronic Diarrhea in Children
Causes of Hip Pain during Pregnancy
