Chest pain associated with COVID-19 can be a concerning symptom. It can arise from a range of causes, some less severe and others requiring prompt medical attention. This symptom may manifest during the initial infection or persist for an extended period after recovery.
Common Explanations for Chest Pain
One frequent cause of chest pain during a COVID-19 infection stems from the physical exertion of coughing. Persistent, forceful coughing can strain the intercostal muscles in the chest wall, leading to soreness and discomfort. This muscular pain often intensifies with movement, deep breaths, or additional coughing.
The viral infection can also lead to inflammation within the respiratory system. Bronchitis, an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, can cause a burning sensation or discomfort in the chest. Pleurisy involves inflammation of the pleura, the thin membranes lining the lungs and chest cavity. This presents as a sharp, stabbing pain that worsens with breathing, coughing, or sneezing, as these actions cause the inflamed membranes to rub against each other.
More Serious Considerations
Beyond common respiratory discomfort, COVID-19 can lead to more serious conditions affecting the heart. Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle resulting from the body’s immune response to the virus. Symptoms may include a dull ache or pressure in the chest, accompanied by shortness of breath, unusual fatigue, or a rapid or fluttering heart sensation.
Another related condition is pericarditis, inflammation of the pericardium, the fluid-filled sac surrounding the heart. Pericarditis causes a sharp, stabbing chest pain that feels better when leaning forward and worse when lying down or taking deep breaths. Both myocarditis and pericarditis warrant medical evaluation due to their potential impact on heart function.
COVID-19 can also increase the risk of blood clot formation, leading to a pulmonary embolism. This occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs, blocking blood flow to a portion of the lung tissue. A pulmonary embolism causes sudden, sharp chest pain, accompanied by sudden shortness of breath, a rapid heart rate, or coughing up blood.
When Chest Pain Persists
Chest pain can linger long after the initial COVID-19 infection has resolved, becoming a symptom associated with Long COVID. Individuals may experience this persistent discomfort for weeks or even months after testing negative for the virus. This ongoing pain is not necessarily a sign of active infection but rather a consequence of the body’s prolonged recovery process.
The exact mechanisms behind persistent chest pain in Long COVID are still being investigated, but they may involve ongoing low-grade inflammation within the body. Nerve damage or general post-viral fatigue affecting the chest area could also contribute to the discomfort. This chronic pain can significantly impact daily activities and overall quality of life.
Managing persistent chest pain requires a comprehensive approach, including regular medical follow-up. Healthcare providers can help determine the underlying cause of the lingering discomfort and develop a suitable management plan. This may involve physical therapy, pain management strategies, or addressing any underlying inflammatory processes.
Urgent Signs and When to Seek Help
While many causes of chest pain are not life-threatening, certain symptoms indicate a medical emergency and require immediate attention. Sudden, severe, or crushing chest pain, particularly if it radiates to the arm, jaw, or back, should prompt an immediate call to emergency services. Similarly, if chest pain is accompanied by profound shortness of breath at rest, dizziness, or lightheadedness, urgent medical evaluation is necessary.
Other red flag symptoms include fainting, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, or any bluish discoloration of the lips or face. Confusion or disorientation accompanying chest pain also signals a need for emergency care. These symptoms could indicate serious cardiovascular or respiratory complications requiring immediate intervention.
Even if the chest pain does not present with these urgent warning signs, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional for any new, worsening, or persistent chest discomfort. A medical evaluation can help accurately diagnose the cause of the pain and ensure appropriate management. Prompt assessment can provide reassurance and prevent potential complications.