What causes chest pain during running for middle school students

Middle school students experiencing chest pain while running may be related to factors such as excessive exercise intensity, muscle strains, improper breathing patterns, costochondritis, or heart problems. Chest pain during running is usually manifested as stabbing pain, dull pain, or a sense of compression. Measures such as resting, adjusting breathing, and seeking medical examination should be taken according to the specific cause.

1. Excessive exercise intensity

Suddenly increasing running speed or distance may lead to excessive fatigue of chest muscles. Teenagers are prone to ignoring body signals due to excitement during exercise, and continuous high-intensity exercise can cause lactate accumulation in areas such as intercostal muscles and pectoralis major muscles. It is recommended to gradually increase the amount of exercise, warm up thoroughly before running, and stretch and relax after exercise.

2. Muscle strain

Incorrect running posture or falling collisions may cause chest wall muscle damage. Manifested as increased pain when in a specific position and tenderness when touching the affected area. During the acute phase, exercise should be stopped and ice should be applied. During the recovery phase, low-intensity chest expansion exercises can be performed to assist in repair. In severe cases, medical attention should be sought to rule out rib fractures.

3. Improper breathing method

Breathing through the mouth while running quickly may cause cold air to stimulate the trachea or diaphragm spasms. Teenagers' cardiovascular function is not yet fully mature. It is recommended to adopt a rhythm of nasal inhalation and oral breathing. In winter, a lightweight scarf can be worn to warm up and inhale air while running. When there is a fork in the air, slow down and press down on the painful area to take a deep breath. During the growth and development period of adolescents, aseptic inflammation of rib cartilage may occur due to calcium deficiency or repeated micro injuries. The pain is mostly located at the junction of the ribs and sternum, and the symptoms are obvious when coughing or turning around. It is necessary to avoid weight-bearing exercise, supplement calcium and vitamin D appropriately, and check for diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis if the pain persists.

5. Heart problems

Congenital heart disease, myocarditis, and other diseases may induce cardiogenic chest pain during exercise. If accompanied by palpitations, dizziness, or pale complexion, exercise should be stopped immediately and medical examination should be sought. Routine electrocardiogram and cardiac ultrasound can help diagnose, and after diagnosis, it is necessary to strictly follow medical advice to control exercise intensity.

Middle school students are in a critical period of growth and development, and running exercise should focus on cultivating interest and enhancing physical fitness. It is recommended to choose venues with good cushioning such as plastic tracks, wear comfortable sports shoes, and warm up and relax before and after exercise. Pay attention to supplementing high-quality protein and vitamins in daily diet to ensure adequate sleep. If chest pain recurs or is accompanied by other symptoms, parents should promptly accompany them to the pediatric or chest pain clinic to investigate the cause and avoid delaying treatment. If there are continuous severe chest pain, difficulty breathing and other emergency situations during exercise, the activity should be stopped immediately and medical assistance should be sought.