What causes chest pain when a child is running

Chest pain in children while running may be related to factors such as exercise-induced intercostal neuralgia, respiratory muscle fatigue, chest wall soft tissue injury, congenital heart disease, bronchial asthma, etc. It is recommended that parents take their children for medical examination in a timely manner, clarify the specific reasons, and follow medical advice for treatment.

1. Exercise induced intercostal neuralgia

During intense exercise, intercostal muscle spasms may compress nerves and cause stabbing pain, manifested as temporary sharp pain in one side of the chest. This situation can usually be relieved after rest, and parents can help their children adjust their breathing rhythm and do warm-up activities before exercise. If the pain occurs frequently, organic problems such as thoracic joint disorders should be ruled out.

2. Respiratory muscle fatigue

Children with underdeveloped cardiopulmonary function may experience excessive contraction of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles due to rapid breathing during running. Manifesting as chest pain accompanied by difficulty breathing, it is recommended to teach children to use abdominal breathing and gradually increase the intensity of exercise. supplementing with potassium rich foods such as bananas after exercise can help alleviate muscle fatigue.

3. Chest wall soft tissue injury

Sports collisions or improper posture may cause chest wall muscle strains, with pain often limited to specific areas and aggravated by touch pressure. During the acute phase, cold compress can be applied. Parents should check if their children's sports equipment is appropriate and avoid running with heavy loads. If subcutaneous bruising or persistent pain occurs, be alert to the possibility of rib fractures.

4. Children with congenital heart disease such as ventricular septal defect may experience pre cardiac colic accompanied by pale complexion during exercise. This type of pain often radiates to the left shoulder, and the exercise tolerance is significantly lower than that of children of the same age. When parents notice symptoms such as cyanosis and fatigue in their children, they should immediately undergo specialized examinations such as echocardiography.

5. Bronchial asthma

Exercise induced asthma attacks are often accompanied by wheezing and coughing, in addition to chest tightness and chest pain. Parents are advised to carry salbutamol aerosol with them and avoid vigorous exercise in cold and dry environments. Regularly monitor lung function and use medications such as Montelukast Sodium if necessary to prevent seizures.

Children with chest pain should prioritize the exclusion of organic diseases, and it is recommended to record the frequency of pain attacks and accompanying symptoms. Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D should be ensured in daily life, and sports clothing with good breathability should be chosen. Stretch thoroughly before and after exercise, avoiding exercising immediately on an empty stomach or after a full meal. If the pain persists for more than half an hour or there is a change in consciousness, immediate medical attention should be sought. Regular physical examinations can help detect potential health problems early on, and cultivating scientific exercise habits is crucial for children's growth and development.