What causes chest pain when students run

Chest pain during student running may be related to excessive exercise, intercostal neuralgia, myocardial ischemia, pleurisy, pneumothorax, and other reasons. It is recommended to stop exercising immediately and observe the symptoms. If the symptoms persist, seek medical attention promptly.

1. Excessive exercise

Rapid breathing during vigorous exercise may lead to diaphragm spasms, manifested as transient stabbing pain. insufficient warm-up before exercise or sudden acceleration of running can easily lead to chest muscle strain. This situation usually resolves on its own after rest, and it is recommended to maintain a uniform breathing rhythm during exercise to avoid sudden increases in intensity in a short period of time.

2. Intercostal neuralgia

Misalignment of thoracic small joints or exposure to cold may stimulate intercostal nerves, and running vibrations can induce needle like pain. The pain is mostly distributed along the direction of the ribs and may worsen when pressed. It can be improved by applying hot compress and adjusting exercise posture. If recurrent, spinal problems need to be investigated.

3. Myocardial ischemia

Adolescents with myocarditis or congenital heart abnormalities may experience compressive pain in the precordial area during exercise. Often accompanied by palpitations and shortness of breath, the pain may radiate to the left shoulder. This situation poses a high risk and requires immediate cessation of exercise and electrocardiogram examination.

4. Pleuritis

Engaging in exercise before fully recovering from respiratory infections may cause sharp pain due to pleural friction. The pain worsens with deep breathing and may be accompanied by low-grade cough. Adequate rest and treatment of the primary infection are necessary, and vigorous exercise should be avoided.

5. Pneumothorax

Thin and tall adolescents may experience sudden spontaneous pneumothorax, manifested as unilateral chest knife like pain accompanied by difficulty breathing. This situation is classified as an emergency and requires immediate lying down and calling for first aid. Delaying treatment may endanger life.

If students experience chest pain after exercise, priority should be given to investigating heart problems. Daily attention should be paid to fully warming up before exercise and gradually increasing intensity. Wear breathable clothing during exercise to avoid overheating, and replenish electrolyte containing drinks in a timely manner. If the pain recurs or is accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness and vomiting, it is necessary to go to a cardiovascular or thoracic surgery department for detailed examination. It is not advisable to engage in vigorous exercise before ruling out organic diseases. Parents and schools should pay attention to students' physical feedback after exercise and establish health records to record any abnormal situations.