Chest Wall Pain in Children

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

• Care notes
• Aftercare
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AMBULATORY CARE:

Chest wall pain

can be severe, aching, dull, or sharp. The chest wall is a structure of muscles, cartilage and bones that protect the heart and lungs. Chest wall pain may come and go, or it may be constant. The pain may be worse when your child moves in certain ways, breathes deeply, or coughs.

Seek care immediately if:

• Your child has severe pain.
• Your child has shortness of breath.
• Your child has palpitations (fast, forceful heartbeats in an irregular rhythm).
• Your child is dizzy, lightheaded, confused, or faints.

Call your child's doctor if:

• Your child has a fever.
• Your child's pain does not improve, even with treatment.
• You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Treatment for chest wall pain

depends on the cause. Chest wall pain may get better without treatment. Your child may need any of the following:

• NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If your child takes blood thinner medicine, always ask if NSAIDs are safe for him or her. Always read the medicine label and follow directions. Do not give these medicines to children younger than 6 months without direction from a healthcare provider.
• Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to give your child and how often to give it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines your child uses to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your child's doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
• Do not give aspirin to children younger than 18 years. Your child could develop Reye syndrome if he or she has the flu or a fever and takes aspirin. Reye syndrome can cause life-threatening brain and liver damage. Check your child's medicine labels for aspirin or salicylates.
• Give your child's medicine as directed. Contact your child's healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell the provider if your child is allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs your child takes. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list or the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Care for your child:

• Help your child to rest and avoid activity that causes pain. Follow directions for rest and activity.
• Apply ice on your child's chest to decrease pain and swelling. Use an ice pack, or put ice in a plastic bag and cover it with a towel. Always put a cloth between the ice and your child's skin. Apply the ice as often as directed for the first 24 to 48 hours.
• Apply heat on your child's chest for 20 to 30 minutes every 2 hours for as many days as directed. Heat helps decrease pain and muscle spasms. Your provider will tell you when and how often to apply heat.
• Go to physical therapy as directed. A physical therapist will teach your child exercises to help improve movement and strength, and to decrease pain.

Follow up with your child's doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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