Chest Wall Pain in Children

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

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What do I need to know about chest wall pain in children?

The chest wall is a structure of muscles, cartilage and bones that protect the heart and lungs. Chest wall pain can be severe, aching, dull, or sharp. It 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.

What causes chest wall pain?

The cause may be unknown, or it may be caused by any of the following:

• Conditions that affect the bones, joints, or cartilage of the chest wall, such as arthritis or costochondritis
• Strain or injury of the chest wall muscles caused by a severe cough or intense physical activity
• Fracture of the ribs or sternum (breastbone)
• An infection or inflammation of the lungs
• Medical conditions such as asthma or acid reflux
• Anxiety

How is chest wall pain diagnosed?

Your child's healthcare provider will ask questions about your child's pain. Tell the provider when your child's pain started, what type of pain it is, and what makes it better or worse. Your child's provider will ask about other symptoms and examine your child's chest. Chest x-rays may be done to find the cause of your child's chest wall pain. Your child may be given contrast liquid before the x-ray. This contrast liquid will help the structure of your child's chest wall show up better on the x-ray.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

How is chest wall pain treated?

Chest wall pain may get better without treatment. Treatment depends on the cause of your child's chest wall pain. 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.

What can I do to manage my child's symptoms?

• 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 healthcare 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.

When should I seek immediate care?

• 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.

When should I call my child's doctor?

• 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.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's healthcare providers to decide what care you want for your child. 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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