If you are having symptoms of a heart attack, such as chest tightness and pain in your left arm, immediately seek emergency medical assistance.Chest tightness can be treated with OTC pain relief, ice and heating packs, and rest.lifestyle changes and antacids can be used to treat acid reflux, a common cause of chest pain.Stress, anxiety, or depression can cause chest tightness.You can work with a doctor and/or therapist to develop a long-term treatment plan if you experience frequent bouts of chest tightness.
Step 1: If chest tightness is caused by soreness, you should rest.
A bruise can cause chest pain.Take it easy if that is the case for you.Do not do any activity that might make your injury worse.Once your chest pain gets better, you can get back to normal activity levels.
Step 2: Immediate stress relief is what you should get.
Problems with breathing and chest tightness can be caused by panic attacks.There are several techniques you can use to reduce stress.
Step 3: Stress, anxiety, or depression can cause chest tightness.
Ask your doctor to refer you to a therapist if you experience chest tightness that doesn't have an obvious physical cause.Even without a full panic attack, stress, anxiety, and depression can cause feelings of tightness in the chest.Talk therapy relaxation techniques can be tried by a therapist.
Step 4: Acid reflux and chest pain can be alleviated with exercise.
It is possible that your chest tightness is due to a gastrointestinal problem.The chest tightness it causes can be reduced by getting up and moving around.Go for a walk or take some stairs.Antacids can be taken for quick relief from acid reflux.
Step 5: Make changes to your diet.
A modified diet can be used to alleviate chest tightness caused by acid reflux.If your chest tightness is caused by heart problems, your doctor may suggest losing weight.
Step 6: Talk to your doctor about lifestyle changes that may help with chest tightness.
Changing certain habits, like stopping smoking, may be recommended by your doctor once they figure out what's causing your chest tightness.These can be used with or without medication.Exercising regularly, trying relaxation methods, eating a balanced diet, avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and drugs are some lifestyle changes that may reduce chest tightness.
Step 7: If you have a heart event, get immediate medical attention.
A heart attack can cause chest tightness.If you experience any warning signs, contact emergency medical services.Don't drive yourself to the emergency room.While you wait for help, take an aspirin and rest.Pain in the left arm, jaw, and neck is a common sign of a heart event.
Step 8: The ice pack should be applied to the swollen spots.
Pain and swelling caused by injuries less than 6 months old can be alleviated with an ice pack.It may ease the chest tightness that can cause swelling.3 or more times a day, apply the ice pack.There is a towel between the ice pack and your skin.You can switch to a heating pad if the swelling goes down after a few days.
Step 9: A heating pad can be placed on the sore area.
Due to old injuries, heat may be an effective way to relieve chest tightness.Place a thermal pad on your chest.Place a towel between your skin and the warm pad.You can use heating pads as often as you want.You can take a warm bath if it is comfortable to recline.
Step 10: OTC pain relief can be taken over-the-counter.
Immediate relief from chest tightness can be achieved with a dose of aspirin, acetaminophen, or a NSAID.Don't take more than the recommended amount if you follow the instructions on the package.It is possible to treat chest tightness caused by muscle soreness or bone problems with OTC pain remedies.Check with a doctor if you are on any other drugs.They can tell you which ones are the most effective.
Step 11: It is a good idea to apply a muscle cream.
Ointments designed to soothe sore muscles may ease chest tightness.Look for one that has something in it.Follow the package directions to find out how often to use the cream.The chest tightness should go away once the muscles relax.
Step 12: There is no chest congestion.
If you have a cold or other issue that is causing chest tightness, use an OTC or home remedy.If you have chest congestion frequently, or if it lasts more than a few days, you should see a doctor.Drinking a warm beverage, Gargling, and getting a steam treatment are some of the quick remedies to help treat a cold and chest congestion.
Step 13: Talk to your doctor about taking a medication.
If you have frequent chest tightness accompanied by acid reflux, you may have a chronic gastrointestinal problem.Your doctor may prescribe a drug if you let them know.Acid reflux and chest tightness can be controlled with this type of medication.Your doctor may prescribe an anti-depressant.Some of them can have effects similar to a PPI.Your doctor can start you on a high dose and gradually decrease it over time.It is possible that low acid production may cause you not to digest your food very well, in which case a bicyle would be helpful.To get a complete diagnosis, talk to your doctor.A nutritionist can help you identify foods that are making you sick.