Differential Diagnosis for Chest Pain in a Child
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Musculoskeletal pain: This is the most common cause of chest pain in children, often related to overuse, trauma, or costochondritis. The pain is typically sharp, worsens with movement, and can be reproduced by pressing on the affected area.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Asthma or other respiratory conditions: Conditions like asthma, bronchitis, or pneumonia can cause chest pain due to coughing or difficulty breathing.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Stomach acid reflux can cause chest pain that may be mistaken for cardiac issues.
- Precordial catch syndrome: A benign condition characterized by sharp, stabbing pain in the chest that can be related to breathing or movement.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Myocardial infarction or cardiac issues: Although rare in children, cardiac problems such as myocarditis, pericarditis, or coronary artery anomalies can be life-threatening and must be considered.
- Pneumothorax: A collapsed lung can cause sudden, severe chest pain and is a medical emergency.
- Pulmonary embolism: Though uncommon in children, a blood clot in the lungs can be fatal if not promptly treated.
Rare Diagnoses
- Sickle cell disease crisis: In children with sickle cell disease, a crisis can cause chest pain due to vaso-occlusive episodes affecting the lungs.
- Tumors: Both benign and malignant tumors can cause chest pain, though they are rare in children.
- Spinal or vertebral issues: Conditions affecting the spine, such as Scheuermann's disease, can cause chest pain that is referred from the spine.