Medical Essay on Chest Pain

Pectoralis major strain

Pectoralis major is the muscle which resembles a fan which is located at the chest region of the human body. It the most significant part of the chest and is situated below the breast. Pectoralis minor is found below pectoralis major and has a triangle shape. Pectoralis dominant strain is as a result of the damage of the muscle. The muscle damage can be either a small discomfort or even very up to the full rupture of the tissue. A person tends to know they have the pectoralis muscle pain by experiencing pain at the chest region, discomfort when pulling the arm toward the body and even at the shoulder and arm region among other troubles.

Diagnosis of pectoralis major strain

Through clinical examination, the tenderness of the pectoralis major muscle can be detected. A muscle spasm is observed through palpation in the pectoralis major by a medical pra actioner. Moving of the shoulder joints located on the same side is useful in determining the intensity of the muscle pain since it increases with the movements of the bones (Johnson, 2004). Radiological studies are essential in ruling out fracture and even chances of dislocation. Computed tomography scan, X-Ray, and Magnetic resonance imaging are used.

Treatment

The muscle pain can be reduced by use of cold therapy where local use of ice pack by applying it on the site of pain. The cold medicine is also very essential in reducing swelling and edema in the tissues forming the muscle (Millett, 2013). Slings are used to decrease muscle pain and edema by immobilizing the joints. Baclofen, Flexeril, and Skelaxin are muscle relaxants which are used to treat muscle spasms. The anti-inflammatory drugs known as NSAIDs are used to relieve pain. In the case of muscle inflammation, the NSAIDs can be prescribed to the patient for two weeks so long as their side effects are not harmful. Examples of commonly used NSAIDs are Motrin, Celebrex, and Naproxen. When the patient is undergoing severe pain Opioids such as hydrocodone and oxycodone are used. Opioids are also very defective when pain is not responding. The atrophy of normal muscles is prevented through physical therapy and massage when the muscles are recovering from the inflammation.

Health promotion

Training the bodybuilders and weightlifters to upgrade their skills.

Prevention

The weightlifters should be advised on the less bad techniques for working on the bench press. They should limit the lowering distance of the bar and reduce the grip of hands.

Pleurisy

Pleurisy is an illness caused by inflammation of the pleura. The inflammation causes sharp chest pains. However, pleurisy may develop due to other conditions such as certain types of cancers., pulmonary embolus, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and asbestos-related diseases among other causes. Patients suffering from pleuritis may also show signs of pain at the shoulder region, fever with chills, dry coughs, and low appetite. In case the fluid collects in the chest cavity it makes breathing difficult, and it is accompanied by symptoms such as cyanosis, tachypnea, and dyspnea.

Diagnosis

The patient's medical history together with the physical examination sheds insight on the likelihood of pleurisy. A stethoscope is used to hear the friction rub. The friction rub can also be understood by use of ears where the medical officer puts them near the patient's chest. A grating sound may be heard. Radiology is essential in examining the chest anatomy. Examples of radiology services that can be done in case of pleurisy are an x-ray of the chest region, a chest ultrasound, and chest CT scan (Greener, 2013). Thoracentesis is done to determine the kind of fluid in the pleural cavity and the find out the cause of accumulation of the liquid. Thoracoscopy is essential in deciding masses within the thoracic and pleural cavities. Pleural biopsy and CBC are also done to the patients.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. Use of antibiotics can treat pleurisy caused by bacteria. Viral infections are left to run their course and mostly no medication is given. Surgery is done to patients with accumulated fluid to drain it. Pain is relieved from the patients by administration of painkillers, for instance, acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Rest is an essential part of the healing of pleurisy and care should be taken not to lie on the painful side. The recovery from the disease depends on the cause of the disease.

Health promotion

The health of an individual can be promoted s reducing exposure to the poor weather and adverse living conditions which increases the chances of lung diseases.

Prevention

Bacterial pleurisy can be controlled by vaccination of people against bacterial lung diseases such as pneumonia. Protection is done to high-risk groups such as younger children, older people and even individuals living with chronic diseases such as diabetes. Any respiratory infection should be treated promptly to reduce the risk of the disease spreading and infecting the pleura.

Angina pectoris

Angina pectoris is used in the medical field to mean the chest pain and discomfort caused by coronary heart diseases. The disease is caused by the failure of some coronary arteries to supply the heart with blood which contains nutrients. Angina causes pain in the center of the chest, uncomfortable pressure and discomfort in the neck and shoulder region.

Diagnosis

Tests are performed to determine the presence of angina. An electrocardiogram is used to record the electrical activity of the heart. ECG shows abnormalities in the center (Kaski, 2016). The irregularities include ischemia and arrhythmias. A test of the hearts response during exercise shows the heart response during physical activity to monitor the if there is a decreased blood flow to the heart. Blood tests are essential in determining the presence of some enzymes in the blood. A protein known as troponin leaks into the blood in case of severe angina. Some blood tests are essential in determining the presence of substances like cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL which pauses a high risk of coronary heart disease and eventually angina. Others tests include chest X- rays which rule out other causes of chest discomfort. CT of the chest is a more sensitive test for ruling out other causes of chest pain than X-ray since it can identify blood clots in blood vessels. Coronary computed tomography is essential in determining the presence of plaque in coronary arteries.

Treatment

The coronary arteries are removed blockages by use of balloons a procedure is known as angioplasty. The coronary artery suffering the obstruction may be aided its work by performing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. In this case the blood flow to the heart is done by using an artery or a vein from elsewhere in the center. The patient may be prescribed for medicines such as aspirin, beta- blockers, statins, and calcium channel blockers. In some cases, first doctors recommend a change of lifestyles to their patients such as healthy eating and avoiding tobacco.

Health promotion

People can exercise control over angina by living healthy lifestyles. Healthy living entails keeping the cholesterol low and reducing instances of high blood pressure. It reduces the chances of plaque buildup in the arteries.

Prevention of angina pectoris

• Regular exercise
• Reducing high weight gain.
• Controlling diabetes
• Living a non-smoking life
• Eating a balanced diet composed of whole grains, vegetables, a lot of fruits, low- fat

References

Greener, M. (2013). The diagnosis and treatment of pleurisy in general practice. Independent Nurse, 2013 (5). Doi: 10. 12968/ indn.2013.6.5.98366

Johnson, T.R., & Steinbach, L.S (2004). Essentials of musculoskeletal imaging. Rosemont, IL: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Kaski, J.C. (2016). Management of Angina. Essentials in Stable Angina Pectoris, 111- 163. doi: 10, 1007/978-3-319-41180-4_6

Millett, P. (2013). Chapter - 60 Open Repair of Pectoralis Major Tendon Rupture. Video Altas of Shoulder Surgery, 212- 213. doi: 10. 5005/ jp / books/11787_60