RESEARCH PAPER
Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of chest pain in children: a single center study
1
Doctoral School, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
2
Students’ Scientific Group, Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and Rheumatology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
3
Department of Pediatric Allergology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
4
Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and Rheumatology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
Submission date: 2025-12-11
Final revision date: 2026-01-17
Acceptance date: 2026-01-23
Online publication date: 2026-02-05
Corresponding author
Wiktoria Sielwanowska-Lasek
Doctoral School, Medical University of Lublin, Al. Racławickie 1, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
Doctoral School, Medical University of Lublin, Al. Racławickie 1, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Background:
Pediatric chest pain is a common reason for Emergency Department (ED) visits, but it is rarely due to serious cardiac issues. The causes are mainly non-cardiac and include musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and psychogenic origins.
Material and methods:
This study aimed to assess the causes of chest pain and their correlations with clinical and demographic factors among children and adolescents from eastern Poland. A retrospective analysis covered 1,849 pediatric chest pain cases from 189,282 emergency department visits at the University Children’s Hospital between 2018-2023. Pain characteristics, clinical data, comorbidities, and treatment approaches were evaluated.
Results:
The most common causes were idiopathic (60.48%) and musculoskeletal (22.29%). Hospitalizations for pulmonary-related issues accounted for 12.44%. Physical activity often worsened pain, with dyspnea and palpitations as frequent comorbid symptoms. Bronchial asthma was the most common comorbidity (4.04%). Caffeine intake and smoking were linked to increased stabbing pain. Treatment was needed in 26.07% of cases, mostly conservative.
Conclusions:
Pediatric chest pain is rarely linked to serious conditions. Most cases are mild and effectively managed conservatively. Factors such as stimulants and psychogenic causes play a role, while cardiac causes remain uncommon.
Pediatric chest pain is a common reason for Emergency Department (ED) visits, but it is rarely due to serious cardiac issues. The causes are mainly non-cardiac and include musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and psychogenic origins.
Material and methods:
This study aimed to assess the causes of chest pain and their correlations with clinical and demographic factors among children and adolescents from eastern Poland. A retrospective analysis covered 1,849 pediatric chest pain cases from 189,282 emergency department visits at the University Children’s Hospital between 2018-2023. Pain characteristics, clinical data, comorbidities, and treatment approaches were evaluated.
Results:
The most common causes were idiopathic (60.48%) and musculoskeletal (22.29%). Hospitalizations for pulmonary-related issues accounted for 12.44%. Physical activity often worsened pain, with dyspnea and palpitations as frequent comorbid symptoms. Bronchial asthma was the most common comorbidity (4.04%). Caffeine intake and smoking were linked to increased stabbing pain. Treatment was needed in 26.07% of cases, mostly conservative.
Conclusions:
Pediatric chest pain is rarely linked to serious conditions. Most cases are mild and effectively managed conservatively. Factors such as stimulants and psychogenic causes play a role, while cardiac causes remain uncommon.
| eISSN: | 2354-0265 |
| ISSN: | 2353-6942 |
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