Skip to content
My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up
Last Reply:
Includes Expert Content
chest pain
avatar
katiedevall1 posted:
Hello, My 6 year old son was diagnosed with asthma when he was 3. Recently he has been complaining of his "heart hurting" and "cramping". After taking him to his doctor about this she said it was caused by his asthma. I'm wondering if anyone has ever heard of this or experiences this. I do not fully trust that it is caused by the asthma.
2 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:chest painHello, My 6 year old son was diagnosed with asthma when he was 3. Recently he has been complaining of his "heart hurting" and "cramping". After taking him to his doctor about this she said it was caused by his asthma. I'm wondering if anyone has ever heard of this or experiences this. I do not fully trust that it is caused by the asthma.
Reply
 
avatar
abbymay16 responded:
It might be what he is describing is tightness in his lungs but he thinks its his heart...chest tightness often feels like a pain or heavy sensation. And sometimes you can actually feel the broncospasms--which might be the cramping he describes.

Its great you talked to his doctor about this, but since you have concerns about whether this truly is just his asthma, follow your instincts and have those concerns looked in to...better to be safe. Sometimes Mom knows best.

Good luck,

Mattie
Vive Bene, Spesso L'Amore, Di Risata Molto (live well, love much, laugh often)
Report This| Share this:chest painIt might be what he is describing is tightness in his lungs but he thinks its his heart...chest tightness often feels like a pain or heavy sensation. And sometimes you can actually feel the broncospasms--which might be the cramping he describes.<br /> <br />Its great you talked to his doctor about this, but since you have concerns about whether this truly is just his asthma, follow your instincts and have those concerns looked in to...better to be safe. Sometimes Mom knows best.<br /> <br />Good luck,<br /> <br />Mattie
Reply
 
avatar
DUKE MEDICINE
Michael H Land, MD replied to abbymay16's response:
Dear katiedevall1 and abbymay16,

Having many pediatric patients with asthma, I have heard a lot of different symptoms that children can describe for asthma--coughing, tightness, shortness of breath, wheezing are certainly the "classic" symptoms, but I completely agree with you Abbymay16 that tightness of the chest can be described as soreness or "heart hurting" for a 6 year old. I've had kids complain that their stomach hurts (and it turns out that it is from coughing all the time). If the asthma symptoms are fully controlled (i.e. he is otherwise fine) and these symptoms are persistent, I would certainly question it being due to asthma and it warrants further evaluation. However, it is also important to look at how he initially presented and how he was diagnosed with the asthma--were his initial symptoms also chest tightness and shortness of breath? Does he appear to be breathing fast/working hard to breathe or wheezing when he complains? Does it get better if you give him his rescue inhaler?

Some kids who have GE Reflux actually can be misdiagnosed with asthma, particularly if they have a chronic cough as a major symptom. If they have heartburn or reflux symptoms, this may also be called "heart hurting" or "cramping." I would trust your instincts (true, sometimes mom does know best) and if this does not seem to be improved with your asthma care plan, then question it. Maybe he is undertreated? You could always get a second opinion or go back to your pediatrician if it was the allergist/pulmonologist who made the diagnosis.

Good Luck!
Michael
Report This| Share this:chest painDear katiedevall1 and abbymay16,<br /><br />Having many pediatric patients with asthma, I have heard a lot of different symptoms that children can describe for asthma--coughing, tightness, shortness of breath, wheezing are certainly the "classic" symptoms, but I completely agree with you Abbymay16 that tightness of the chest can be described as soreness or "heart hurting" for a 6 year old. I've had kids complain that their stomach hurts (and it turns out that it is from coughing all the time). If the asthma symptoms are fully controlled (i.e. he is otherwise fine) and these symptoms are persistent, I would certainly question it being due to asthma and it warrants further evaluation. However, it is also important to look at how he initially presented and how he was diagnosed with the asthma--were his initial symptoms also chest tightness and shortness of breath? Does he appear to be breathing fast/working hard to breathe or wheezing when he complains? Does it get better if you give him his rescue inhaler? <br /><br />Some kids who have GE Reflux actually can be misdiagnosed with asthma, particularly if they have a chronic cough as a major symptom. If they have heartburn or reflux symptoms, this may also be called "heart hurting" or "cramping." I would trust your instincts (true, sometimes mom does know best) and if this does not seem to be improved with your asthma care plan, then question it. Maybe he is undertreated? You could always get a second opinion or go back to your pediatrician if it was the allergist/pulmonologist who made the diagnosis.<br /><br />Good Luck!<br />Michael
Reply


Back to Top
Back to Top

Popular Discussions

Start a Discussion | See All

Helpful Tips

Inhaler UseExpert
For those who use daily inhaled steroids (controller medication) make sure to rinse out your mouth with water or brush your teeth after ... More
Was this Helpful?
Yes No
48 of 140 found this helpful
Post a Tip | See All

Helpful Resources

Post a Resource | See All

Related News

Related Drug Reviews

  • Drug Name User Reviews
See More

Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration

FDAYou are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

For more information, visit the Duke Health Asthma and Allergies Center