The entire nation is in jeopardy since the second wave of COVID-19 hit us this year. India is in a medical crisis as the health sector is dooming due to lack of several essential facilities. The consequences of Coronavirus were unimaginable and the country was not expecting such conditions. Although, state lockdown in Delhi and Maharashtra (highest Covid infected people in the country) has reduced a significant number of COVID-19 cases and fatalities as well. Due to the growing mutations, new symptoms of this virus keep adding to the list. The key is to keep taking precautions and follow all guidelines by the government and healthcare experts.
The symptoms of this infection include cough, fever, bodyache, loss of smell, taste, etc. Recently, it was also reported that COVID-19 patients are experiencing chest pain. Initially, chest pain was not a listed symptoms but is now being observed in many patients. Even mildly infected patients are suffering from this symptom now. This has increased the stress levels in people as chest pain is something that is considered as something serious. But, doctors have busted the myths and have listed several reasons for chest pain in Corona positive patients. Onlymyhealth editorial team spoke to Dr. Merlin Mony, Infectious Disease Division, Amrita hospital, Kochi, about the causes and treatment of chest pain in COVID-19 patients.
Chest pain causes in Covid-19 patients
Chest pain is an uncommon symptom of COVID-19 and this mainly happens due to upper respiratory tract infections. Instead of panicking after getting chest pain, it is important to contact your doctor immediately to get the underlying cause diagnosed. So, here are the main causes of chest pain in Covid-19 patients:
1. Dry cough
According to reports, COVID-19 patients suffer from dry cough as one of the main symptoms. And, when they cough so violently, it makes the muscles contract and relax, making the nearby ribs tear, causing mild chest pain and difficulty in breathing.
2. Lung infection
Ever since the second wave hit the country, incidents of lung infection due to COVID is being reported often. As per reports, a slight bout of inflammation can cause chest pain. In such cases, health experts advise patients to go for an X-Ray or CT Scan to check the level of infection in the lungs.
3. Pneumonia
Pneumonia is one of the symptoms of COVID-19 and is found in patients whose condition is getting severe. It is a major complication that is caused by inflammation in the air sacs present inside the lungs. It can even result in fluid buildup inside the cavity-causing chest pain.
Also read: Best Home Remedies to Relieve Chest Pain
4. Virus flowing in the blood
Another cause for chest pain in Covid positive patients is the virus flowing in the bloodstream. This happens when the blood clot breaks and spread to the lungs causing pulmonary embolism. It can lead to chest pain, and in severe cases, it can restrict blood flow to the lungs.
Chest pain treatment in Covid positive patients
Along with the doctor prescribed medicines, you can also try some home remedies at home as well to ease the factors causing chest pain in Covid patients. According to Dr. Merlin, these include:
1. Humidifier
Using a humidifier at home can also help in coping up with chest pain. Keeping a humidifier at home is healthy for breathing and well as throat issues. This can mainly help the chest pain caused by pneumonia. It is easily available in the market and online as well.
Also read: Loose Motion Is Also A Symptom of COVID-19, Know The New Symptoms
2. Steam inhalation
Basically, bouts of dry cough can provoke muscular pain. Steam inhalation and home remedies can bring relief to bouts of cough and thus prevent onset of muscle and chest pain. Steaming process makes breathing easier and removes any blockage or congestion in the chest.
These were the causes and treatment options for chest pain in Covid-19 patients. If you got infected by Coronavirus and are having chest pain, then it is important to talk to a healthcare expert. Do not assume the cause and leave it untreated, get it completely diagnosed and treated instead. Meanwhile, keep taking precautions and medicines if you test positive for COVID-19 and are having any symptoms including chest pain.
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