If you think you're having a heart attack and your health care provider has previously prescribed nitroglycerin for you, take it as directed. Also, don't take aspirin if you are allergic to aspirin, have bleeding problems or take another blood-thinning medication, or if your health care provider previously told you not to do so. Don't take aspirin if you have chest pain due to an injury. It prevents clotting and keeps blood flowing through a narrowed artery that's caused a heart attack. Because your condition can worsen, driving yourself puts you and others at risk. Drive yourself only if you have no other option. If you can't get an ambulance or emergency vehicle to come to you, have a neighbor or a friend drive you to the nearest hospital. Don't ignore the symptoms of a heart attack. Call 911 or emergency medical assistance.If you or someone else may be having a heart attack, follow these first-aid steps: Women tend to have more-vague symptoms, such as nausea or back or jaw pain, which may be more intense than the chest pain. In women, chest pain is not always severe or even the most noticeable symptom. Nausea, indigestion, heartburn or abdominal pain.Pain or discomfort that spreads to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, jaw, teeth or occasionally upper abdomen.Chest pain, pressure or tightness, or a squeezing or aching sensation in the center of the chest.Exercise as treatment for anxiety: Systematic review and analysis. Stonerock GL, Hoffman BM, Smith PJ, Blumenthal JA. How breath-control can change your life: A systematic review on psycho-physiological correlates of slow breathing. Long-term benefits of smoking cessation on gastroesophageal reflux disease and health-related quality of life. Foods inducing typical gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms in Korea. Elevated cortisol in older adults with generalized anxiety disorder is reduced by treatment: a placebo-controlled evaluation of escitalopram. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection-A review. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: the future of treatment. Tuohy CV, Kaul S, Song HK, Nazer B, Heitner SB. Pulmonary embolus (pulmonary embolism).Ĭleveland Clinic. Pleuritic chest pain: Sorting through the differential diagnosis. Phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Understanding the impact of symptoms on the burden of COPD. Repeated use of albuterol inhaler as a potential cause of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Presentation and management of herpes zoster (shingles) in the geriatric population. COVID-19 symptoms.Ĭohen KR, Salbu RL, Frank J, Israel I. Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice. Evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal chest pain. Causes of chest pain in primary care-a systematic review and meta-analysis. Haasenritter J, Biroga T, Keunecke C, et al. It doesn’t clear up congestion, but it may help you breathe a little easier and relieve some chest tightness. Most have a menthol-based ingredient thought to help clear airways, though there is no scientific evidence to prove this. Use a vapor rub: Vapor rubs are topical ointments that you rub on your chest and throat area.Though they are not a cure for chest tightness or the virus that may be causing your infection, these drugs-available over the counter in liquid, tablet, or nasal spray form-can help reduce symptoms. Take a decongestant: Decongestants may help break up mucus and clear the congestion in your chest and nose.You may benefit from adding peppermint essential oil to the water in your humidifier to help clear mucus from your lungs. Try using it at night near your bed so you can sleep better. Use a humidifier: Steam from a humidifier (or hot shower) can help clear up congestion.
Try sipping tea, soup broth, or water throughout the day to help relieve congestion. Warm fluids, in particular, can help clear mucus from the chest and nose. Drink fluids: Fluids help thin out mucus that causes chest congestion.