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Symptom Checker

Chest Pain in Children

Chest pain is pain or discomfort anywhere in the front or sides of the chest. It may feel sharp, aching, burning, tight or pressure-like.

Muscle strain, rib or chest-wall irritation, coughing, asthma, respiratory infections and reflux are common causes in children. Heart problems are much less common but can also cause chest pain.

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AAP Guide to Chest Pain in Children

The AAP guide below explains common reasons for chest pain and which symptoms need urgent care.

AAP Symptom CheckerChest pain

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Symptom CheckerChest pain New tab

When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • Chest pain keeps returning or is becoming more severe.
  • Pain happens during exercise.
  • Your child faints, feels a racing heartbeat or becomes unusually short of breath.
  • Fever or significant coughing comes with the pain.
  • Your child has a heart condition or a concerning family history.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • Your child has severe trouble breathing.
  • Your child collapses or faints and does not recover normally.
  • Chest pain comes with severe illness or another life-threatening symptom.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

More on knocks, pain and injuries

See the rest of this group and all 164 symptoms