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Part of the book series: Respiratory Medicine ((RM))

Abstract

Chest pain is a common complaint in children, adolescents, and adults. Although, most children with chest pain do not present in severe distress with serious underlying condition, all need a very careful evaluation to rule of such a disorder. Chest pain in a child can cause significant anxiety for the parents. In adults, chest pain is often a sign of serious underlying cardiac or noncardiac disease, and a prompt and thorough evaluation is important before making a diagnosis of functional chest pain. However, when a complete medical evaluation reveals no serious cause, persistence of chest pain can still be a source for ongoing concern and anxiety. A thorough history and physical examination are key elements of a diagnostic evaluation. In addition to organic causes of chest pain, psychological factors must be carefully considered in all patients who present with chest pain. This chapter reviews diagnostic approach and psychological factors in pediatric and adult chest pain.

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Correspondence to Dilip R. Patel .

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© 2012 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

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Patel, D.R. (2012). Chest Pain. In: Anbar, R.D. (eds) Functional Respiratory Disorders. Respiratory Medicine. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-61779-857-3_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-61779-857-3_3

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-61779-856-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-61779-857-3

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