Son has chest pains, at 8 years old!?

Question

My son, who is only 8, complains of chest pains. He has hidden it from me for over a year, he claims. (he hates the doctors, worries about needles etc)

Last night I caught him rubbing his chest, and he admitted it hurt. There is no cough, no mucus, just pain that comes and goes he says. Its been on going since he was 7 he admitted.

I listened to his heart, and is sounded normal. But he felt pain when I touched him on his chest. Today he says he feels fine, but

I called the doctor anyway, today and they are fully booked. (I am a slave to the UK, NHS system.) I told them it was his chest, and she, the receptionist said call tomorrow.

Any suggestions on what it could be? I'm worried.

PS: he skips around normally when he's not in pain, and doesnt pant. he is not overweight, but does love his sweets.

Answer 1

It is maybe some gas trouble probblem. so you don't worry, and you will admit your son in good hospital.

Answer 2

Since it hurts when you touch him, he probably has a superficial injury and it's not his heart. Kids who play rough can easily bruise their sternums or ribs without realizing.

Try to relax - it's not internal if it hurts when you touch him.  

Answer 3

My daughter did this and was diagnosed with Costochrondritis (spelling?). It is an inflamation of where the ribs meet with the vertebrea. Her doctor told me it is the primary cause of all ER visits for chest pain that are not cardiac related. Remember, children have strong hearts. Chest pain in children is rarely cardiac. I did take my daughter to the ER and get ekg, chest xray. I'm not awae of the UK health system.

Answer 4

Don't read on if you are expecting anything enlightening, but years ago, when I was a kid, if we had pains for which there seemed no logical reason we were told they were growing pains, wonder if that applies today.