Question
A 16-year-old girl, 168 cm tall and weighing 77.5 kg, describes a pricking pain in the upper left chest, around the heart and lung areas, during physical activity and breathing. The pain lasts for several tens of seconds before resolving on its own. The pain episodes are accompanied by difficulty breathing and voice difficulty, and no related examinations have been conducted previously.
Answer
Based on the patient’s symptom description, pediatricians usually consider the possibility of cardiovascular issues, as well as other potential causes such as intercostal neuralgia, pneumonia, or pneumothorax. It is recommended to undergo further examinations including chest X-ray, routine blood tests, and cardiac Doppler ultrasound to determine the specific cause of the pain. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is advised to seek a more detailed diagnosis and treatment at a local authoritative hospital.