There are several causes of burning chest pain. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, or NIH, chest pain is felt on the front of the body anywhere between the neck and upper abdomen. The NIH states that chest pain can arise from chest organs and structures or that chest pain can be caused by structures outside the chest, such as the neck, back or abdomen. Burning chest pain may signal a serious underlying health problem.
Pleurisy
Pleurisy can cause burning chest pain. According to the Mayo Clinic website, pleurisy is caused by inflammation of the pleura--a double membrane that lines the chest cavity and surrounds the lungs. Pleurisy is characterized by sharp or burning chest pain, especially with deep inhalation or breathing in. Along with chest pain, possible signs and symptoms associated with pleurisy include dyspnea or shortness of breath, a dry cough and fever and chills. Pleurisy-related chest pain can be exacerbated or made worse by coughing, sneezing, deep breathing and certain postures or positions. Pleurisy-related chest pain can manifest anywhere from a person's chest to her shoulder. Some people find relief from pleurisy by holding their breath or by placing pressure over the affected area. The Mayo Clinic web site states that pleurisy is often secondary to other medical conditions.
Angina
Angina can cause burning chest pain. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, or NHLBI, which is a division of the National Institutes of Health, states that angina is a chest pain or discomfort that manifests when a person's heart receives an inadequate amount of oxygenated blood. Angina can cause the sensation of burning, pressure or squeezing in the chest. A person with angina may also feel pain in his jaw, neck, back, shoulders and arms. According to the NHLBI, angina is not a disease, although it is symptomatic of a serious underlying heart condition. Angina is usually associated with coronary heart disease or CHD. CHD is the most common type of heart disease among adults. CHD is the result of plaque accumulation in the coronary arteries, which are the arteries that supply the heart with blood. The NHLBI reports that almost 7 million Americans suffer from angina.
RIb Fractures
Rib fractures can cause burning chest pain. According to the Merck Manuals web site, rib fractures are often caused by a traumatic injury, such as a fall from a tall object, an automobile accident or being struck by a baseball bat or baton. However, in some individuals, especially the elderly, only small forces--a minor fall, a violent sneeze or cough--are necessary to fracture one or more ribs. The Merck Manuals web site states that the fracture itself is usually not serious, although organs such as the liver, lung and spleen can sometimes be affected by the injury that caused the rib fracture. The likelihood of lung or other organ damage increases with the number of ribs fractured. One of the most common complaints associated with rib fractures is severe pain, especially with deep inhalation. Rib fracture-related pain can last for several weeks. According to the Merck Manuals web site, many rib fractures cannot be seen on x-rays.
