CHEST PAIN IN ACTIVE YOUNG-PEOPLE - IS IT CARDIAC

Chest pain in children and adolescents is usually benign and noncardia c, unlike that in adults. Some of the more common causes are activity related, such as chest wall trauma and exercise-induced asthma. A care ful history and physical examination will often provide a diagnosis, t hough about one third of causes are idiopathic. Most patients will not require extensive testing or referral. Education and reassurance are essential for relieving patient and parent anxiety.