Chest and Nipple Pain: Causes, Symptoms & When to See a Doctor

⚠️ URGENT: If you are experiencing chest pain—especially with shortness of breath, radiation to arm/jaw/back, sweating, nausea, or lightheadedness—call emergency services (911 in US) immediately. Do not wait. Do not drive yourself.

Why Immediate Evaluation Is Critical

Chest or nipple pain can signal life-threatening conditions:

• Cardiac: Angina, myocardial infarction (heart attack), pericarditis, aortic dissection.
• Pulmonary: Pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax, pneumonia with pleurisy.
• Musculoskeletal: Costochondritis, rib fracture, intercostal neuralgia.
• Gastrointestinal: GERD, esophageal spasm, hiatal hernia.
• Breast/Nipple specific: Mastitis, abscess, trauma, duct ectasia, Paget’s disease, breast cancer.
• Psychogenic: Panic attack, anxiety (diagnosis of exclusion).

Red Flags Requiring ER

• Pressure, squeezing, fullness in center chest > few minutes
• Pain radiating to arm, neck, jaw, back, stomach
• Shortness of breath, cold sweat, nausea, lightheadedness
• New, unexplained nipple discharge (bloody/clear), retraction, skin changes

What to Do

1. Call 911 / local emergency number.
2. Chew 325 mg aspirin (if not allergic/contraindicated) while waiting.
3. Do not self-diagnose or self-treat.
4. Follow up with primary care or cardiologist after acute evaluation.

Your life may depend on rapid action. Err on the side of caution.