three day Injuries to the chest area may cause pain that is worsened by deep breathing and movements of the chest. While the discomfort may be the result of a muscle strain or bruise, a physician should rule out other possibilities, such as a fractured rib. There are a few causes of chest pain in children that are more serious, but these are also uncommon. Pleurisy (inflammation of the lining of the chest cavity) that develops as a complication of pneumonia may cause chest pain, accompanied by fever, difficulty in breathing, and coughing. Another more serious cause of chest pain is spontaneous pneumothorax, which occurs when a small bubble on the surface of the lung bursts and air escapes into the chest cavity, causing gradual collapse of the lung. This condition comes on suddenly, often with sharp pain, and causes increasing shortness of breath. A hernia of the diaphragm causes chest pain that is usually worse when the child is lying down and that lessens or is absent when the child is sitting or standing. Heart pain in children, even those with serious heart conditions, is so rare that it is practically unknown. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS loearheSt Pain Шау occur one or with other symptoms. The exact Pain ЮП °f the pain and the circumstances that bring on or worsen the (COUPW °1UeS t0 the type and cause of chest Pain. Other symptoms akn „1 r' rash at the site of the pain, and shortness of breath) are 4180 clues to the cause. Chest pain HOME CARE Most cases of minor chest pain can be treated at home with aspir or acetaminophen, mild heat, and reassurance. If chest pain is caused by a hard cough, cough medicines may help. Pleurisy, spontaneous pneumothorax, and hernia of the diaphragm should be treated by a doctor. PRECAUTIONS • If chest pain is accompanied by shortness of breath, high fever, a cough producing blood flecks, or prostration (collapse), get medical help immediately. • If there is persistent pain beneath either armpit that is made worse by breathing, see your doctor. • Do not give cough medicines if the child is having difficulty in breathing. MEDICAL TREATMENT Your doctor may recommend xray examination of the chest and blood studies. Pneumothorax is treated by hospitalization, close observation, and possibly puncture of the chest wall to remove trapped air. RELATED TOPICS: Bronchitis; Pneumonia; Shingles: Viral infections gaick Reference Chicken pox SYMPTOMS . Rash with blisters (pocks) • Fever • Mild cold symptoms HOME CARE • Isolate the child. • Cut the child's fingernails to lessen scratching. • Bathe the child in lukewarm water with cornstarch added. • Apply calamine lotion-without phenol-to the skin with a soft cloth. • Give acetaminophen-not aspirin-for fever or pain. PRECAUTIONS • Do not give aspirin to a child with chicken pox. • If a high fever, prostration (collapse), headache, vomiting, or convulsions develop, see your doctor immediately. • If an infant is exposed to chicken pox or develops it, call your doctor. three-day