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When to consult a
physician
You should consult a physician IMMEDIATELY if:
- the pain is accompanied by:
- pulmonary problems such as coughing, spitting blood,
breathlessness
- sweating, weakness, nausea, vomiting
- fainting
- you experience tightening or discomfort in the chest when you
make a moderate effort or are resting
- you have a heart problem (angina) and:
- the attacks become more frequent or more severe
- the pain is not alleviated within five minutes after you take
one dose of nitroglycerin
- you are already being treated for a digestive problem such as
gastritis, ulcers, esophagitis, reflux, or difficulty swallowing
and your chest pain is different from the pain that led to the
diagnosis of your disease and you think that it is an
emergency
- you sustained an injury recently and movement worsens the
pain
You should consult a physician AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, at your
convenience, if:
- coughing or deep breathing worsens the pain
- you have none of these symptoms but are a smoker, have diabetes
or high blood pressure, or are being treated for high
cholesterol
- the pain persists or worsens
- you have engaged in unusual exertion, such as moving house
- the pain is accompanied by fever
- you feel pain when you touch the thoracic wall
You should contact your surgeon if you have undergone a thorax
operation.
If you still have concerns or if you wish to obtain more
information, contact Info-Santé. For a directory (in French) of
Info-Santé telephone numbers, .
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Self-care
- If you have a heart problem (angina) and have nitroglycerin:
- cease all activity
- sit down
- take the nitroglycerin
- stay calm and wait for five minutes. If the pain is not
alleviated after five minutes, call 911 or the local emergency
number
- If you are being treated for a digestive problem and the chest
pain is identical to the pain that led to the diagnosis of your
disease, follow your physician’s advice.
- If you have a muscular or bone problem:
- avoid strenuous effort
- try a pain remedy such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol™) or an
anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen (e.g., Advil™), unless these
medications are contraindicated. Consult your pharmacist, if
necessary.
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Harmonized with the Info-Santé nursing
protocols by the Info-Santé nursing protocol editorial team.
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