Transitory benign chest wall pain (TBCWP) is chest pain that occurs in the chest wall area, but is unrelated to any heart or lung condition. It is not actually a disease, nor is it dangerous. TBCWP is not life-threatening nor does it create any complications. It also does not create any reason to limit physical exercise or restrict activities.

TBCWP usually occurs in children, adolescents and young adults and can be unsettling. When experiencing this pain, children will frequently grab their chest and express fear about what they consider as “heart” pain. However, this particular type of pain does not come from the heart or lungs or other organs within the chest.

In many cases, TBCWP is thought to be related to a momentary irritation of the pleura, a membrane that covers the lung and lines the chest wall. The pleural membrane has two layers, with lubricating fluid between them. During lung expansion, the two pleural layers slide against each other painlessly. Any irritation of the pleural surfaces could cause them to rub together painfully for a few breaths until the situation corrects itself. Other possible explanations for TBCWP include a spasm of muscle in the chest wall that causes the pain. Overall, researchers agree that the condition is harmless.

TBCWP is relatively common. Researchers estimate that one-third to one-half of the healthy population has experienced TBCWP. Many normal, healthy individuals during childhood, adolescence and even adulthood feel a sharp chest pain from time to time that subsequently proves to be unrelated to any disease or abnormality.

However, patients or parents may wish to consult a physician if the chest pain has any of the following characteristics:

• Persists over fifteen minutes, particularly if it is accompanied by shortness of breath, weakness or lightheadedness
  
  
• Is unrelieved by rest or a change in position and spreads or radiates through the upper body to the arms, neck, shoulders or jaw
  
  
• Pressure or squeezing sensation that may be either constant or intermittent
  

Depending on the symptoms, a physician may order some diagnostic tests to rule out the presence of other conditions that affect the chest, heart and the blood vessels. These tests can include a chest x-ray, CT scan and echocardiogram

If there is a clinical suspicion of heart disease due to risk factors or the presence of EKG abnormalities, the physician may request a stress test to assess the presence of coronary artery disease.