Symptoms
- Pain in the lower chest/upper abdomen
- Can occur suddenly and may present as spasmodic pain
- Typically, it manifests as pleuritic-type pain aggravated by deep breathing or movement, potentially leading to dyspnea
- Duration typically lasts a few days, but may persist for up to three weeks, with the possibility of recurrence or relapse
- Fever, headache, or nonspecific abdominal discomfort may precede or accompany the onset of chest pain
- Myalgia may be present in other areas of the body
- Fever and localized tenderness at the site of pain may also be observed
Coxsackieviruses enter the body through the throat and intestines, subsequently spreading into the bloodstream. The immune system usually mounts a defense, potentially preventing symptom development. However, if the immune response is insufficient, symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and sore throat may occur. Only a minority of individuals infected with coxsackievirus experience the characteristic muscle pain in the chest and upper abdomen, which gives the illness its name. In these cases, the virus settles in the muscles of the chest and upper abdomen, causing inflammation.
The chest pain typically worsens with deep breathing, known as pleuritic pain, and may manifest as severe, stabbing pain or milder cramping. Usually, only one side of the chest or abdomen is affected, although there are instances where the pain extends to the muscles of the neck or arms.
Episodes of pain typically come in waves lasting 15 to 30 minutes, with some individuals reporting pain lasting several hours. Severe pain may lead to difficulty breathing, profuse sweating, and feelings of anxiety.