What causes chest pain during cold weather?

Posted on Mon, 21 Dec 2015

Question: When I go outside and breath cold air I get chest pain in the center of my chest. I had some heart test done and they found nothing abnormal. But if I walk and breath cold air the pain is worse. The pain is always in the center of my chest.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Severe vasocontriction and bronchospasm

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

When you step out into the cold weather there occurs severe constriction of your vessels and also the brochial tubules ( tissue that is responsible for respiration). It is a normal phenomenon however it looks like it is a bit exaggerated in you.

Here is how you should go about it

1. I recommend that you take Tab Theophylline before you step out, this will counter the bronchospasm
2. Keep yourself warm with multiple layers of clothing including gloves
3. Avoid stepping out in cold climate if possible
4. Ask your doctor to rule out lung pathology like bronchial asthma and bronchitis by getting a pulmonary function test done

I hope I was of help, if you have any further queries please get back to me

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T