teen athlete with chest pain at exertion along with lower jaw pain for almost 1 year

Hello,
I have son, almost  16 yrs old, who just decided to mention that he has chest pain that located in the upper middle area of his chest along with shortness of breath only at the point of exertion when he plays sports or trains. Has had this pain for almost a year now.  He is a varsity basketball player and plays travels basketball so he pretty much plays all year long.  He says he has to bend over to catch his breath when the pain starts and it stops shortly after the activity stops.  He had an abnormal EKG 2 days ago.  Also he did have asthma growing up but has out grown it for the most part.  Also wanted to mention that he has had lower jaw pain that sometimes lock for almost 1 year as well. Would like to know what is a possible diagnosis?

[Julie83]

im not a doctor, just a nurse. but chest pain combined with jaw pain can signify an ischemic heart condition. his primary should be more than willing to send him for cardiac workups like a stress test. if it happens again you should go to ER just so the tests can be done while the symptoms are occuring. im sure your son will be fine either way, but get the tests now. even though his asthma is gone it can still be mild and cause some chest pain. is there any chance the jaw pain is seperate and not only occuring during chest pain (maybe he has two seperate things going on, like a tooth problem and something else). im sure he will be ok but please get the tests incase it is something more serious! good luck!

[Julie83]

oh just reread your post. jaw pain that "locks" is almost always TMJ

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, welcome to the forum, It is important to rule out respiratory system dyspnea (shortness of breath) from cardiovascular dyspnea. Or else he may have more than one problem contributing to the breathing discomfort. The most common causes of dyspnea are asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease, and cardiomyopathy, valvular disorders, pericardial diseases, anemia etc. From his history, there is evidence of asthma and concomitantly there may be a heart disease (as evident by EKG) or musculoskeletal abnormality. Shortness of breath on exertion can be seen in heart condition like mild form of congestive heart failure and hence vulvular heart disorders should be ruled out.

I suggest him undergo Hb% level, Serum tests for allergy, Allergen challenge and as well as Evaluation of respiratory system by spirometry will help to substantiate the diagnosis, echocardiography to diagnose the cardiac cause and appropriate treatment. As for bronchial asthma, treatment with bronchodilators will give immediate relief.  I suggest you to consult physician for further evaluation. Also there seems to be tempero mandibular joint dysfunction and needs evaluation by orthopedic surgeon. Take care and regards.