Chest pain with fever and chills: what to know

A chest infection such as Pneumonia may cause pain that worsens with breathing or coughing, alongside fever, chills, cough, or breathlessness. Inflammation of the stomach or reflux can also cause chest discomfort, but fever and chills make an infection or another medical problem more concerning. Angina and Pulmonary Embolism can cause chest pain without being safely distinguished at home. Shingles may cause burning or sensitivity before a skin rash appears. The location, character, onset, breathing symptoms, and general illness all help a clinician assess the cause.

Arrange prompt medical advice, especially if the fever continues, the pain is new, or you feel increasingly unwell. Rest, drink fluids if you can, and record your temperature, when the pain began, whether breathing or movement changes it, and any cough or rash. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or short of breath. A clinician may listen to your chest, check vital signs, and decide whether tests or treatment are needed.

Call emergency services now for severe or persistent chest pressure, marked breathlessness, blue or grey lips, fainting, confusion, coughing blood, sudden weakness, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw, back, or shoulder. Seek same-day care for chest pain with a high fever, shaking chills, worsening cough, or difficulty taking a full breath. Do not wait for a rash or other symptom to appear before getting help if the chest pain is severe.

Ask what findings point toward an infection, whether you need a chest examination or imaging, which warning signs should send you back urgently, and how to manage fever and pain safely with your current medicines.