What is the most common cause of chest pain in an adolescent?

Musculoskeletal causes are indeed the most common reason for chest pain in adolescents. This can include conditions such as costochondritis, muscle strains, or other soft tissue injuries, which are particularly prevalent in this age group due to their active lifestyles and participation in sports. The growth spurts experienced during adolescence can also lead to heightened susceptibility to these types of musculoskeletal pains.

While cardiac conditions, though less frequent, are a serious consideration, they are not the leading cause of chest pain in this demographic. Pulmonary issues, such as asthma or pneumothorax, while significant, are also relatively uncommon as a primary source of chest discomfort. Similarly, gastrointestinal causes can lead to chest pain, particularly in presentations such as acid reflux, but these are less frequent compared to musculoskeletal issues in the adolescent population. Thus, the prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions as a source of chest pain makes them the most common cause in adolescents.