Can Constipation Cause Chest Pain?

Yes, in some cases, constipation-related gas can be responsible for chest pain. When you are experiencing constipation, there is usually a lot of gas in your intestines, which creates pressure in the abdomen. This sensation can radiate upwards and result in chest discomfort. In addition, in rare cases, constipation can cause other symptoms, such as breathlessness or difficulty breathing.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to seek a medical evaluation, as they may be indicative of a life-threatening concern, such as a cardiovascular event. In addition to chest pain and shortness of breath, heart attacks cause symptoms such as weakness, dizziness, arm or shoulder pain, nausea, and sweating.

While shortness of breath rarely occurs as a result of constipation, occasionally the two may be related due to pressure buildup from gas in your digestive system. When you are constipated, your intestines can become distended with trapped gas and stool, which may put pressure on your diaphragm and lungs, leading to a feeling of breathlessness.

If you have certain gastrointestinal conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance, bowel obstruction, or celiac disease, you are at a higher risk for bloating and related symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms of constipation and addressing them promptly before they lead to more alarming symptoms, such as shortness of breath, is important. While shortness of breath and chest pain along with bloating, belching, or a feeling of heaviness in the stomach may be related to constipation and trapped gas, it’s strongly urged that you seek medical attention if chest discomfort is severe or sudden.

Some of the symptoms that your chest discomfort may be a result of digestive distress include:

• Bloating
• Belching
• A sensation of fullness in the stomach
• Abdominal cramping
• Excessive straining during bowel movements

If chronic constipation is left untreated, it can result in chest pain and breathlessness due to the buildup of gas in the intestines and stomach. This can result in symptoms such as irritability, fatigue, and anxiety. Furthermore, those with chronic constipation may develop visceral hypersensitivity, a condition in which the nerves in the gut are highly sensitive to stimuli.

If you are diagnosed with a gastrointestinal disorder, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), it’s important to manage your condition to prevent the occurrence of constipation and related chest discomfort. By working with a gastrointestinal specialist, you can successfully reduce your symptoms and prevent anxiety-inducing instances of constipation-related chest pain.

To prevent constipation-related discomfort, such as chest pain, there are several strategies to keep in mind. One of the most effective ways to kick constipation to the curb is through lifestyle changes, such as increasing your fiber intake, staying hydrated, and sticking to a regular meal schedule.

Your gastroenterologist will recommend avoiding processed, high fat, and high sugar foods and replacing them with whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits. They may also advise you to consume hot ginger tea or peppermint tea due to the antiflatulent effects these remedies offer.

In addition, if lifestyle modifications haven’t provided sufficient relief from your symptoms, your doctor may advise you to take over-the-counter laxatives or prescribe medications to address chronic constipation. It’s strongly recommended to work with a specialist if you are affected by constipation-related symptoms, such as chronic bloating, hard or dry stools, or chest discomfort.

If you’ve been enduring the irritating symptoms of constipation, bloating, or other gastrointestinal concerns, the dedicated experts at Digestive Disease Care are here to provide comprehensive treatment to successfully alleviate your discomfort. If you are in or near Babylon, Forest Hills, Lake Success, East Setauket, Jericho, Melville, Mineola, Massapequa, New Hyde Park, or surrounding areas of New York, our experts are here to offer top-quality services to diagnose and treat your digestive concerns. We have convenient locations to serve you in Melville NY, New Hyde Park NY, Forest Hills NY, Jericho NY, Mineola NY, Lake Success NY, Babylon NY, East Setauket NY, Massapequa NY, and BEYOND.