Can Gastric and Digestive Problems Cause Chest Pain?

Chest pain has many causes and can originate in the digestive tract, especially the esophagus and the muscular tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.

Esophageal pain can be felt in the middle of the chest, from the epigastric region (the top of the soft part of the abdomen, below the breastbone) to the throat. Esophageal pain can also radiate to both sides of the chest. When it radiates to the lower left side of the chest, the pain can sometimes be misinterpreted as coming from the heart, such as during angina or a heart attack. If you’re concerned about your digestive health, consult a specialist.

Heartburn is discomfort or actual pain caused by digestive acid entering the tube that carries swallowed food to the stomach (esophagus).

Typical symptoms of heartburn are:
• A burning sensation in the chest that can also affect the upper abdomen
• Usually occurs after eating or when lying down or bending over
• Can wake you from sleep, especially if you have eaten within two hours of bedtime
• Usually relieved with antacids
• May be accompanied by a sour taste in the mouth—especially when lying down
• May be accompanied by a small number of stomach contents rising in the throat (reflux)

Pain is a common symptom that can be caused by a variety of factors, including medical conditions or injuries. Two types of pain that often confuse are gastric pain and chest pain. Gastric pain is typically described as a burning sensation in the upper abdomen, while chest pain is often felt in the chest or upper back. In this guide, we will differentiate between the two types of pain and discuss the accompanying symptoms. It is important to seek medical attention if experiencing persistent or severe symptoms, as both gastric and chest pain can be indicative of serious medical conditions.

Gastric pain is characterized by a burning sensation in the upper abdomen. This pain can be caused by a variety of factors such as acid reflux, stomach ulcers, and gastritis. The pain is often described as a dull, gnawing ache that can last for several hours. In contrast, chest pain is felt in the chest or upper back and can be caused by a range of conditions such as heart attacks, angina, or pulmonary embolisms. The pain associated with chest pain is typically more intense and can radiate to other parts of the body, such as the arms or jaw.

In addition to the pain, gastric pain can be accompanied by other symptoms such as bloating, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms may indicate an underlying medical condition such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In contrast, chest pain may cause shortness of breath or a feeling of pressure in the chest. These symptoms may indicate a more serious medical condition such as a heart attack or angina. It is important to seek medical attention immediately if experiencing any of these symptoms.

It is important to note that both gastric and chest pain can be indicative of serious medical conditions. Persistent or severe symptoms should never be ignored, as they may indicate a more serious underlying condition. If experiencing gastric pain or chest pain, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. A physician can perform tests and exams to determine the underlying cause of the pain and develop a treatment plan. It is important to follow the prescribed treatment plan and make any necessary lifestyle changes to prevent future episodes of pain.

Gastric pain and chest pain are two types of pain that can be confusing. Gastric pain is characterized by a burning sensation in the upper abdomen, while chest pain is felt in the chest or upper back. Both types of pain can be accompanied by other symptoms and may indicate a serious medical condition. If experiencing persistent or severe symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. By following a prescribed treatment plan and making necessary lifestyle changes, individuals can prevent future episodes of pain and maintain their overall health and well-being.

GERD can cause chest pain similar to a heart attack. Chest pain associated with GERD, described as squeezing pressure behind the breastbone, can last for hours. Like a heart attack, it can also spread from the arms to the back.

When you have GERD, there’s always the possibility of getting stomach acid into your lungs. When this happens, asthma or other breathing problems may develop.

Heartburn associated with GERD can cause swelling in the throat. You may temporarily lose your voice as a result.

Reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus can cause a sour taste in your mouth. As a result, bad breath may develop.

Although less common, vomiting can occur with GERD. Look for green or yellow vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, as this may indicate bile or blood.

Our board-certified gastroenterologist and the specialized team at Digestive Disease Care treat a wide variety of GI ailments and disorders. For more information, please contact us or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Jamaica NY, 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.