Gas pain in the chest can be a symptom of a larger health problem. If you are prone to chest pain, it is important to figure out what you are eating and drinking.
If you’re suffering from gas pain in the chest, you should know that there are many different causes. Some of these include an oversensitive food pipe, acid-reducing medications, and celiac disease.
Other causes include a sour taste or small pieces of food that are floating in the chest.
What Does Gas Feel Like in Chest?
Chest pain is usually felt on the right side of the chest and is usually worse after eating. It can also be accompanied by bloating and intense nausea.
For relief, drink plenty of water and limit your consumption of fatty and spicy foods.
Causes Gas Pain in the Chest?
Gallbladder disease
Gas pain in the chest is a common symptom of gallbladder disease, which occurs when your gallbladder is obstructed. This condition can be mild or severe. The pain will often subside on its own, but if it doesn’t, you may need to see a doctor.
Medications are available that can help dissolve the gallstones and relieve the discomfort. Surgery to remove the gallbladder may also be an option.
There are several causes of gallbladder disease, including gallstones, infection, and trauma. The pain is usually sharp and can last for minutes or hours. It may also cause nausea or bloating. Symptoms are most common in the early morning or late at night.
Food intolerance
People who suffer from gas pain in the chest and abdominal area may have a food intolerance. This condition affects the ability of the digestive tract to break down certain foods, such as gluten or sugar.
In addition to gas, the condition may lead to constipation, which is accompanied by abdominal pain and swelling. If this persists for more than a few days, a physician should be consulted immediately.
The doctor will take the patient’s medical history and examine the abdomen for any signs of tenderness. In addition, they may use a stethoscope to listen to the condition of the digestive tract.
While identifying food intolerances can be challenging, it is important to remember that the condition is rarely life-threatening. A medical provider can rule out other conditions and recommend a food elimination diet.
As identified by the University of Wisconsin, a diet known as an elimination diet consists of omitting a food or group of foods that are believed to cause an adverse reaction in the body.
The doctor can also recommend some at-home tests to determine whether the condition is caused by an intolerance to specific foods.
Acid reflux
When gas builds up in the abdomen, it can cause painful heartburn. This pain usually radiates from the chest but can sometimes be felt in the arms, back or jaw.
If you have pain in these areas, you should see a doctor. If the pain persists, it may be a sign of a heart attack.
Acid reflux causes gas pain in the chest and can be very uncomfortable. This pain typically affects the right side of the chest and often begins after a meal.
As stated by the Mayo Clinic, acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes at the wrong time and stomach acid backs up.
Other symptoms may include bloating and intense nausea. It is best to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
Gallbladder stones
Gallbladder stones are often the culprit of gas pain in the chest. They occur when the gallbladder cannot pass bile due to obstruction of the cystic duct.
This blockage can lead to symptoms such as jaundice and acute cholecystitis. Patients with severe gallstones may also develop acute pancreatitis, which requires surgical removal of the gallbladder.
The pain that accompanies gallbladder stones may be sharp or crampy and last for minutes to hours. It is typically felt after a meal, usually at night or in the early morning. In some cases, the pain can be accompanied by bloating or nausea.
Anxiety
Anxiety and gas pain in the chest can be alarming and unpleasant. The pain usually lasts no longer than 10 minutes, but it can be longer if you also have other symptoms.
When you experience these symptoms, you should seek medical advice and get to a quiet place. You should also drink soothing tea to calm yourself.
The fact is that almost half of people with chest pain don’t actually have a heart problem. In fact, up to 30 percent of people with chest pain experience it because of anxiety.
Taking steps to calm down can also help reduce the pain in the chest. One great way to do this is to control your breathing.
Try taking deep breaths for at least 15 seconds and breathe out through your mouth instead of your chest. This way, you’ll be able to calm your nerves and let your body release gas.
Celiac disease
Celiac disease is a condition that affects the digestive system, and it can be a common cause of gas pain in the chest. The disease also causes bloating and a swollen belly.
Other symptoms include joint pain, depression, and fatigue. It can also cause diarrhea and frothy stools with excessive amounts of fat.
Children are more likely to develop these symptoms than adults, and it is important to get a proper diagnosis if your child has any of these symptoms.
Dyspepsia
Dyspepsia is a common condition in which the stomach or chest produces gas and pain without a physical cause. Symptoms may be long-lasting and similar to those of an ulcer.
They may also be accompanied by belching. There is no specific cure for this condition, but a doctor can help you cope with the symptoms.
Constipation
Gas pain in the chest is a common symptom of constipation. If you are having less than three bowel movements per week, you are probably experiencing constipation.
The discomfort can range from dull to sharp. It may also be accompanied by intense nausea and bloating.
To alleviate the pain, avoid eating fatty foods and drink plenty of water. If your pain persists, contact your doctor.
How to Get Rid of Gas in Your Chest?
The first step to getting rid of gas in the chest is to identify the source of the problem. In some cases, carbonated beverages or dairy products can be the culprit.
Avoiding carbonated drinks, dairy products, and gluten can help alleviate chest pain. You should also remain physically active. This will help to pass the gas and manage the chest pain.
Foods high in fiber such as lentils, sweet potatoes, and prunes can also help to reduce the pain caused by gas. You can also try consulting a dietitian or nutritionist to assess your diet and recommend changes.
When to See a Doctor for Gas-Related Chest Pain
Although chest pain is alarming, almost half of people with chest pain do not actually have a heart problem. In fact, up to 30 percent of people who experience chest pain will find that it is caused by anxiety.
It is important to seek medical attention as soon as you notice any chest pains, regardless of severity.
If you think you are having a heart attack, call 911 immediately, but if you think it is an anxiety attack, see your family doctor right away.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing gas pain in the chest and feel that your stomach acid is too acidic, you should seek medical attention. This type of pain is often associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease, IBS, or Crohn’s disease.
Your doctor may prescribe an acid-reducing medication like Pepcid or an anti-inflammatory drug like 5-ASA. These drugs help reduce intestinal inflammation and keep your digestive system functioning properly.
If your symptoms persist despite medical treatment, your doctor may recommend a follow-up test, such as an electrocardiogram, to confirm your diagnosis.
