Experiencing a Burning Sensation in Your Chest? Symptoms to Watch Out For
Heartburn is a common condition that affects a significant portion of the population in Western countries. This condition occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing a range of uncomfortable symptoms. In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication, such as lansoprazole or omeprazole.
Common Symptoms of Heartburn
Heartburn can present with a variety of symptoms. These may include a burning sensation in the chest after eating, which can worsen at night, a sour or acidic taste in the throat accompanied by a raw, burning sensation, feelings of pressure in the chest, and a sharp, burning pain that travels from the upper stomach or area behind the breastbone to the throat.
Heartburn can also cause less common symptoms such as nausea, difficulty swallowing, a feeling of fullness in the stomach, a gurgling sensation in the stomach, accompanied by sounds, a hoarse voice, hiccups, a dry cough, bad breath, toothache, asthma, and a sour taste in the mouth.
Lifestyle Changes to Manage Heartburn
Lifestyle changes can help treat or prevent heartburn. These include eating smaller, more frequent meals, raising the head and chest while lying down, avoiding foods and liquids that trigger heartburn (such as spicy, fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol), stopping smoking, and avoiding excessive alcohol.
What is GERD?
People who experience heartburn more than twice a week may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a persistent, long-term condition. Common symptoms of GERD include persistent heartburn, regurgitation of stomach acid or food into the mouth, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and a feeling of a lump in the throat. Less frequent symptoms can include chronic cough, hoarseness, sore throat, a dry cough, nausea, burping, and bad breath.
Causes of GERD
The causes of GERD center around the malfunctioning of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle that normally prevents stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus. When the LES weakens or relaxes inappropriately, acid reflux occurs. Contributing factors include lifestyle aspects such as obesity, smoking, certain diets, and pregnancy. Other causes can be anatomical, such as hiatal hernia, and some medications that relax the LES. Swallowing disorders and delayed stomach emptying can also increase GERD risk.
Differentiating GERD from a Heart Attack
While both GERD and heart attacks can cause chest pain, they differ significantly in their causes, symptoms, and urgency. GERD results from acid reflux due to LES dysfunction, whereas a heart attack is caused by blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle due to a clot or narrowed coronary arteries.
The chest pain associated with a heart attack is often described as pressure, tightness, or squeezing in the chest, can radiate to the arms, jaw, or back, and is accompanied by more systemic symptoms such as shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, lightheadedness, and pain radiating to other areas.
In contrast, GERD chest pain is generally burning, often related to meals and body position, and usually localized behind the breastbone.
Seeking Medical Attention
If you experience chest pain that lasts longer than a few minutes, causes discomfort or pressure, or is accompanied by symptoms such as pain in the arms, neck, back, shortness of breath, cold sweat, lightheadedness, or nausea, seek emergency medical attention immediately. It's crucial to distinguish between the symptoms of GERD and those of a heart attack to ensure appropriate treatment and timely emergency response.
Over-the-Counter Remedies for Heartburn
For less severe cases of heartburn, over-the-counter medications can provide relief. These include antacids, such as Rolaids, TUMS, and Alka-Seltzer, and alginates, such as Gaviscon. However, it's important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new medication regimen.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/symptoms-causes/syc-20373988
[2] National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2021). Chest pain. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/chest-pain
[3] Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16697-gastroesophageal-reflux-disease--gerd--
[4] American College of Gastroenterology. (2021). Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). https://www.acg.org/patients/disease-information/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-gerd
[5] American Academy of Family Physicians. (2021). Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). https://familydoctor.org/condition/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-gerd/
- Heartburn could lead to persistent symptoms if left untreated, transitioning into a chronic condition known as GERD.
- In addition to heartburn and acid regurgitation, GERD may cause frequent coughing, hoarseness, sore throat, and bad breath.
- Cardiovascular science suggests that lifestyle factors like obesity, smoking, and inappropriate LES function can contribute to the development of GERD.
- Sleep plays a crucial role in overall health, including health and wellness, and poor sleep patterns can exacerbate symptoms of both heartburn and GERD.
- Workplace wellness programs can help employees identify and manage symptoms of chronic diseases like GERD, promoting a healthier work environment.
- While some medications prescribed for GERD can help manage symptoms, they come with potential side effects and should be used under a doctor's supervision.
- Medications such as PPIs, histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), antacids, and pro-motility agents are therapies and treatments for managing heartburn and GERD symptoms.
- Nutritional considerations, such as a balanced diet rich in fiber and low in fat, can help manage weight, digestive health, and even help prevent chronic conditions like GERD.
- Misdiagnosis of a heart attack as GERD or vice versa is possible, due to overlapping symptoms; it's essential to seek medical attention if experiencing chest pain or other uncomfortable symptoms.
- Mental health conditions often share symptoms with GERD, such as anxiety and stress, and addressing these issues can help manage overall health.
- Men may experience unique manifestations of GERD, such as sexual dysfunction or prostate issues, and discussing these symptoms with a healthcare provider can help ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
- Women should be aware of potential linkages between hormonal changes, menopause, and GERD, as well as the impact of pregnancy on digestive health.
- Cancers, autoimmune disorders, respiratory conditions, and skin conditions can sometimes coexist with GERD, further complicating healthcare management.
- CBD, a compound derived from cannabis, may show promise in managing certain GERD symptoms, although more research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety.
- Neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, can contribute to or be exacerbated by symptoms of GERD, and their treatment may require coordination with specialists.
- Aging can bring about changes in various body functions, including digestion and metabolism, which may increase the risk of developing GERD and other chronic diseases. Parenting responsibilities, weight management, and skin care must be considered when addressing overall health and well-being, particularly in aging populations.
