Introduction
Imagine you are having brunch on Sunday with your family and friends. Suddenly, you start experiencing a sharp, jabbing pain. The chest area feels uncomfortable and tight. Chest pain can be an indicator of a heart problem. So, you begin to grapple with thoughts of having a heart attack. Are you having a heart attack? Or is it pain due to gas? Do you take an antacid or seek help for an emergency? It is crucial to differentiate between gas and heart attack pain.
Can gas cause chest pain?
Passing gas is a normal phenomenon in the body. It is part of the digestion process. It is passed in the form of burps or flatulence from the backside. The tube that connects to the mouth is the esophagus. This tube passes directly behind the heart. Irritation is caused by acid or gas in the esophagus. This may result in chest pain.
There are several reasons which may induce chest pain. It can be due to the gas accumulation in the chest, stomach, or left part of the colon. Swallowing too much air can also cause gas to be trapped in the digestive tract.
Some food-related reasons can also cause chest pain. These are
- Food intolerance builds up gas in the system
- The digestive system is upset due to food sweeteners
- Carbonated drinks cause a feeling of air bubbles in the chest
- Excessive fiber can also result in gas
- Food poisoning may also lead to pain near the heart
You can have other medical conditions that may trigger chest pain but are related to gas. Heartburn or indigestion can cause sharp chest pains while burping. Air can be trapped in the oesophagus due to acid reflux. The feeling of anxiety can result in short palpitations. Inflammatory bowel or gallbladder diseases can also result in chest pains due to gas.
Gas can be accompanied by bloating, pains, cramps, and a feeling of having knots in the stomach. The gas trapped in the body can cause stabbing pain in the chest or abdomen. This gas pain can sometimes mimic a heart attack. Do you look for ways to relieve the pain due to gas? Is it time to rush to the hospital? Will a consultation at a heart hospital in Delhi give you the answers?
Let’s first understand the symptoms of a heart attack.
What are the symptoms of a heart attack?
When a major artery or arteries in the heart do not get enough blood supply, blood flow to the heart is either reduced or blocked. This is called a heart attack.
The symptoms of a heart attack are:
- Heaviness or tightness in the chest
- Chest pain that seems like a heavy weight on the chest
- Pain that increases and subsides but lasts for a few minutes
Other symptoms include experiencing:
- Cold sweat
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or feeling sick
- Vomiting
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Sudden fatigue and exhaustion
Symptoms can vary from person to person. Sometimes they are mild or severe. Some do not experience these symptoms at all. Older people or diabetics may not experience these symptoms. But they will feel breathlessness. Men and women also experience different symptoms. The pain can be experienced in one or both arms, the neck, the jaw, upper or mid-back.
Symptoms can sometimes be challenging to interpret. Therefore, it helps to differentiate between them.
How do you differentiate between gas pain and heart attack pain?
| Gas Pain | Heart Pain |
| Burning sensation that spreads from stomach to chest | The pressure that gathers on the left side or center of the chest |
| Bloating and heartburn accompany the pain | It can become more severe after a temporary reduction or the severity may keep increasing |
| Can happen after eating certain foods or while lying down | Happens suddenly and is not related to food that you have consumed |
| Cramps or sharp pain in the stomach. Feeling of knots in the stomach | Discomfort in the chest with other symptoms like dizziness, burning, sweating, shortness of breath, etc. |
Look for the typical symptoms that can help you ascertain if it is a heart attack. Check if burning or aching in the chest area is accompanied by the additional symptoms mentioned above. On the other hand, gas will cause a bitter taste in your mouth. You may also experience it moving from your stomach toward your throat. Heartburn will typically bother you after a meal.
Conclusion
Gas is passed around 10 to 20 times per day. The sensation in the chest may be due to gas. However, the pain can be an indication of an underlying heart issue. If you or a loved one is experiencing frequent chest pains, consult a doctor. You can visit the nearest heart hospital in Delhi. It is normal to be unsure. Differentiating between the symptoms may not be easy. When in doubt, it is better to seek professional help. Stay alert and protect your heart.
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