Normally, an average human passes gas around 20 to 30 times a day as we digest our food. The gas must pass out from a bodily opening otherwise, its accumulation will cause bloating and pain. It is normal to have concerns about chest pain after eating, which may be due to gas since it is supposed to stay in the stomach and not the heart, right?
The sensation of pain in the chest is either dull or sharp, often thought of as gas pain but could be something grave like a heart issue. So, the question is, when would we know if the pain in the chest is from gas or not? Go through this blog to understand how to distinguish between the two prime reasons for pain.
How to Decide If it’s Gas?
One of the reasons why gas gets stuck in the gut is when too much air is swallowed. When the gas accumulates in the stomach or left area of the colon, you will feel pain in your chest.
Some other reasons why you may have pain in the chest due to gas include:
- Use of artificial sweetening agents – they are known to cause GI disturbances leading to gas pain.
- Any food sensitivity that triggers a reaction in your digestive tract.
- Consumption of increased amounts of carbonated drinks containing carbon dioxide gas leads to chest pain.
- Excessive eating
- Sometimes, food poisoning also contributes to this issue.
Medical Conditions That Cause Gas Pain
Other than eating or drinking, some medical conditions causing chest pain issues are:
- Leakage of stomach acids because of indigestion or heartburn.
- Entrapment of air in the esophagus due to a medical condition known as GERD – Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.
- Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome – IBD
- Gall bladder issues.
Symptoms of Gas
Chest pain due to gas and a heart attack has some distinguishing traits that will help you determine the situation’s intensity. Here are some noteworthy signs that indicate the pain is because of gas;
- Burps
- Bloating
- Gas passing from behind
- Sharp pain impulses
You will experience pain in the chest soon after eating if it is due to heartburn. Moreover, a sensation of acids moving in the stomach traveling up to your throat will also help in identification. In such case take OTC antacids for rapid relief from pain.
Signs of a Heart Attack
Pain in your chest is the prime marker of a heart attack, but it isn’t always the case. Therefore, act diligently and observe the following signs.
- Increased heart rate
- Pain in the jaw
- Shortness of breath
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Cold sweats
- Heaviness in the chest
- Squeezing pain
- Shooting pain in the left shoulder
If you still aren’t sure about the pain in your chest, whether it is due to gas or heart; please go straight to your medical practitioner, or if you reside in the vicinity of Tomball or Houston, head to Family Diagnostic Clinic for a checkup or call at 281-351-6800.