Chest Pain Due to Gas
Table of Contents
Overview
The human body is a highly complex and interconnected system, comprising trillions of cells, billions of neurons, and more, all working together to perform various functions. A slight change affecting the function of these cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, etc., can cause significant discomfort. One such condition that can cause chest pain is gas. When the gas is trapped in the upper abdomen it can cause significant chest pain.
Chest pain is a concerning symptom requiring immediate medical supervision. Chest pain is often linked to angina, heart attack, pericarditis and other conditions, though in some cases chest pain may be attributed to gastrointestinal issues.
Causes of Chest Pain due to Gas
Understanding the function of the digestive tract is important to understand the cause of chest pain due to gas. The human body has only two spots from where the gas can get out, i.e. by burping through the mouth or by passing gas through the anus. However, when the gas gets trapped in and is unable to pass through the anus it can travel up and create pressure on the surrounding organs leading to a feeling of tightness, discomfort, or pain in the chest area. There are several mechanisms through which gas can cause chest pain including:
Trapped Gas
The gas trapped in the gastrointestinal tract can create pressure on the diaphragm, located below the heart causing discomfort leading to chest pain. The pain feels like a sharp, jabbing pain in the chest area or upper abdomen.
Acid Reflux
Excess gas can lead to acid reflux, a condition where the acid flows back into the oesophagus causing a burning sensation in the chest area (heartburn).
Aerophagia
Aerophagia refers to excessive swallowing of air that can cause symptoms like bloating, gas, and belching. Eating too fast, drinking carbonated beverages, etc. can cause excess air intake leading to chest pain.
Gas-induced Indigestion
Another significant factor that leads to chest pain is poor digestion and excessive gas production which can lead to a feeling of fullness and pressure in the upper abdomen causing chest pain.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) & Bloating
Other medical conditions like IBS can cause excessive gas production causing pain that radiates to the chest and upper abdomen.
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Symptoms of Chest Pain due to Gas
Chest pain from gas usually causes discomfort with a burning sensation in the chest area and the upper abdomen. Some of the common symptoms of chest pain from gas include:
Feeling of Fullness/Bloating
The most common sign of chest pain from gas is a feeling of fullness or bloating in the stomach with a feeling of having a heavy object resting on the chest.
Increased Pain After Eating
The chest pain caused by gas may worsen after eating particularly after eating gas-producing or fatty foods.
Sharp or Stabbing Pain
Excessive gas in the stomach can put pressure on the chest area and the upper abdomen causing a stabbing sensation in the chest.
Heartburn/Burning Sensation
Individuals suffering from chest pain due to gas often experience a burning sensation, especially after eating.
Gurgling Sounds
Another common sign of chest pain caused by gas includes audible noises from the digestive tract due to gas movement.
Radiating Pain
Gas-related chest pain may also radiate to other parts of the body including shoulders, back, neck, etc. Additionally, the pain may also change with body movement i.e. while lying down or bending over.
Intermittent Pain/Discomfort
A distinctive sign of gas-induced chest pain is that it comes and goes. The pain/discomfort depends on factors like eating habits, physical activity, etc.
Also Read: 10 Home Remedies for Gas during Pregnancy
What Does Chest Pain due to Gas Feel Like?
Individuals suffering from chest pain due to gas often experience sharp, jabbing pain under the ribs, usually felt on the right or left side of the chest. Chest pain related to gas is also known to cause a sudden bubble or pop sensation in the upper abdomen or chest. Other signs of chest pain related to gas include:
- A feeling of pressure or fullness that worsens by a change in posture.
- Burning sensation that radiates upwards to the upper abdomen and chest area.
- Squeezing sensation that eases after burping or passing gas.
Home Remedies for Chest Pain due to Gas
Home remedies are a reliable option for alleviating symptoms leading to chest pain due to gas by reducing bloating, reducing gas buildup, and improving the digestive process. Some of the most common home remedies include:
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is widely used to relieve gastric problems. It calms the stomach muscles and promotes the flow of the bile duct alleviating gas and bloating.
Warm Compress
Using a warm compress or heating pad on the chest can help relieve muscle stress and promote digestion.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice with warm water helps prevent gastric problems and promote digestive health. Lemon juice stimulates digestion and flushes out toxins reducing gas buildup.
Fennel Seeds
Using fennel seeds to alleviate gas is one of the oldest home remedies. Chewing a teaspoon of fennel seeds after meals can help prevent gas buildup and reduce bloating.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is high in anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe the digestive system, reduce gastric inflammation, and alleviate gas.
Exercise
Exercising or being physically active through moderate exercise, such as walking, jogging, or yoga, enhances circulation in the digestive tract, promotes regular bowel movement, and helps remove gas from the body and prevent gas buildup.
Also Read: Benefits and Basics of a Low Sodium Diet
Differentiating Gas Pain from Heart Pain
| Factors | Gas Pain | Chest Pain |
| Pain Location | Occur anywhere, chest, stomach, back | Particularly in the centre chest, sometimes may spread to arm, jaw, or back |
| Type of Pain | Sharp, stabbing discomfort | Tightness, crushing pain |
| Triggers | Post-meals, aerophagia | Physical exertion, stress, emotional strain |
| Relief | Improves with burping or passing gas | Worsens with activity or change in position |
| Symptoms | Bloating, heartburn, gurgling sounds | Shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness |
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FAQs
How to get instant relief from gas pain in the chest?
Home remedies like warm compress, drinking lemon juice, chewing fennel seeds, walking, and taking over-the-counter medicines can help alleviate gas pain.
How long does chest pain due to gas last?
Chest pain due to gas can last as long as the gas is trapped inside. Once the trapped gas is released the pain often subsides. Usually, the pain may last for a few minutes or a few hours.
What causes gastric pain in the chest?
Gastric pain in the chest can be caused by several factors including, acid reflux, gas buildup, indigestion, gastritis, and other medical issues.
Is chest pain a symptom of gastric problems?
Yes, chest pain can be a symptom of gastric problems.
Is gastric chest pain dangerous?
Gastric chest pain is often linked to harmless causes like gas buildup, indigestion etc. However, if the symptoms or pain persists, it is crucial to seek medical attention.