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Have you ever felt a sharp pain in your chest and thought you were having a heart attack? Chest pain, ladies, is not always the symptom of a heart attack. It is still possible to experience it if you have gas and acidity. Gas pain in chest is usually not a cause for alarm. However, the discomfort and pressure it exerts can make your situation uncomfortable and painful.
This burning and stabbing sensation in the chest can be due to different signs of digestive issues such as indigestion, acidity, bloating, or extreme burping.
HealthShots spoke to Dr Mrudul Dharod, Gastroenterologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, Mumbai, about this condition.
Pain in the chest, especially in the center or left side, is always a symptom of concern. Though we commonly consider chest pain as a symptom of heart attack, it can also be caused by acid reflux or collection of gas.
“Acid reflux (also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD) occurs when stomach acid leaks into the oesophagus, causing symptoms such as chest pain, heaviness, or burning” says Dr Dharod.
Gas accumulated in the stomach, small intestines, or colon (large intestine) can cause upper abdominal discomfort, which patients frequently misinterpret as central chest pain.
Dr Dharod says that lactose intolerance, gluten sensitivity, eating too many artificial sweetener-based foods, drinking too many carbonated beverages or colas and sodas, eating a lot of high fibre foods, and other factors can cause significant gas in the digestive system, mimicking chest pain. The sensation can cause anxiety and even palpitations or panic attacks. Gallstone pain or gallbladder inflammation can occasionally cause similar symptoms.
As we said, tightness or pain in the chest is not always indicative of a heart attack, but it is an important indicator of a heart attack. So, if you experience chest pain or discomfort, see your doctor right away.
Drinking enough water throughout the day is critical for preventing many problems, including gas. Water can aid in passing the excess gas through the digestive tract and can ease gas pain and discomfort. Warm water or herbal teas can be very relaxing. Cucumber juice, coconut water, ajwain water, and saunf water are also options.
Another home remedy that can help with digestive issues such as gas is ginger. Have ginger tea and you will surely notice the difference. Its anti-inflammatory properties aid in the relief of gas, acid reflux, and heartburn. It can be eaten by adding it to soups, sabzi, and curry. Drinking a cup of ginger tea is the best way to get immediate relief.
If you notice gas pain in your chest then make sure to stay away from carbonated drinks and sodas, milk and dairy products, and gluten.
Staying physically active is critical for digestive health. Walking, swimming, yoga, or any other form of exercise can help you pass gas and manage your chest pain.
Acidity and gas are commonly caused by eating spicy, oily, or contaminated food. So, avoid eating heavy and greasy meals if you want to stay away from stomach gas. Instead, include oats, khichdi, green leafy vegetables, vitamin C-rich foods, nuts, seeds, and egg whites in your diet.
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