Indigestion and chest pain can be caused by GERD, hiatus hernia, greasy/fried foods, eating too fast, stress, lying down after eating, and certain foods/alcohol/smoking. Frequent symptoms require a doctor’s evaluation to rule out heart problems and determine the cause. Acid reflux disease or GERD can be treated with medication, but results may not be immediate. Obesity and stress can also cause heartburn or indigestion. Esophageal cancer is a rare but serious cause, often linked to smoking.
Some common causes of indigestion and chest pain are gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatus hernia. Consuming greasy or fried foods can be another common cause of indigestion and chest pain. Some individuals may experience symptoms of indigestion and chest pain due to eating food too fast or not chewing food thoroughly. Stress can also cause such symptoms. Lying down right after eating can cause these symptoms in some individuals.
If a person experiences frequent indigestion and chest pain, they will typically visit their doctor for a proper evaluation and diagnosis. Chest pain or pressure sometimes accompanied by heartburn can be a sign of an impending heart attack, so tests may be done to determine a diagnosis. After ruling out any type of heart problem, the doctor will try to determine the cause of your patient’s symptoms.
A diagnosis of acid reflux disease or GERD may indicate that the patient is regurgitating stomach acid that has built up in the esophageal area. This caustic liquid is known to cause the discomfort associated with indigestion and chest pain. There are medications that a doctor can prescribe to control GERD symptoms, however the results may not be immediate.
Eating certain foods that are high in acid can cause heartburn and indigestion or chest pain for some individuals. These foods can include citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons. Products containing tomatoes, such as tomato juice or tomato soup, can cause indigestion and bloating in some individuals, which in turn can lead to mild chest pain. Many people also get indigestion when they eat very hot and spicy foods.
Drinking alcohol can have the same effect on some individuals. Cigarette smoking is also known to cause indigestion, especially when smoked after consuming a large or heavy meal. Individuals who experience frequent bouts of heartburn may be advised to reduce their alcohol consumption and to abstain from smoking.
Other miscellaneous causes of heartburn or indigestion with occasional chest pain can be obesity and stress. Being overweight can lead to many health problems and gastrointestinal discomfort can be a common problem. Stress also plays a role, as acid production can be increased during times of stress and anxiety.
A more serious cause of heartburn and chest pain is esophageal cancer. However, this is not as common as most other causes. A common cause of esophageal cancer is cigarette smoking.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
