With Thanksgiving upon us many of us are looking forward to eating lots of rich food. Almost inevitably this will lead to sleepiness and indigestion. Sometime overeating or eating the wrong food triggers a burning pain centered in our chest.
Most likely the pain is caused by Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). The burning sensation occurs when stomach acid travels from the stomach into the esophagus. While our stomach has a protective layer of mucus our esophagus does not. Many people mistake the burning pain of stomach acid in the esophagus with a heart attack due to the proximity of the organs.
It's important to note when the pain occurred and if its onset is close to mealtimes. Another common source of chest pain is a gallbladder attack which may cause intense chest pain and nausea. Be aware of when the pain occurred, its location and if it's triggered by eating rich food.
Here are some guidelines in determining the cause of your chest pain.
Symptoms:
Heartburn
• Burning sensation during or after eating
• Sour taste in the mouth
• Pain worsening when you lie down or bend over
• May be triggered by eating certain foods
• Occurs often near mealtimes
• Pain may last minutes to hours
Gallbladder attack
• Pain in the right upper abdomen
• Nausea or vomiting
• Burping or gas
• Pain may radiate to right shoulder blade
• Discomfort after a rich meal
• Attack may last minutes to an hour after eating
Heart attack
• Pain or "vise-like" pressure in your chest
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating, nausea, vomiting and/or dizziness
• Discomfort that lasts a few minutes, disappears, then returns again
Regardless of the cause of chest pain, it's important to get it checked by a physician.
If you believe you are having a heart attack you should go immediately to the Emergency Room.
Stay safe and healthy this holiday season!
For more healthcare news and articles, visit Write-World.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment