Sometimes, chest pain due to gas is mistaken to be a heart attack and you tend to panic, especially if it is on your left side. The same kind of pain can occur due to gas or acidity. Gas pain in chest is not a serious condition but it can cause severe discomfort. You can, however, get relief from the gas pain by following several effective home remedies.
Causes of Gas Pain in Chest
The causes of gas pain in the chest are manifold. Normally, left chest pain due to gas can be an outcome of any one of the following:
1. Intolerances to Certain Foods
Food intolerances sometimes manifest in the form of gas pain in the chest. If you have lactose intolerance, you need to keep away from milk and milk products. However, if you ignore your food sensitivity and consume dairy products, you may experience chest pain due to gas.
Some individuals are sensitive to gluten and consuming foods with even a small amount of gluten can cause gas, which may cause left chest pain due to gas or chest pain due to gas.
2. Contaminated Food
Food poisoning or consuming foods contaminated with parasites, viruses, or bacteria can also cause sudden chest pain due to gas. You may also experience other symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, etc. with food poisoning. These symptoms may last for a few hours. If the symptoms worsen, immediate medical attention is crucial to avoid complications.
3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is a non-inflammatory digestive issue that is triggered by stress and can worsen immediately after any meal. Besides causing chest pain due to gas, other classic symptoms associated with this condition are abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation, etc.
4. Gallbladder Disease
Gallbladder stone or any other gallbladder disease can cause gas pain in chest and more so if the emptying of the gallbladder is restricted. Other symptoms linked to gallbladder disease are chills, nausea, vomiting, and clay or pale-coloured stools.
How to Decode Whether it’s a Gas Pain in Chest or a Heart Attack?
Left side chest pain due to gas causes panic as it is generally mistaken for a heart attack. But if you experience stabbing chest pains, it is suggested to seek emergency medical attention instead of concluding all by yourself.
If the pain is related to a heart condition, like pain on the left side of your chest, it will intensify before disappearing. The pain may rather become severe if you do not have any other symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, etc. Unlike the left side chest pain due to gas, it can be heart pain and you will need to seek immediate medical attention. The associated symptoms will be shortness of breath, cold sweats, dizziness, and discomfort in the arms, neck, stomach, jaw, and back if it is a warning sign of a heart attack.
In case of a heart attack, Women are more likely to experience shortness of breath and pain in the jaw and back. They may not experience discomfort in the arms, unlike men.
Remedies for Gas Pain In the Chest
The following are some of the remedies for gas pain in the chest:
- Consuming ginger in any form is one of the simple home remedies for stomach pain and gas related to indigestion.
- Engaging in simple exercises that can improve blood circulation and digestion can help relieve you of gas.
- Identify your food sensitivities and keep away from them. Also, avoid consuming carbonated beverages and artificially sweetened foods
- Over-the-counter medicines to relieve gas can also be taken. Antacids are recommended if you experience heartburn with gas pain.
- For gas pain due to IBS, Crohn’s disease, etc., you may be prescribed medications to treat the underlying condition.
The remedy for gas pain in the chest depends on the trigger for the pain. Gas pain generally resolves on its own. If it persists and the condition is severe, see a doctor immediately to avoid further complications.
Conclusion
Chest pain due to gas is not a reason to panic if it resolves with simple remedies. But if it is associated with symptoms like shortness of breath, pain in the arms, back, or neck, cold sweats, dizziness, etc., it could be a warning sign of a heart attack, and you should seek immediate medical attention.
If the gas pain in the chest persists for more than a week and is not relieved with simple treatment, you should see a doctor to assess the underlying cause and suggest appropriate treatment.
