Why does drinking water in the morning cause a slight blockage and pain in the chest, and what should be done about it?
May 11, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
Drinking water in the morning causing slight chest tightness and pain may be due to physiological factors, or it could result from conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or coronary atherosclerotic heart disease. Patients should seek medical evaluation promptly and receive targeted treatment based on the underlying cause. Physiological factors generally do not require treatment, whereas if the symptoms are caused by an illness, medication prescribed by a doctor is usually recommended.
Chest discomfort or mild pain when drinking water in the morning may be caused by physiological factors, or it could result from conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or coronary atherosclerotic heart disease. Patients should seek timely medical evaluation and receive targeted treatment based on the underlying cause. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Physiological Factors
When drinking water quickly upon waking in the morning, air may enter the esophagus along with the water, causing a temporary sensation of blockage or mild pain. This is a normal phenomenon that usually resolves on its own and generally does not require concern.
2. Disease-Related Factors
1) Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD often causes damage to the esophageal mucosa. Drinking water in the morning may irritate the damaged tissue, leading to localized pain, accompanied by symptoms such as belching and acid regurgitation. Patients should follow their doctor's instructions to take medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules or rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets to alleviate symptoms.
2) Coronary Atherosclerotic Heart Disease
Patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease commonly experience chest tightness and pain in the precordial area. Drinking water too quickly in the morning may exacerbate these symptoms, causing a sensation of chest blockage and pain, along with palpitations. In such cases, patients should follow medical advice and take medications such as aspirin enteric-coated tablets or rivaroxaban tablets for treatment.
In addition to the above common causes, other conditions such as pleuritis, bronchitis, or esophageal tumors may also be responsible. Patients should seek prompt medical care to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.
