Can gastroesophageal reflux cause chest pain?
Oct 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Haiming
Introduction
After gastroesophageal reflux occurs, the refluxed material can irritate the esophagus and cause severe chest pain, which may even radiate to the back, shoulders, or precordial area. Symptoms such as belching, nausea, dysphagia, epigastric pain, and bloating may also occur, and in severe cases, sleep disturbances may develop. Generally, under a doctor's guidance, medications that suppress acid secretion can be taken to relieve symptoms.
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) usually causes chest pain, a phenomenon associated with irritation of the esophagus by refluxed material.
GERD typically results from the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus, leading to discomfort or complications. Some patients may experience extra-esophageal symptoms when refluxed material irritates the throat or oral cavity. After the onset of this condition, irritation of the esophagus by refluxed substances may cause severe chest pain that can radiate to the back, shoulders, or precordial area, resembling angina pectoris. Additionally, patients may experience symptoms such as belching, nausea, difficulty swallowing, upper abdominal pain, and bloating. In severe cases, some individuals may even develop sleep disturbances.
When patients with GERD experience chest pain, they can generally take acid-suppressing medications under a doctor's guidance to relieve symptoms. Commonly used drugs include omeprazole enteric-coated capsules and rabeprazole enteric-coated capsules. Moreover, maintaining a light, warm, soft, and easily digestible diet in daily life can also help promote recovery.
