[34F] Experiencing chest pressure and transient nausea

What might be happening

Based on the information you provided, possible conditions include:

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This condition occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus, causing symptoms like pressure in the chest, heart palpitations, and sometimes nausea.

  • Treatment often includes lifestyle modifications such as avoiding certain foods and drinks, losing weight if overweight, and quitting smoking. Over-the-counter or prescription medications can also help.

• Gastritis: This is an inflammation of the stomach lining. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including pressure in the upper abdomen, nausea, and sometimes heart palpitations due to the discomfort.

  • Treatment often involves antacids, proton pump inhibitors, or antibiotics if an infection is present.

• Gallstones: These are hardened deposits in the gallbladder that can cause pain and pressure in the upper abdomen, nausea, and other symptoms. Sometimes, gallstones can cause complications that require urgent medical attention.

  • Treatment can range from watchful waiting to surgery, depending on the severity and frequency of symptoms.

• Heart conditions: Heart conditions such as angina or heart attack can cause chest pressure and other symptoms. Although your symptoms don't seem typical of a heart condition, it's important to rule this out, especially if you have risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, or a family history of heart disease.

  • Treatment depends on the specific condition and can range from lifestyle changes and medications to surgery.

What you can do

You should seek immediate medical attention to rule out serious conditions, especially if your symptoms persist, worsen, or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as severe pain, difficulty breathing, or fainting.

In the meantime, you can try the following to relieve your symptoms:

1. Avoid foods and drinks that can trigger heartburn, such as spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine.
2. Don't lie down immediately after eating.
3. Try over-the-counter antacids to see if they help relieve your symptoms.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Severe chest pain or pressure, especially if it radiates to your arm, jaw, or back
• Difficulty breathing
• Fainting or severe dizziness
• Vomiting blood or black, tarry stools
• Unexplained weight loss

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.