[38M] Experiencing chest pain and burping, with pain during swallowing

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible conditions include:

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This is a common condition where 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 and cause chest pain. It can also cause a burning sensation in your chest (heartburn), especially after eating or at night, and it might be worse when you swallow.

  • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. If these don't help, your doctor might recommend prescription medications or surgery.

• Esophagitis: This is inflammation that may damage tissues of the esophagus, the muscular tube that delivers food from your mouth to your stomach. Esophagitis can cause painful, difficult swallowing and chest pain.

  • Treatment typically involves medications to decrease stomach acid and lifestyle changes.

• Esophageal Spasm: These are irregular, uncoordinated, and sometimes powerful contractions of the esophagus, the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. These spasms can cause chest pain and difficulty swallowing.

  • Treatment can include medications to relax the muscles in the esophagus, pain relievers, and sometimes surgery.

Please note that these are not the only possible conditions and you should consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

In the meantime, here are some things you can do to help manage your symptoms:

1. Avoid foods that trigger your symptoms. Common triggers include fatty or fried foods, tomato sauce, alcohol, chocolate, mint, garlic, onion, and caffeine.
2. Eat smaller meals. Overeating can trigger heartburn.
3. Don't lie down after a meal. Wait at least three hours after eating before lying down or going to bed.
4. Elevate the head of your bed if you regularly experience heartburn at night or while trying to sleep.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if you:

• Experience severe chest pain, especially if you also have pain in your arms, shortness of breath, and nausea – these could be signs of a heart attack.
• Have difficulty swallowing.
• Have persistent nausea or vomiting.
• See blood in your vomit or stool.

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.