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Indigestion in the chest

Where Indigestion is typically felt, shown on a simplified body outline
Illustration: Where Indigestion is typically felt, shown on a simplified body outline

Short answer

Indigestion in the chest may feel like burning behind the breastbone, but chest pressure or breathing symptoms require urgent medical assessment.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Possible reflux clue
Burning with sour taste or burping
Emergency clue
Pressure, breathlessness, sweating, or spreading pain

How chest indigestion can feel

Reflux-related discomfort can cause a hot or sour feeling behind the breastbone, an acidic taste, burping, or fluid coming into the throat. It may be worse after eating or when lying down. A hiatus hernia can contribute to reflux symptoms, and stomach irritation may feel higher than expected. However, heart and lung problems can also cause chest discomfort. A description alone cannot safely separate these causes; the [Indigestion](/symptoms/indigestion/) overview may help you describe the pattern.

What to do now

If the sensation is mild, familiar, and clearly linked to meals, sit upright, loosen tight clothing, and avoid lying down soon after eating. A pharmacist can advise about an appropriate remedy, including [Acid Reflux Medication](/treatments/medical-management/acid-reflux-medication/). Do not use self-treatment to delay assessment of unexplained chest symptoms. Recurrent discomfort deserves a clinician review for reflux, [Hiatus Hernia](/conditions/hiatus-hernia/), or another cause.

Chest warning signs

Call emergency services immediately for crushing, squeezing, or spreading chest pain; breathlessness; cold sweating; fainting; marked weakness; or pain spreading to the arm, back, neck, or jaw. Seek urgent help for new or severe chest discomfort even if it resembles indigestion. Do not drive yourself if you feel seriously unwell.

Questions for your doctor

Ask whether your symptoms fit reflux and whether heart or lung causes need checking. Mention when discomfort begins, how long it lasts, whether activity changes it, and any breathlessness, sweating, nausea, or spreading pain.

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

How can I tell chest indigestion from a heart problem?

You cannot reliably tell from sensation alone; new, severe, pressure-like, spreading, or breath-related chest symptoms need urgent assessment.

Can reflux cause burning in the chest?

Yes, reflux can cause burning behind the breastbone, often with a sour taste or symptoms after meals, but concerning chest symptoms still need prompt care.

Related

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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.