Indigestion symptoms in the chest: what to know

Reflux can send stomach acid into the food pipe, causing burning behind the breastbone, an acidic taste, burping, or discomfort after meals. Gastritis, a peptic ulcer, a hiatus hernia, or Helicobacter pylori infection may also accompany upper digestive symptoms. Indigestion-related discomfort can overlap with heart and lung symptoms, so its association with food does not prove the cause. Gallstones more often cause upper-abdominal pain, sometimes with nausea, rather than isolated chest discomfort.

If a clinician has previously linked similar symptoms to reflux, eat smaller meals and remain upright after eating. Avoid personal triggers such as rich foods, alcohol, caffeine, or spicy foods, and avoid smoking. Ask a pharmacist whether an antacid or acid reflux medication is suitable with your other medicines. Do not use self-care to delay assessment of new, unexplained, or changing chest discomfort. Note the onset, duration, activity, meals, breathing, and associated symptoms.

Call emergency services for chest pressure or squeezing, pain spreading to the arm, jaw, back, or shoulder, shortness of breath, sweating, fainting, marked weakness, or sudden nausea. Seek urgent assessment for severe or persistent chest pain even if it resembles indigestion. Arrange a medical review for repeated symptoms, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, black stools, or unexplained weight loss.

Ask how your symptoms can be distinguished from heart or lung problems, whether reflux treatment is suitable, and whether medicines or a hiatus hernia could contribute. Ask which future chest symptoms require emergency action.