Why does gastritis cause chest pain?

The upper stomach lies just below the diaphragm, close to the lower chest. Inflammation there can cause burning or pressure in the upper abdomen that seems to rise behind the breastbone. Acid reflux can occur at the same time and add a burning sensation, sour taste or discomfort after meals. Chest Pain is a common presentation of Gastritis, but chest pain also has causes that are not digestive.

A clinician considers the exact location, triggers, associated symptoms and your health history rather than assuming that chest discomfort comes from the stomach.

Arrange a medical review for recurring chest or upper abdominal discomfort, especially if it follows meals, wakes you from sleep, or comes with nausea, vomiting or swallowing difficulty. Keep notes on the character of the discomfort, its relation to activity and food, and any medicines you use. This helps distinguish digestive symptoms from other causes.

Avoid alcohol and avoid using anti-inflammatory pain medicines for frequent symptoms unless a clinician advises that they are appropriate. Follow any treatment plan already prescribed for your stomach.

Seek emergency medical care for new, severe, persistent or unexplained chest pain, particularly if it comes with breathlessness, sweating, fainting, nausea, pain spreading to the arm, jaw, back or neck, or a sense of pressure. Do not wait to decide that these symptoms are due to gastritis.

Ask whether your symptom pattern suggests gastritis, reflux or another cause, whether your medicines may irritate the stomach, and whether further tests are needed. Ask what changes in pain, breathing or swallowing should prompt urgent assessment.