Burning in the chest can be caused by factors such as angina, gastroesophageal reflux, anxiety, stress, gastric ulcers or situations such as being overweight or pregnant.
Furthermore, depending on the cause of the burning sensation in the chest, this condition may also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as poor digestion, a feeling of heaviness in the stomach and a lump in the throat, a bitter taste in the mouth, nausea and vomiting.
If the burning sensation in the chest is accompanied by more serious symptoms, such as dizziness, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, cold sweat or tingling in the arms, it is important to consult a cardiologist or seek emergency medical care.
10 main causes of burning in the chest
The main causes of burning in the chest are:
1. Angina
Angina occurs when there is a decrease in blood flow in the arteries that carry oxygen to the heart, which can cause symptoms such as a burning sensation, pain or tightness in the chest, which can last up to 20 minutes and radiate to the shoulder, arm or neck, and sweating. cold, for example. Learn more about angina.
What to do: Angina treatment must be carried out by a cardiologist and may include the use of medicines to improve blood flow or calcium channel blockers, such as metoprolol and verapamil. In addition, the doctor may also prescribe the use of medications to reduce clot formation, such as ASA, heparin or clopidogrel.
Don’t ignore the signs your body is giving you!
2. Gastroesophageal reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux is a condition caused by the return of stomach contents to the esophagus, causing symptoms such as a burning sensation in the chest and/or throat, poor digestion and a feeling of heaviness in the stomach and lump in the throat. Check out all the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux.
What to do: treatment can be carried out with the use of medicines that must be prescribed by the doctor, such as domperidone, which accelerate gastric emptying, omeprazole or esomeprazole, which reduce the amount of acid in the stomach or antacids, which neutralize the acidity already present in the stomach. stomach.
Furthermore, it is recommended to avoid smoking, eliminate or reduce the consumption of alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, foods rich in fat and ultra-processed products. See how to follow the reflux diet.
3. Heart attack
Burning in the chest is a symptom that can appear during a heart attack. In addition, other symptoms that may also indicate a heart attack are chest pain that can affect the shoulder, neck and arm, usually on the left side, burning or discomfort in the stomach, paleness and cold sweat. Check the main symptoms of a heart attack with an online test.
What to do: in the presence of signs that may indicate a heart attack, it is important to seek emergency medical help. Treatment is carried out in the hospital and may include the use of an oxygen mask, catheterization and the use of medicines recommended by the doctor, such as anticoagulants, ACE inhibitors, statins, strong analgesics and nitrates.
4. Anxiety and stress
Anxiety and stress can cause a burning sensation, pain, or tightness in the chest. In addition, people with anxiety and stress may also experience chest palpitations, nausea, irritability, difficulty sleeping and concentrating. Learn more about the symptoms of anxiety and the symptoms of stress.
What to do: The treatment aims to promote relaxation and can be done through physical activity, psychotherapy, meditation or can even include the use of medications, such as benzodiazepine lorazepam, bromazepam or diazepam, which must be indicated by a doctor.
5. Esophagitis
Esophagitis is inflammation of the esophagus, which causes symptoms such as pain and burning in the chest, bitter taste in the mouth, difficulty swallowing and sore throat, for example. Learn more about esophagitis.
What to do: treatment must be indicated by a gastroenterologist and includes the use of medicines that inhibit the production of gastric acid, such as omeprazole or esomeprazole.
In addition, the nutritionist can also recommend a diet similar to the diet for gastroesophageal reflux, prioritizing low-fat foods, such as skinless chicken, white fish, eggs, skimmed milk and white cheeses.
6. Gastric ulcer
A gastric ulcer is a wound that forms in the tissue lining the stomach, which can cause symptoms such as burning in the middle of the chest or throat, nausea and vomiting, a feeling of a swollen belly or abdominal pain, which worsens especially after eating or drinking.
What to do: the treatment of gastric ulcers varies depending on the cause of this condition, and can be done with the use of antibiotics, such as amoxicillin or metronidazole; proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole or esomeprazole; or antacids, such as aluminum or magnesium hydroxide; and painkillers, for example.
7. Hiatal hernia
A hiatus hernia, or hiatal hernia, arises due to the weakening of the diaphragm muscle, which ends up allowing the stomach to pass into the thoracic cavity and causing symptoms such as burning in the chest, throat and stomach.
Other symptoms that can also appear in a hiatus hernia are chest pain, frequent burping and a persistent dry cough. See all the symptoms of a hiatus hernia.
What to do: the gastroenterologist may recommend the use of medications such as omeprazole, aluminum hydroxide; surgeries; and changes in diet, avoiding the consumption of foods with a lot of fat or seasonings, avoiding alcoholic beverages and prioritizing lighter and smaller meals.
8. Pregnancy
Hormonal changes and changes in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract during pregnancy can cause hyperemesis gravidarum, a condition characterized by symptoms such as burning in the chest or neck, intense nausea and vomiting, difficulty eating, weight loss and dehydration.
What to do: Treatment can be done with simple measures, such as avoiding foods and activities that worsen vomiting, resting and maintaining adequate fluid intake, especially in milder cases. However, when vomiting does not improve, the obstetrician may prescribe medications, such as pyridoxine, doxylamine and metoclopramide, to alleviate symptoms.
9. Cardiac ischemia
Cardiac ischemia, or myocardial ischemia, is characterized by a decrease in the flow of blood through the arteries that supply blood to the heart, causing symptoms such as pain and a burning sensation in the chest, palpitation, shortness of breath and general malaise.
What to do: treatment for cardiac ischemia can be done with the use of medications to slow the heart rate, such as propranolol or atenolol; control blood pressure, such as enalapril or losartan; reduce fatty plaques, such as simvastatin and atorvastatin, for example.
Furthermore, in more serious cases, the cardiologist may also recommend angioplasty or myocardial revascularization surgery, which is the replacement of a coronary artery with the saphenous vein, for example.
10. Excess weight
Excess weight can cause burning in the chest and throat, especially in people with a history of poor digestion or gastritis. This happens because the accumulation of fat in the belly increases pressure against the stomach, leading to the return of gastric contents to the esophagus and thus causing a burning sensation.
What to do: the treatment of excess weight consists of dietary re-education, which includes practicing physical activity regularly, prioritizing whole grains, drinking 1.5 to 3 liters of water per day and avoiding ultra-processed foods. See how to carry out nutritional re-education.
When to go to the doctor
It is recommended to seek emergency care when burning in the chest is accompanied by symptoms such as cold sweat, shortness of breath, bloody vomiting, a feeling of tightness or heaviness in weight.
Furthermore, it is also important to go to the doctor in the presence of symptoms such as frequent burning sensation, weight loss for no apparent reason, difficulty swallowing and when the treatments recommended by the doctor do not improve the burning sensation in the chest.
