Acid reflux chest pain results when stomach acid moves upward to the esophagus, and irritates the inner lining of the esophagus. There may be burning and stabbing pain below the breast bone, which may mimic like heart attack.
If the patient has experienced chest pressure due to acid reflux for first time, he will undoubtedly rush to a doctor to rule out heart attack.
Acid reflux chest pain occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter valve gets weakened. The acid content in the stomach makes its way to the esophagus. This acid reacts with the lining of the esophagus to give rise to heart burn and pain below the sternum.
Alcohol, cigarette smoking, spicy food, obesity, fried food are the precipitating factor for acid reflux chest pain or chest tightness.
Acid reflux chest pain should not be ignored in any case, physician’s opinion should be sought as early as possible, so that if the chest pain of any other kind such as heart pain can be detected early and treated before the things get complicated.
The treatment of acid reflux chest pain may be centered on antacids and H1 receptor, by modern medicine practitioners. It will temporarily alleviate the trouble, long term relief can be obtained by life style change, reducing obesity, exercising and practicing yoga.