Can Gas Cause Chest Pain?

Gas can sometimes make your chest feel uncomfortable, but severe or lasting pain could signal a heart attack. Here's how to tell the difference.

Overview

It's totally normal to pass gas between 10 and 20 times a day. But if you feel chest pain after eating, it's understandable to worry. While you might just be feeling gas pain in your chest, it could also be a sign of a serious heart problem. Sometimes gas can make your chest feel uncomfortable, but if the pain is severe, lasts a long time, or comes with other symptoms like sweating, shortness of breath, or dizziness, it could be a heart attack.

How Can Gas Make My Chest Hurt?

Your digestive system is like a long, winding road on which gas can only exit in two ways: out the bottom or up the top. Gas bubbles usually pass through your system without causing problems, but sometimes they get stuck. If you can't pass them the normal way, they might travel up and make your chest feel uncomfortable.

What Does Gas Pain in the Chest Feel Like?

Gas pain in your chest can feel like sharp pains or a general tightness in your chest or under your ribs. You might also experience burping, indigestion, passing gas (which might help relieve the pain), loss of appetite, bloating, or pain that moves around your stomach. If you're having chest pain for the first time, get medical help right away.

How Can I Tell If It's Gas Pain or a Heart Attack?

Gas pain often happens after eating or drinking, and burping or passing gas can make it feel better. A heart attack is much more serious. Signs of a heart attack include chest pressure or tightness, pain in your arm, jaw, neck, or back, cold sweats, heartburn or indigestion, shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, unusual fatigue, and pain that gets worse when you're active.

How Long Does Gas-Induced Chest Pain Typically Last?

If you have chest pain from gas, it usually goes away in a few minutes or an hour, especially if you ate something that produces gas or swallowed a lot of air. Once you burp, pass gas, or your food is digested, the pain should stop. However, sometimes gas pain can last longer, for several hours or even days, depending on how much gas is trapped in your body and any other stomach problems.