What's wrong with the burning pain in my left chest

If we eat on an empty stomach, we often experience heartburn. In fact, this situation is not caused by disease. It is very likely that the drug irritates our stomach and intestines, causing burning pain in the chest. However, in some cases, if you experience burning pain in the left chest, you should pay attention, because this situation may be caused by gastric or esophageal reflux disease.

Heartburn, commonly known as heartburn, refers to a burning or hot sensation behind the sternum or under the xiphoid process, often accompanied by reflux symptoms. It is one of the most common symptoms of the digestive system. The mechanism is that gastric contents reflux into the esophagus, irritating the esophageal mucosa. Heartburn can occur when you eat too much too quickly, but it is usually temporary. If it happens frequently, you need to be particularly vigilant because it may be a warning sign of a certain disease, the most common of which are stomach, esophageal reflux disease, esophageal cancer, pyloric obstruction, etc.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Main symptoms: heartburn, reflux

Other signs: Pain behind the sternum, which may radiate to the back, shoulder, neck, and behind the ears

Gastroesophageal reflux disease refers to the reflux of gastric and duodenal contents into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn. It can cause reflux esophagitis and damage to adjacent tissues of the esophagus, such as the throat and airway. Its typical symptoms are heartburn and regurgitation. Heartburn refers to a burning sensation behind the sternum or under the xiphoid process, extending from bottom to top. Reflux is the sensation of stomach contents rushing into the pharynx or mouth without straining or nausea, and can include acid reflux. Heartburn and regurgitation often occur 1 hour after a meal, and symptoms may worsen when lying down, bending over, and falling asleep at night. In addition, there is chest pain, which is located behind the sternum and caused by reflux irritating the esophagus. In severe cases, it manifests as severe stabbing pain and can radiate to the shoulders, back, neck and behind the ears.

The pathogenesis of gastric and esophageal reflux disease is the weakening of the anti-reflux defense function of the esophagus and the strengthening of the attack of reflux materials on the esophageal mucosa. The lower esophageal sphincter prevents gastric contents from flowing back into the esophagus, but high-fat foods, coffee, strong tea, overeating, certain drugs and hormones can reduce the function of the lower esophageal sphincter and affect its anti-reflux effect. Long-term smoking, drinking and negative emotions such as depression can damage the esophageal mucosa and weaken its ability to resist reflux damage.

To prevent this disease, it is necessary to establish a good lifestyle and eating habits, such as raising the head of the bed to prevent nocturnal reflux; it is not advisable to go to bed immediately after eating; do not eat 2 hours before going to bed; eat less high-fat foods, drink less coffee, strong tea, etc.; avoid excessive obesity; avoid excessive intake of hormones such as cholecystokinin, glucagon, etc.; avoid long-term use of certain drugs such as diazepam, nitroglycerin, theophylline, etc.

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