Your chest pain may be from other causes BY KEVIN C. WESTRA, D.O., A.G.A.F, F.A.C.P. The most common source of non- cardiac chest pain from the esophagus is Chest pain is one of the gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). most frequent presenting GERD results from stomach acid backing up symptoms to a family doctor into the esophagus which produces heartburn or emergency room. Each and chest pain. The treatment for GERD year, over 5 million people includes lifestyle modifications such as caffeine present to a medical facility reduction and not eating before bed as well as with chest pain. Fortunately, acid reduction with medication. Esophageal John P. McLaughlin, D.O., F.A.C.G., F.A.C.P. most of the time their chest pain is not due spasm is another source of esophageal pain that Kevin C. Westra, D.O., A.G.A.F., F.A.C.P. to heart disease. The vast majority of these can cause NCCP. Michael A. Veliuona, M.D. patients have non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP). Other common causes of NCCP are Mark C. Friedman, M.D. NCCP is a term used to describe chest musculoskeletal problems located anywhere in Nicholas A. Mahoney, M.D. pain that resembles angina but the pain is not the chest wall. Strains and sprains of this area Cortni J.T. Brooks, M.D. from their heart. The pain is usually felt behind will result in NCCP. This type of pain typically the breast bone and it is not unusual to last Michelle R. Kostelac, MPAS, PA-C worsens with movement of the involved for hours at a time. It can radiate into the arm Lisa C. Brenize, MSPAS, PA-C area like when taking a deep breath. Anti- or into the back and at times be associated Specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive and liver disease. with food intake. Patients may complain of inflammatory drugs often help with this type of Treating symptoms such as: heartburn or the sensation of stomach juices or chest pain. Abdominal pain Constipation Diarrhea food coming back up into the chest or mouth. Stress is also associated with NCCP. Heartburn Jaundice Nausea Or course, a cardiac source of the pain Chest pain resulting from stress can also Rectal bleeding Trouble swallowing Vomiting needs to be ruled out first. Once the heart is lead to shortness of breath, hyperventilation, New Patients Are Always Welcome ruled out, other sources of the chest pain can palpitations, sweating and panic. These be entertained. The heart and the esophagus symptoms result in a vicious cycle that can 4760 Union Deposit Rd., Suite 100 • Harrisburg, PA 17111 are located close to one another in the chest worsen the chest pain. 717-545-9811 cavity. They receive a similar nerve supply. As Any chest pain requires immediate medical We participate with most insurance providers. a result, pain from either organ can feel similar evaluation. Once the source of the chest pain Please visit our website: www.hbggastro.com making it difficult to know if the pain is cardiac is identified, the appropriate treatment can be or esophageal in origin. initiated to improve the patient’s symptoms. .