Chest Burning Symptoms

A burning pain in the chest can develop suddenly and raise concern for a life-threatening medical condition. Not surprisingly, burning chest pain is a common cause of emergency department visits, according to the Mayo Clinic. Fortunately, doctors can evaluate the symptom to determine what medical care is necessary to prevent complications.

Causes

• A burning pain in the chest could result from heart conditions such as angina, pericarditis or heart attack; respiratory problems such as asthma, pulmonary hypertension or pulmonary embolism; or other conditions including heartburn, panic attack, or digestive disorders.

Identification

• Your doctor can diagnose symptoms of burning chest pain by performing a physical exam and, in some cases, ordering tests such as blood tests; chest x-ray; echocardiogram; electrocardiogram; angiogram; stress tests; and cardiac catheterization. Which tests he orders will depend on what he suspects is causing the pain.

Features

• Chest pain caused by heart problems might feel like a searing pain that radiates into the neck, jaw, arms and back. Pain caused by respiratory disorders often gets worse with activity, while pain caused by a digestive disorder can be associated with a bad taste in the mouth and chest tenderness.

Treatments

• Treatments for symptoms of burning chest pain caused by heart problems include aspirin, nitroglycerin, thrombolytics and surgery. Treatments for symptoms resulting from other causes include antacids, antianxiety medications and and anti-inflammatory medications.

Prevention/Solution

• Eating small portions of food and remaining upright after a meal can prevent burning chest pain from digestive causes. Steps you can take to prevent symptoms of burning chest pain caused by heart problems include controlling diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol; maintaining a healthy body weight; avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol; exercising regularly; and reducing stress.