If you're experiencing chest pressure that's relieved by burping, you likely have heartburn, or a chronic condition called gastro esophageal reflex disease (GERD). Even though the pressure feels like it's in your chest, burping indicates a digestive issue. Always consult with your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Identification
Chest pressure that's relieved by burping normally occurs shortly after eating. Your stomach may feel bloated, which places pressure on your chest. In addition to pressure, you experience a burning sensation and the feeling of having a lump in your throat. Burping will relieve some chest pressure, but you may notice a sour liquid enters your mouth and possible small amounts of food. If you've had these symptoms for a long time, your throat and esophagus may feel inflamed because the acid contents of your stomach are corroding their protective lining. If you lie down shortly after eating, your sleep can even be disrupted by heartburn.
Cause
Heartburn is a common cause of chest pain. Overeating is associated with heartburn, especially if you eat too much food, too quickly. Spicy and fatty foods also increase your risk of heartburn. Other factors associated with heartburn are excess alcohol intake, caffeine, tobacco and emotional stress. Everyone gets heartburn from time to time, but if your symptoms are chronic, you may have GERD. Foods and liquids travel down your esophagus to your stomach when you swallow. The lower portion of your esophagus has an esophageal sphincter, which relaxes to allow food contents into the stomach, and then closes. If the sphincter has an abnormality, it will fail to close entirely, and stomach acid will enter the esophagus. This in turn causes chest pressure symptoms.
Treatment
A simple over-the-counter antacid can relieve most heartburn, but if you have symptoms more than twice a week, consult a doctor. He may need to conduct tests, such as an x-ray, pH test and an endoscopy. An endoscopy is a procedure in which a tube with a light and camera is placed down your throat to view your esophagus and stomach. If GERD is the problem, H-2 receptor blockers or proton pump inhibitors are available in both over-the-counter and prescription strengths. Ranitidine or omeprazole may be prescribed for chronic heartburn. If medication is ineffective, surgery is needed to fix any abnormalities in your esophageal sphincter.
Prevention
Maintain a healthy weight, or lose weight, to help control your heartburn symptoms. Don't smoke, limit your consumption of alcohol and avoid foods that trigger your heartburn symptoms, such as tomato products, onions or citrus fruits. Limit carbonated beverages, especially if these beverages are caffeinated. Elevate the head of your bed 6 to 9 inches to make it harder for acid to travel back up your esophagus. Wait at least three hours to lie down after eating. If you take naps during the day, nap in a chair. Take all medications as prescribed by your doctor, to avoid chest pressure.
Considerations
Seek emergency medical attention if you experience chest pressure with shortness of breath, dizziness, pain in your neck and shoulders, excessive sweating and bloody stools, since these are symptoms of a more serious problem. A heart attack isn't relieved by burping, but any re-occurring chest pressure should be evaluated by a doctor.
