As soon as you feel a burning sensation in your chest, you probably think the worst: that it is a heart attack. If this is accompanied by shortness of breath, fainting or other symptoms, do not wait and call an ambulance. However, you should know that chest pain can also have other causes.
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Burning chest pain caused by the spine
Burning chest pain caused by the spine is also quite common. It is usually a stabbing pain that shoots through the chest at varying intervals and with certain movements. The cause is often frequent and unhealthy sitting and poor movement habits in general. However, if you suffer from burning chest pain and back pain, overload caused by excessive or incorrect exercise may also be to blame. Medication and bed rest help with sudden pain, after which you need to focus on rehabilitation and correct posture.
Cardiovascular problems
Pain behind the breastbone can be a sign of angina pectoris, when the heart muscle does not get enough blood. The sharp pain may spread to the left shoulder or the lower jaw and usually passes within a few minutes. In rare cases, a burning sensation in the chest may be linked to a tear in the inner wall of the aorta, usually when lifting heavy loads. In both cases, it is essential to see a doctor.
🎓 Did you know? Stress also has a major effect on the cardiovascular system. It can be made worse by anxiety, depression, social isolation or anger.
Acid reflux
A burning sensation in the chest can be linked to a disease of the oesophagus. Do you often suffer from heartburn? In this case, partly digested food flows back up from the stomach and irritates the lining. Antacids can help, but it is always better to consult a doctor. The problems may be caused by stress, but also by a serious illness.
Inflammation of the rib cage cartilage
A burning sensation near the heart can be a sign of costochondritis, an inflammation of the cartilage in the rib cage. It most often affects people over 45. It is an unpleasant but not particularly dangerous condition. As its cause is often unclear, the symptoms are treated with anti-inflammatory drugs, which also relieve pain.
Burning chest pain and stress
If you rule out physical causes, a burning sensation in the chest may be linked to excessive stress. According to some statistics, as many as one in four patients with chest pain is exposed to excessive stress, feels a great sense of responsibility or suffers from anxiety.
This can even lead to a panic attack, which closely resembles a heart attack. Besides chest pain and burning, other symptoms include dizziness, a pounding heart and sweating, and the person feels unable to catch their breath. They also usually feel an intense fear for their life. People therefore often call an ambulance, even though their life is not in any danger. The problem needs to be addressed with a psychologist or psychiatrist.
🎓 Did you know? People who suffer from panic attacks often look for solutions in the surgeries of GPs and other specialists, who usually find no diagnosis. Unfortunately, such patients are often wrongly labelled as hypochondriacs.
How to get rid of stress
There are several ways to get rid of a burning sensation in the chest. How can you calm down and reduce stress?
- 1) Sleep. Good-quality, regular sleep is the foundation, and a lack of it can harm not only our mental health but also our physical health.
- 2) Exercise. Physical activity reduces stress and releases happy hormones. If you choose yoga, it will help you relax and learn to work with your breath.
- 3) Deep breathing. As soon as you feel stress washing over you, stop for a moment, focus on your breath and make it deeper.
- 4) Meditation. Meditation helps reduce stress and promotes relaxation. You do not need to meditate for two hours at a time; a few minutes a day is enough.
- 5) Pay attention to your emotions. Get to know yourself and focus on your feelings. This will help you find a way to control anger.
💡 Tip: If you are under a lot of pressure and feel that you cannot cope on your own, do not be afraid to seek professional help.
