dDiarrhea and chest pain do not occur together in many cases. So you might be wondering what on earth could happen if you have both at the same time.
Most gastrointestinal (GI) problems do not cause chest pain, and most problems involving the chest or lungs do not cause diarrhea. However, there are some cases where the two symptoms may overlap, says Supriya Rao, MD, a gastroenterologist at Tufts Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts.
Find out what can happen when you deal with two problems at the same time, and what to do about it.
expert in this article
- Supriya Rao, MD, quadruple board-certified physician in internal medicine, gastroenterology, obesity medicine, and lifestyle medicine.
Causes of chest pain and diarrhea
Potential causes of diarrhea and chest pain that occur together include:
1. Anxiety
Dr. Rao says that when digestive issues and chest pain occur together, they may be caused by anxiety. When you're anxious, it's not uncommon to experience chest tightness or discomfort due to your heart pounding. At the same time, you may feel nauseous or experience abdominal cramps that may cause diarrhea, the Mayo Clinic says. You may also feel anxious or tired and experience headaches, muscle tension, tremors, sweating, or difficulty concentrating.
2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
There isn't much new research on this, but one study conducted in March 2007 found that Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology It has been found that approximately 80% of IBS patients experience chest pain along with other typical symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, pain, gas, and bloating.
“Sometimes people with IBS may experience chest pain due to damage to the nerve endings in the esophagus. [the tube that connects the throat to the stomach] They overreact,” adds Dr. Rao.
3. Rarely, Whipple disease
Although extremely rare, sometimes chest pain and diarrhea can be caused by Whipple disease, a bacterial infection that affects multiple organ systems, including the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems, Dr. Rao says.
The most common symptoms of Whipple disease include watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and weight loss. If the infection invades the heart muscle (which happens to about 50 to 75 percent of people), it can lead to inflammation that causes heart pain, according to the National Library of Medicine.
The bacteria that causes Whipple disease are not well known, but the disease appears most likely to affect farmers and others who work outside and often come into contact with sewage or wastewater, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Can diarrhea and chest pain mean I'm having a heart attack?
According to Dr. Rao, probably not. In other words, pain that feels like your chest is being crushed due to a heart attack. ~can do Other gastrointestinal symptoms, including heartburn-like pain, nausea, or vomiting, often occur, according to the Mayo Clinic.
According to the Mayo Clinic, other signs of a heart attack (along with chest pain) include:
- Pain that radiates to the shoulders, arms, and jaw
- shortness of breath
- heart pounding
- dizziness
- Feeling anxious or sweaty
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), it can be difficult to tell the difference between chest pain caused by a heart attack and chest pain caused by heartburn or GERD. This is because both can radiate towards the shoulders or chin. However, there are some key differences.
- Heartburn is more likely to cause chest pain after eating, especially when lying down, but heart attacks can occur at any time and in any position.
- Heartburn can also cause a sour taste in the mouth (caused by regurgitation of food). A heart attack does not occur.
- Heartburn is usually relieved by taking antacids. Heart attack pain does not go away.
If you are not sure what is causing your chest pain and it is severe and is accompanied by other symptoms such as fainting, vomiting, or difficulty breathing, call your doctor and go to the emergency room to stay safe.
Other causes of diarrhea
Diarrhea (without chest pain) is a characteristic symptom of a variety of gastrointestinal problems. According to the Cleveland Clinic, common causes of diarrhea include:
- Epidemic: Gastroenteritis, which usually lasts for a day or two, can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhea, cramps, nausea or vomiting, fatigue, and fever.
- food poisoning: Consuming harmful toxins or bacteria in food or drinks can cause gastrointestinal infections that can cause diarrhea.
- drug: Antibiotics, antacids containing magnesium, and certain cancer medications can cause diarrhea.
- Food Sensitivity or Intolerance: If you tend to get diarrhea after eating certain foods, such as dairy or wheat, you may have a sensitivity or intolerance.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Chronic conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease can cause inflammation of the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, causing diarrhea and other symptoms.
Another cause of diarrhea is COVID-19. For some people, gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are the first symptoms they feel after contracting the virus, even before more common symptoms such as fever, fatigue and cough. Chest pain is also a symptom of COVID-19, but it tends to get worse suddenly after you've already had the virus (also known as “long COVID-19”), according to Britain's National Health Service.
Other causes of chest pain
Chest pain or discomfort can be caused by a variety of causes. Most are minor and relatively harmless, but some can be serious, so it's important to tell your doctor if any red flags appear. According to the Mayo Clinic, common causes of chest pain include:
- anxiety or panic attacks
- Heartburn or GERD
- Muscle pain or rib injuries
- shingles
- Gallbladder or pancreas problems
- Chest pain due to angina or reduced blood flow to the heart
- Inflammation of the heart due to pericarditis or infection
- Pulmonary hypertension, or high blood pressure in the lungs
- Pulmonary embolism, or blood clot in the lungs
- heart attack
If your chest pain is sharp, severe, or persistent, call your doctor and go to the nearest emergency room. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell whether you're experiencing something dangerous (like a heart attack) or something relatively minor (like anxiety or heartburn). The only way to know for sure is to check as soon as possible.
Treatment of diarrhea and chest pain
Whether felt separately or together, chest pain and diarrhea usually stem from an underlying cause. The best treatment for each will depend on what's causing the symptoms, says Dr. Rao.
For example, if you suffer from anxiety, talk therapy and/or medications (such as anti-anxiety medications or antidepressants) may help you manage your mood, says the Cleveland Clinic. This will eventually help control chest pain and gastrointestinal problems.
Upset stomach and chest pain from IBS can be tamed with lifestyle and eating changes, such as cutting out trigger foods or working with a therapist to deal with life stressors. Low-dose antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants, may also be helpful. “They work well on hypersensitive nerve endings,” says Dr. Rao, which helps reduce pain sensations in the esophagus and intestines.
In the very rare case that you have Whipple disease, you may need to see a doctor and take antibiotics for a long period of time.
When to See a Doctor
Mild chest pain that comes and goes is usually a serious problem, while severe, sharp or persistent chest pain can be serious or even life-threatening. If your chest pain does not relieve after a few minutes and you develop other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, vomiting, or fainting, call your doctor and seek immediate medical attention.
Likewise, tell your doctor if you regularly have diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms that also affect your chest. You may have an underlying condition, such as anxiety or IBS, that requires treatment.
frequently asked questions
Can I get diarrhea after drinking alcohol?
According to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders, alcohol can definitely cause diarrhea, especially when you drink a lot of it. That's because alcohol has a high sugar content, which can draw water into your gastrointestinal tract and make your stool loose and loose.
If you experience diarrhea after drinking alcohol, drink plenty of water, replenish your electrolytes with drinks such as Pedialyte, and consider reducing the amount of alcohol you drink or quitting it completely if you are experiencing gastrointestinal problems.
Are there foods I can eat to reduce chest pain and diarrhea?
Although chest pain and diarrhea are not signs of serious heart disease, you can eat foods that will help protect your gut and heart in the long term. In general, heart-healthy foods like whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds are also good for your gut, says Dr. Rao.
Following a Mediterranean diet can help you feel full. Experts have long known that it can reduce heart disease risk, and new research suggests that this diet also supports healthy gut bacteria, which play a key role in reducing intestinal inflammation, according to a May 2023 report. nutrient.
What are good foods to eat when you have diarrhea?
The best foods for stomach upset are light and soft because they are easier to digest. White toast, crackers, white rice, bananas, unsweetened applesauce, dry cereal, or grilled skinless chicken are good choices, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Electrolyte drinks like Pedialyte or Gatorade are also good for diarrhea. This is because it helps you stay hydrated and replenish lost electrolytes.
Well+Good articles reference scientific, credible, recent and robust research to support the information we share. You can trust us on your wellness journey.
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Mudipalli RS, Remes-Troche JM, Andersen L, Rao SS. Functional chest pain: Esophageal or interstitial dysfunction. J Clin Gastroenterol. Mar 2007;41(3):264-9. doi: 10.1097/01.mcg.0000225521.36160.1b. PMID: 17426464.
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Barber TM, Kabisch S, Pfeiffer AFH, Weickert MO. Effects of the Mediterranean diet on health and gut microbiota. nutrient. 29 Apr 2023;15(9):2150. doi:10.3390/nu15092150. PMID: 37432307; PMCID:PMC10180651.