Chest Hurts From Vomiting: Causes & How to Get Relief

Key takeaways:

• Chest pain after vomiting is common and can result from irritation in the esophagus or more serious conditions.
• While many cases can be managed with home remedies, persistent or severe chest pain may require medical evaluation.
• Understanding the causes of chest pain after vomiting can help you know when to seek medical care.

Experiencing chest pain after vomiting can be concerning. This type of discomfort may result from the physical strain of vomiting, irritation caused by stomach acid, or more serious underlying conditions.

In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of chest pain from vomiting, how long it typically lasts, treatment options, and when it’s essential to see a healthcare provider.

Is it normal to experience chest pain after vomiting?

Yes, it’s common to experience chest pain after vomiting. The act of vomiting can strain the muscles in the chest and cause irritation to the esophagus due to stomach acid exposure.

While mild discomfort is usually temporary, more severe or persistent pain may be a sign of a complication that requires medical attention.

Duration of chest pain after vomiting

In most cases, mild chest pain after vomiting will resolve within a few hours or a day.

This pain typically results from irritation to the esophagus or muscle soreness caused by the act of vomiting. However, if the pain persists beyond 24 to 48 hours, worsens, or is accompanied by symptoms like difficulty breathing or swallowing, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider to rule out any complications.

Persistent pain can be a sign of damage to the esophagus or a more serious condition, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Causes of chest pain after vomiting

Several conditions can cause chest pain after vomiting, including:

Esophagitis

Vomiting exposes the esophagus to stomach acid, which can lead to inflammation (esophagitis).

This condition causes pain and discomfort in the chest, particularly after vomiting. If the irritation is severe, it may lead to ulcers in the esophagus, which can worsen the pain.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

GERD is a chronic condition in which stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus.

Frequent vomiting can exacerbate this reflux, causing chest pain and a burning sensation in the throat. If left untreated, GERD can cause significant esophageal damage.

Mallory-Weiss tears

Forceful or repeated vomiting can cause small tears in the lining of the esophagus, known as Mallory-Weiss tears.

These tears can lead to chest pain, and in some cases, you may notice blood in your vomit. Immediate medical attention is needed if you suspect a tear.

Aspiration pneumonia

Vomiting increases the risk of aspiration, where stomach contents enter the lungs instead of being expelled through the mouth.

This can lead to aspiration pneumonia, a condition that causes chest pain, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Aspiration pneumonia is a medical emergency and requires prompt treatment.

Conditions associated with chest pain after vomiting

In addition to the causes listed above, some medical conditions can cause chest pain after vomiting, including:

Heart attack

Chest pain that persists or worsens after vomiting could be a sign of a heart attack. Severe pain that radiates to the arm, jaw, or back, along with symptoms like shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea, requires emergency medical care. It's essential to recognize the early signs to prevent complications.

It's important to note that coronary artery disease (CAD) can present differently in women. While men often experience the classic symptom of chest pain radiating to the arm or jaw, women may experience more subtle or atypical symptoms such as nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness, or pain in the upper abdomen. If you experience any unusual symptoms along with chest pain after vomiting, seek immediate medical attention, as early intervention can be life-saving.

Hiatal hernia

A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. Vomiting can worsen symptoms, leading to chest pain, especially after eating. This condition may also cause acid reflux, which contributes to discomfort.

Esophageal spasm

Esophageal spasms are sudden, painful contractions in the esophagus.

These spasms can mimic the sensation of a heart attack and may be triggered by vomiting. If you experience chest pain that feels like a tightening or squeezing sensation, consult your healthcare provider for an evaluation.

How to get relief from or treat chest pain after vomiting

There are several ways to relieve chest pain after vomiting, depending on the underlying cause:

Hydration

Drinking plenty of fluids can help soothe the esophagus and reduce irritation caused by stomach acid. Warm water or herbal teas are particularly helpful, as they can coat the throat and alleviate discomfort.

Read our guide on what to eat or drink after vomiting for more.

Antacids

Over-the-counter antacids can neutralize stomach acid and reduce irritation in the esophagus. These medications can provide quick relief from chest pain associated with acid reflux or GERD.

Rest and positioning

After vomiting, rest with your head elevated to prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. This position helps reduce the risk of acid reflux and eases chest discomfort.

Read our guide on treating vomit and nausea at home for more.

When to see a doctor for chest pain after vomiting

While chest pain after vomiting can usually be handled with home remedies, it’s important to know that complications can happen if the underlying cause isn’t treated.

Frequent vomiting or acid reflux can irritate the esophagus, which may lead to open sores called esophageal ulcers. These sores can be painful, make swallowing hard, and even increase the chance of infection. Another issue that might come up is esophageal stricture, which is a narrowing of the esophagus that makes it tough to swallow food or liquids.

If GERD is left untreated, it can cause ongoing irritation and inflammation of the esophagus, which might lead to a condition known as Barrett’s esophagus. This condition raises the risk of esophageal cancer over time.

Vomiting over a long period or with a lot of force can also lead to a tear in the esophagus, known as esophageal perforation. This tear is serious and can be life-threatening, often needing emergency surgery. That’s why it’s important to see a doctor if chest pain sticks around or gets worse, so you can avoid these complications.

You should see a doctor if:

• Chest pain lasts longer than 24-48 hours.
• You notice blood in your vomit.
• Vomiting is frequent and accompanied by weakness, dizziness, or fainting.

You should go to the emergency room if:

• You vomit large amounts of blood or notice black, tarry stools.
• Chest pain radiates to the arms, jaw, or back.
• You experience difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, swallowing, or speaking.
• You experience symptoms of shock, such as pale skin, a rapid heartbeat, or confusion.

If you're unsure whether your chest pain is related to vomiting or something more serious, it's always safer to err on the side of caution and consult a healthcare provider.

Chest pain, particularly if accompanied by symptoms like shortness of breath, lightheadedness, or discomfort in areas other than the chest, could indicate a heart-related issue. Early medical evaluation can help prevent complications.

Questions to ask your doctor about chest pain after vomiting

If you’re planning to see a doctor about your symptoms, consider asking the following questions to better understand your condition and the next steps in treatment:

• What could be causing my chest pain after vomiting?
• Are there any tests I need to determine the cause?
• How can I manage my symptoms at home?
• Could my vomiting or chest pain be a sign of a more serious condition, like GERD or a heart attack?

How to prevent chest pain after vomiting

There are several steps you can take to prevent chest pain after vomiting:

Manage acid reflux

If you have a history of acid reflux or GERD, work with your healthcare provider to manage your symptoms with lifestyle changes and medications.

Stay hydrated

Drinking water before and after vomiting can help reduce the irritation caused by stomach acid.

Eat small, frequent meals

Avoid overeating, and opt for smaller, more frequent meals to reduce the risk of acid reflux and vomiting.

Frequently asked questions: chest pain after vomiting

Experiencing chest pain after vomiting can be concerning, and many people have common questions about this symptom. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions to help you better understand the potential causes and next steps.

Can throwing up bile or stomach acid cause chest pain?

Yes, vomiting bile or stomach acid can cause irritation in the esophagus, leading to chest pain. If the pain persists or worsens, consult a healthcare provider.

What should you do if you experience chest pain after vomiting during a pregnancy?

Chest pain during pregnancy may result from acid reflux, which is common during this time. However, if the pain is severe or accompanied by other symptoms, seek medical advice to rule out any complications.

Can chest pain after vomiting be related to a digestive disorder?

Yes, digestive disorders such as GERD, peptic ulcers, and gastritis can lead to chest pain after vomiting. When stomach acid repeatedly comes into contact with the esophagus, it causes irritation and inflammation, leading to discomfort in the chest.

People with chronic digestive conditions are at a higher risk for developing chest pain after vomiting because their esophagus is already vulnerable. Managing these disorders with medications, dietary changes, and lifestyle adjustments can help reduce symptoms and prevent chest pain after vomiting.

Managing chest pain after vomiting

Chest pain after vomiting is usually due to irritation in the esophagus or strain on your chest muscles. Most of the time, the pain goes away with simple home treatments like drinking water and getting rest. But if the pain is severe or lasts for a while, it could mean something more serious is going on. Getting medical care early can help prevent bigger issues, like tears in the esophagus or infections in the lungs.

If you’re having ongoing symptoms, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor to figure out the cause and get the right treatment. Managing conditions like GERD or acid reflux can lower your chances of dealing with chest pain after vomiting in the future. Taking care of your health and addressing any underlying issues early on can make a big difference in how you feel.

General Medicine follows a strict editorial process, including using real experts to write our articles, vetted primary sources, fact-checking, a secondary medical review, and updates as necessary. This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Dr. Lane Thaut, DO.

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