Are you having chest pain, and the doctor told you it’s just constipation or muscular pain? Are you curious in finding out whether they both are linked or not? We have got you covered.
Yes, constipation can cause chest pain, but remember, it’s very rare. Below, we will understand the relationship between these two in detail. We will provide the essential knowledge on how to get rid of it. But remember, there are several other reasons for chest pain as well, including heart problems, muscular problems, or even anxiety. Constipation is rarely responsible for it.
Reading this detailed guide will enable you to understand the cause of your chest pain and teach you how to treat it. Moreover, we have also shared the precautions at the end to prevent any such condition in the first place.
The Relationship Between Constipation and Chest Pain
The most prominent cause of chest pain due to constipation is gastrointestinal distress. It happens when gas accumulates in the left upper portion of the colon. You may feel chest pain. This shows how digestive problems and chest symptoms are connected and affect each other.
Although this condition is highly uncommon, it can still cause it. Your doctor will give you further details about it, depending on your diagnosis.
Can constipation cause a heart attack or shortness of breath?
Constipation doesn’t directly cause heart attacks or shortness of breath. But the strain it causes during bowel movements can lead to chest discomfort and increase the risk of heart issues. Persistent straining reduces blood flow and increases the likelihood of blood clots. These clots can increase the chances of heart attacks or strokes. You need to consider more information that shows that constipation can cause acid reflux. By having it, you feel a sour taste in your mouth. Now, you may think that you are suffering from a heart attack. This is because acid reflux gives symptoms of chest pain or tightness that are similar to the symptoms of heart attack.
It is important to take steps to manage constipation by monitoring what you usually eat. You need to include more fiber in your diet Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, spinach, and artichokes. Rather than drinking soda drinks, you must prefer drinking water about 2 liters per day or 8 glasses. It is best for prevention of constipation. Indulge yourself in exercises like Burpees, jumping jacks, high knees, mountain climbers, and squat jumps. Sometimes, you need to ask your doctor about the best ways to minimize constipation problems. Everyone of us should be very clear about the difference between chest pain arising from constipation versus heart problems. This is because chest pain along with shortness of breath can be the sign of heart problems. But without shortness of breath, it is a sign of constipation. Moreover, you need to take care of your digestive system with healthy foods that prevent constipation.
When Should I See a Doctor?
Weather constipation occurs while any person is experiencing a heart attack. Or constipation occurs in normal situations. In any situation, you cannot neglect this. It might be a mini-heart attack, and not getting proper treatment in time can even prove to be fatal or lead to severe complications. If you notice any of the following symptoms, then you should immediately see your doctor.
- Severe chest pain
- Pain spreading to the arm or jaw
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea or sweating
- Irregular Heartbeat
- Unexplained Fatigue
- Anxiety or a Sense of Impending Doom
- Coughing up blood
- Previous heart conditions
Home Remedies for Chest Pain Due to Constipation
Dealing with chest pain caused by constipation can be really uncomfortable. Here are some simple yet effective home remedies that can help you get rid of this discomfort.
- Stay Hydrated: Water can help you in softening the stools which provides pain relief. Moreover, it eases bowel movements. It can also relieve constipation and chest pain.
- Fiber-Rich Diet: Use fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes in your diet. It will increase regular bowel movements and prevent constipation.
- Prune Juice: Dried plums are also called prunes, which soften the bowels and provide instant pain relief.
- Physical Activity: Performing any physical activity, such as walking, jogging, yoga, or any other sport, can also help you get rid of this pain.
- Warm Water and Lemon: Drink water that is not too hot along with the squeeze of half a lemon, which will add flavor. It helps in stimulating movements of bowels. Make sure you drink it before planning to sleep.
- Castor Oil: Consuming a teaspoon of castor oil on an empty stomach can act as a natural laxative. It can quickly provide relief from constipation.
- Epsom Salt Bath: Soaking in a warm bath with Epsom salt can relax your muscles in the digestive tract. It can also provide relief from this pain.
- Herbal Teas: Herbal teas like peppermint, ginger, or chamomile have soothing effects on the digestive system. Peppermint contains a tasty ingredient which is menthol that relaxes the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. Thus it relieves bloating and discomfort. Moreover, ginger is enriched with chemical constituents i.e gingerol. It reduces inflammation present in your digestive tract. Similarly, chamomile tea can offer antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that protects from gas and indigestion.
- Abdominal Massage: Gentle massage of the abdomen in a circular motion can help with bowel movements and relieve constipation-related chest pain.
- Probiotics: The last home we have is the use of probiotics. Incorporating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut into your diet can also help you get rid of this pain.
Preventions to Avoid Constipation
If you frequently have constipation-related issues and feel chest pain, then these precautions are for you. Follow them to avoid constipation in the first place. These are actually some lifestyle changes that you need to adopt in your life.
- It is important to drink a minimum of 1.5 liters or 6-8 cups of water every day. At most, you can drink 12 to 16 cups or 3 to 4 liters of it per day.
- Apples, pears, berries, bananas, and oranges are enriched with fiber. You must eat them. Eating Broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts, artichokes, and sweet potatoes are highly encouraged. Similarly, Oats, quinoa, brown rice, barley, and whole wheat bread provide you fibers.
- Make sure you engage yourself in jogging, squats, pilates, abdominal exercises. These exercises will ease the elimination process of stools from the digestive tract.
- You must not wait too long, when you feel the urge to pass the bowels. Otherwise this may cause constipation.
- Limit your intake of processed and low-fiber foods.
- While you are passing stool, it is important to sit in a squat posture that relaxes the pelvic muscles. Sitting in this position also aligns your body for easier elimination.
- Avoid overusing laxatives, which can lead to dependency.
- Include probiotics in your diet to maintain a healthy gut microbiome.
- Consider incorporating flaxseeds or chia seeds into your meals for added fiber.
- Limit the intake of caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate the body and cause constipation.
Final Words
Yes, constipation can cause chest pain. This persistent pain can lead to cardiovascular problems. The proper diagnosis of the cause of your chest pain is essential to treating it. It is because it can also be a symptom of a heart attack. So you can’t take it lightly.
If it’s due to constipation, then you don’t need to worry about it because it will automatically get better as you treat your stomach problems. If digestive problems are persistent with you, then consult with your doctor and make changes in your lifestyle to get rid of them.
