Tightness or pain in the chest is identical to the symptoms of a heart attack . But in reality , such as squeezing sensation not only a symptom of a heart attack .
Chest tightness also be symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease ( GERD ) . This disease occurs due to weak muscles circle which is a barrier between the esophagus and stomach . As a result of stomach acid to flow out and potentially cause tightness in the chest .
But of course, tightness of the chest as a sign of a heart attack and different GERD . " Sense of tightness caused by GERD spread throughout the body . While tightness radiating from a heart attack the first time in the left part of the body , either the back or neck , " said a specialist in diseases of the RSCM FKUI Ari Fahrial the seminar lay Chest Pain , Symptoms of Stomach Acid or heart in Jakarta , Saturday (10/26/2013).
Another difference lies in the symptoms that accompany chest tightness . Ari said , heavy with GERD with heartburn and burning from the inside . In addition , patients with GERD mouth tasted very bitter . This phenomenon is not observed in the chest tightness due to heart disease .
If still not sure , Ari advised to use the GERD questionnaire . This questionnaire contains questions about the symptoms of GERD , which occurs during the last week . When the total value of the questionnaire is more than or equal to 8 , then we can be sure that the disease is experienced by GERD .
GERD questionnaire consists of 6 questions . The first two questions asked in the form of GERD symptoms such as burning hot chest ( heart burn ) , and the presence of something turning direction ( regurgitation ) . The next two questions ask any symptoms such as heartburn and nausea . While the last two questions of GERD Questionnaire ( GERDQ ) include sleep disturbances and drugs given to resolve the complaint .
Points are awarded based on the frequency of occurrence during the past week . If symptoms are not felt and do not take the drug given the score 0 . If the symptoms and frequency of drug consumption occurs during the first day of the given value . Bersaman increasingly value with more frequent symptoms and frequency of drug consumption . Frequency of 2-3 days got a score of 2 , while the rated frequency of 4-7 3 .
" Symptoms bitter mouth , heart burn , and burning it is likely 90 percent of GERD . With this questionnaire the diagnosis more certain , " said Ari .
If you experience these symptoms , Ari advised to immediately see and treat GERD suffered . GERD can be controlled with gastric acid-lowering drug treatment of type omeprazole or ranitidine . In addition, patients are expected to pay attention to avoid the intake of red meat , chocolate , and cheese that can trigger stomach acid .
Furthermore Ari said , GERD is not just cause chest pain . GERD is left can spread to the teeth and cause dental erosion , until the throat then trigger chronic pharyngitis , or in the lungs causing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis .
