If you have chest pain or a stomachache, how do you know if it’s indigestion, stress or something more serious? Here’s a quick guide for when to seek medical attention. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, so if you are concerned, call your doctor or 9-1-1.
Appendicitis vs. stomachache
If you have abdominal pain, you may wonder if you have appendicitis. Pain in your belly can be caused by many conditions, such as a food sensitivity, stress or anxiety. However, if you have a stomachache along with the following symptoms, it’s time to go to the emergency department or call 9-1-1:
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Dull pain near your bellybutton or the upper abdomen that becomes more severe as it moves toward the lower right abdomen
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Difficulty passing gas
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Fever of 99 to 102 degrees
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Loss of appetite
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Swelling in the abdominal area
Even if you don’t have these symptoms, see your doctor if you have recurring abdominal pain. He or she can rule out a more serious condition.
Heart attack vs. heartburn
Both heartburn and a heart attack can cause chest discomfort. Heart attack symptoms can vary from person to person, but the more symptoms you have, the more likely it is that you are having a heart attack. Call 9-1-1 right away if you have:
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Persistent chest discomfort or pain, particularly in the left side or center of your chest, that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and then returns
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Discomfort in other areas of the body, such as in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach
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Shortness of breath
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Cold sweat
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Nausea
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Lightheadedness
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Paleness
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Feeling more tired than usual for no reason (a more common heart attack symptom in women)
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An impending sense of “doom”
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Irregular or rapid heartbeat
You may have heartburn if you have the following symptoms:
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A burning feeling in your chest and upper abdomen
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Discomfort in your food pipe that begins after you eat or while you are lying in bed, particularly if you ate less than two hours before going to sleep
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Discomfort that improves when you take antacids
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Regurgitation, or your stomach contents coming back up into your throat
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A sour or unpleasant taste in your mouth, especially when lying down
If you aren’t sure, call 9-1-1 or your doctor to be on the safe side.
Heart arrhythmia vs. anxiety
Symptoms of a heart arrhythmia, or heart rhythm disorder, like atrial fibrillation can be nearly identical to those of a panic attack or anxiety. Symptoms include:
If you think you may have atrial fibrillation or anxiety, talk to your doctor. He or she can determine a diagnosis to correctly treat and manage your symptoms.
The bottom line: Go with your gut (no pun intended) and call 9-1-1 or your physician if something doesn’t feel right. It’s best to err on the side of caution.
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