Experiencing A Bubble Like Feeling In Chest, Shortness Of Breath. Have Acid Reflux

Posted on Fri, 11 Oct 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 11 Oct 2013 Answered on

Wed, 30 Oct 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : My husband has been experiencing a bubble like feeling in his chest or a feeling that his heart is doing flips, that's the best way he could explain it. It started yesterday and its been happening all day today. He says there is no pain at all, just a weird feeling. He has acid reflux problems where he vomits just about every morning. He says it's like foam. He refuses to go to the dr. Can this feeling in his chest be related to acid reflux? At times it kind of causes shortness of breath or he feels he needs to take a deep breath. Any information would be great. Thank you.
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Most likely acid reflux but please consult doctor.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read your query in detail.

From your description of your husband's problems, acid reflux can cause such symptoms but at the same time heart disorders cannot be ruled out entirely.

Sometimes, acid reflux and heart disorder present with almost similar symptoms and have to be closely monitored. Please insist him on getting to XXXXXXX a doctor and at least get an ECG done. This is important because absence of pain does not rule out heart diseases.

He might also require an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to visualize the esophagus and stomach lumen. This will show any ulcers in stomach that should be treated.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back in case of doubts.

Regards,
Dr. Vivek

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar