What is this feeling called?

Question

Sometimes, out of no-where, I get this really weird feeling inside of my chest. It's like little bubbles are popping in there or something. It doesn't happen very often... Maybe once every three months or so. It feels like it's coming from right above my stomach - perhaps around or behind my diaphragm, or between my lungs.

It scares the bajeezus outta me, because I never get a warning or sign that it's about to happen. I also get an intense feeling of anxiety during the "episode". I'm in my early twenties and have never had a problem with panic attacks, nor do I have a family history of heart-related diseases. I smoke, but this has been happening to me since before I started.

What is this?

I don't think it has anything to do with my digestive system. It's been happening for over ten years. It doesn't hurt. Maybe the comparison to bubbles isn't quite the most helpful description. Um...

You know how when you're really frightened, your whole body goes cold? It's like tiny pulses of that, but only inside my chest.

Answer 1

As one of your answerers suggested, this is the escaping of gas bubbles. The esophagus travels pretty central within the body and your description would be accurate as far as location. You may get it to stop by coughing.

The panic effect comes from the defense mechanism. You don't understand what is taking place so the body will tend to tighten up and you respond to this scary, unknown feature of your body.

This procedure is also very effective when one has a feeling of palpitations or fluttering of the heart. Just a simple cough can get it to stop. Some good things to put into the back of your mind, for future use, if needed.

Answer 2

It is called GERD -

GERD — gastroesophageal reflux disease — is more than just chronic heartburn. Although heartburn is the most common symptom of this disease, GERD is a condition in which stomach acid or, occasionally, bile flows back (refluxes) into your food pipe (esophagus). The constant backwash or acid reflux can irritate the lining of your esophagus and cause inflammation. Such irritation can lead to complications such as narrowing of the esophagus, ulcers and even a slightly increased risk of esophageal cancer.

Most people can manage the discomfort of heartburn with lifestyle modifications and over-the-counter medications. But if you have GERD, these remedies may offer only temporary or partial relief. If you have GERD, you may need newer, more potent medications, possibly even surgery, to reduce symptoms.

Prescription-strength medications
If you have frequent and persistent heartburn leading to an inflamed esophagus, you'll likely need prescription-strength medication. It's important that you take these medications correctly, and generally 30 minutes before a meal. Prescription medications can help reduce and eliminate GERD symptoms, as well as help heal an inflamed esophagus — the result of continual exposure to stomach acid. The main types of prescription drugs are:

- Prescription-strength H-2-receptor blockers. These significantly reduce acid production and have few side effects. They include prescription-strength Axid, Pepcid, Tagamet and Zantac.

- Prescription-strength proton pump inhibitors. These are long-acting and are the most effective medications for suppressing acid production. They're safe and have few side effects for long-term treatment. To prevent possible side effects, such as diarrhea or headaches, your doctor will likely prescribe the lowest effective dose. Prescription-strength proton pump inhibitors include esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix) and rabeprazole (Aciphex).
- Prokinetic agents. These don't reduce acid production. Instead, they help your stomach empty more rapidly and may help tighten the valve between the stomach and the esophagus. Because the prokinetic agents thus far sometimes cause serious side effects, researchers are working to develop safer versions.-

However please consult your physician for evaluating the position and treating you. I has nothing to do with Heart. -

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Answer 3

It sounds like you might be suffering from reflux. This is a condition where your stomach acids come back up your esophagus mainly after eating. Go and see your GP as this can be treated with medication. Also, there are certain foods you can avoid to minimize the problem. These include: caffeine, mint and carbonated drinks.

Answer 4

Apathetic Empathy

Answer 5

escaping gas bubbles. It happens to me too but it kindas tickles. If it hurts ask a real doctor. It starltes me and I kinda panic but then it tickles lol but still I would say it is gas. since it happens randomly i would not recamend using any kinda medicine unless you know exactly what it is.