The esophagus (food pipe) runs through the thoracic cavity and any disorder affecting this part of the gastrointestinal tract may cause chest pain. Apart from a portion of the stomach which can protrude into the thoracic cavity in the case of a hiatal hernia, the other main parts of the gatrointestinal tract are within the abdomen. However these associated organs and other sections of the GI tract located with the abdomen may cause referred pain to the chest.
Causes of GI Chest Pain
It is important to note if the chest pain is emanating and isolated to the chest cavity itself or if there is pain present elsewhere in the body as well. This will aid with a diagnosis. Most cases of GI chest pain is not life threatening and should only be considered once the causes of lung chest pain or heart chest pain have been excluded.
