Differential Diagnosis for Feeling a Bubble in the Chest
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): This condition is characterized by the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus, which can cause a sensation of a bubble or discomfort in the chest.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Esophageal spasm: Abnormal muscle contractions in the esophagus can cause a feeling of a bubble or lump in the chest.
- Anxiety or panic disorder: These conditions can cause chest tightness or a sensation of a bubble, often accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath or palpitations.
- Hiatal hernia: A protrusion of the stomach through the diaphragm can cause reflux and discomfort, potentially leading to a feeling of a bubble in the chest.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Pulmonary embolism: A blood clot in the lungs can cause sudden, severe chest pain and discomfort, which might be described as a feeling of a bubble.
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack): Chest pain or discomfort, including a sensation of a bubble, can be a symptom of a heart attack.
- Aortic dissection: A tear in the aorta can cause severe, sudden chest pain, which might be described as a feeling of a bubble or tearing sensation.
- Rare diagnoses
- Esophageal diverticulum: A pouch-like protrusion in the esophagus can cause symptoms like difficulty swallowing and chest discomfort, potentially leading to a feeling of a bubble.
- Boerhaave syndrome: A rare condition characterized by a spontaneous rupture of the esophagus, which can cause severe chest pain and discomfort.
- Pneumomediastinum: Air in the mediastinum (the space between the lungs) can cause chest pain and discomfort, potentially leading to a feeling of a bubble.