What Is Chest Pain After Endoscopy & How Long Does It Last?

An endoscopy is a common minimally invasive procedure often used to diagnose digestive issues such as acid reflux, ulcers or stomach pain. It uses an endoscope, a tube-shaped instrument with a camera at one end, that allows doctors to look inside the body.

"Endoscopy is a safe procedure," explains Dr. Sunil Dacha, an interventional gastroenterologist at Houston Methodist. "In rare cases, a person may have chest discomfort from the procedure, but what's actually more likely is a sore throat afterward."

In an upper endoscopy, the doctor passes the endoscope through the esophagus, past the stomach and into the upper part of the small intestine called duodenum. The doctor uses the endoscope to take pictures and videos of the structures in the GI tract, which are used to diagnose and treat certain conditions.

While mild chest discomfort after an endoscopy is often not serious, it's worth discussing with your doctor. It's important to know the difference between normal expected symptoms and when discomfort might signal something more serious.

What causes chest pain after an endoscopy?

Mild chest discomfort after an upper endoscopy (also known as EGD) is usually temporary — the discomfort should improve with each day. Mild pain can be managed with rest, hydration and over-the-counter (OTC) medications approved by your doctor. (Related: Which OTC Painkiller is Right for Me?)

Dr. Dacha says there are five common reasons for this post-procedure symptom.

1. Throat or esophageal irritation

Since the endoscope passes through the throat and esophagus, you may have some slight irritation and inflammation. This can cause mild, radiating discomfort to the chest area.

"To help relieve throat discomfort, try gargling with warm water. There are also spray solutions available to numb the throat," says Dr. Dacha. "The soreness should go away within a few days."

2. Air or gas retention

During the endoscopy, air is introduced into the stomach to improve visibility for the images and videos. Sometimes the air becomes trapped, causing temporary bloating or chest pressure.

"Drink fluids and eat soft or bland foods for the first 24 hours after your procedure," says Dr. Dacha. "You should also avoid carbonated drinks or heavy meals until you feel better."

3. Esophageal spasms or cramping

Since your esophagus may be sore from the endoscopy interventions, you may develop temporary pain or muscle spasms that mimic the feeling of chest discomfort or heartburn.

"This is common after an upper endoscopy. Talk with your doctor about whether taking OTC medication such as liquid acetaminophen may be appropriate for you," adds Dr. Dacha.

4. Minor mucosal injury

Occasionally, patients with sensitive skin may develop inflammation in the tissue in or around the mouth.

"These are typically minor and heal quickly. To help the healing process, avoid salty and acidic foods and follow all instructions from your care team," says Dr. Dacha.

5. Anxiety or sedation side effects

Light sedation is used for the procedure. However, aspirating secretions causing a cough or having a reaction to sedation may contribute to mild chest discomfort. So, too, might being stressed about the procedure. (Related: Is It Anxiety or Serious Chest Pain? Learn to Spot the Difference)

"If your pain is intense or is associated with fever, chills, tightness of chest, sweating or something unusual, seek medical care right away," stresses Dr. Dacha. "Although the endoscopy is performed in a controlled setting, there is a small chance of complications."

When chest pain may indicate a more serious issue

While most cases of post-endoscopy chest pain are harmless, in rare instances the symptom may point to a complication. Some of these may include:

• Aspiration of fluids: Breathing fluid into the lungs may cause chest tightness or difficulty breathing immediately after the procedure.
• Esophageal perforation: A rare complication in which the esophagus is torn during the procedure. Symptoms can include chest pain, fever, rapid heart rate, vomiting blood or shortness of breath.
• Infection: This can be caused by bacteria entering tissue through tears or perforation, causing a fever and pain or chills.

Keep in mind that heart-related chest pain can occur at any time. Never dismiss chest discomfort after upper endoscopy, especially if you have a known heart condition. Seek medical attention right away about unusual symptoms, such as:

• Chest pain that feels like pressure, especially if intense or increasing
• Pain that persists beyond 48 hours
• Fever or chills
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Nausea or vomiting (especially if there is blood)
• Black or bloody stool

"You should start to feel better within a few days of an upper endoscopy if you have mild symptoms. When in doubt, contact your care team. We are here to help you get better, so you can get back to your regular activities," notes Dr. Dacha.