Pain behind the sternum after eating

Pain during or shortly after eating, located behind the sternum or in the upper abdomen, usually indicates gastritis. Affected persons sometimes describe that the pain improves a little immediately after eating, but then returns to its original state after a relatively short time. If the pain is accompanied by nausea, a feeling of fullness, loss of appetite or even vomiting, the diagnosis of gastritis is quite likely. The typical burning sensation behind the breastbone in the context of a reflux disease can also occur more severely after eating. Also lying or bending forward can worsen the symptoms.

Pain behind the sternum when drinking

Swallowing difficulties, which already occur when drinking liquids, usually indicate an already strongly developed reflux disease of the esophagus. The mucous membrane is then already so strongly irritated and inflamed that even contact with liquid can cause the typical burning sensation and lead to pain. If this is the case, a doctor should be consulted within the next few days if possible. Finally, swallowing disorders can have a long-term negative effect on eating and drinking behavior and can lead to further consequences. Permanent inflammation of the oesophagus can also be the basis for further diseases.

Radiation of the pain into the back

Sometimes the pain behind the sternum can radiate into the back. This is usually the case when the heart or chest wall is involved. In both cases, radiation into the back is conceivable, but not necessarily the case.

In the case of a heart attack, for example, many different radiations of pain are possible. Even complaints that originate primarily from the stomach can be so severe that they radiate into the back. However, this is rarely the case. If the main cause is the spine, pain in the back is in the nature of things. In this case, the pain behind the breastbone, if present, is to be understood as radiating pain.

Aggravation of pain due to breathing

Almost the same applies to the increase in pain behind the sternum when coughing as to inhalation or movement. An intercostal neuralgia, for example, worsens when coughing, pressing or moving. Ultimately, the pressure in the thorax increases during both inhalation and coughing, which is the decisive mechanism for the intensification of pain symptoms in these diseases.