Grosse Pointe, MI
A 38-year-old female asked:
I took a sip of soda and doubled over in chest pain then nearly passed out why could this happen ?
1 doctor answer • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Jeremiah Gellesanswered
Cardiology 56 years experience
Carbonated beverage.: An air bubble formed in your esophagus causing pain and precipitated a vagal reaction, slowing your heart and dropping your pressure. You should be evaluated for vaso-vagal issues by a cardiologist or neurologist familiar with this problem. Some people black out after giving blood for somewhat similar reasons.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Harold Peltan commented
Ophthalmology 29 years experience
Agree. Great answer! This is much more common with a big gulp of soda than with a sip. Effective prevention is to sip or to drink non-carbonated beverages.
Sep 17, 2013
Last updated Sep 27, 2015
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