ABSTRACT
Noncardiac or functional chest pain of esophageal origin is characterized by episodes of unexplained chest pain that are usually midline and of visceral quality (1). The diagnostic criteria include at least 12 weeks in the preceding 12 months of midline chest pain or discomfort that is not burning in quality, and with an absence of pathologic gastroesophageal reflux, achalasia, or other motility disorder with a recognized pathologic basis (1). This chapter explores the evolving research in the pathophysiology of chest pain, with a particular emphasis on the role of sensory and afferent neuronal dysfunction.
