Boerhaave's syndrome refers to a dangerous condition in which the esophageal wall completely ruptures due to straining, typically as a result of severe vomiting. Men over the age of 50 who drink heavily are at the greatest risk, but patients with binge eating disorder and/or bulimia nervosa are also at increased risk, in addition to those with pre-existing esophageal conditions. Symptoms include severe radiating pain from the chest and esophagus, swelling of the chest cavity tissues, nausea, vomiting, hyperventilation, abdominal distension, fever, and sweating. If left untreated, pulmonary complications may develop in addition to septicemia and sepsis, which can result in organ failure, shock, and death. Boerhaave's syndrome has an overall mortality rate of 35%, but outcomes are highly dependent on fast and efficient treatment as mortality rates increase to 90% within 48 hours.