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Do Chest Tightness And Inability To Take Full Breaths Suggest Asthma?

Posted on Thu, 30 Jun 2016

Question: My 17 year old daughter has complained about chest tightness and inability to take full breaths since November. Could this be asthma? This coincides with having roof and ceiling repairs in her room, and she has been sleeping in quite a cold room without insulation. Could this have triggered asthma symptoms? It is really bad when she exercises or gets stressed about something, but is still constant. Yesterday she went hiking and had chest tightness and also what she calls "pain in her heart." She has no coughing, and she has shows no paleness or blueness. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Possibility of asthma is less likely.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
I am also in favour of her doctor 's opinion.
I don't think she is having asthma as coughing is absent.
Sometimes, dust from repair work can cause bronchitis (inflammation of airways) and this can be worsen by cold environment in which she is sleeping.
Another possibility is GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
Both, bronchitis and GERD can cause chest tightness, chest pressure and difficulty in taking deep breath.
So please let me know
1. Does she smoke?
2. Is she having stressful life?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your daughter. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (4 hours later)

Thank you for your quick response! 1) she does not smoke (nor does anyone living with her); 2) she has a typical life of any busy teenager, but not undue stress................if it were bronchitis caused by dust and aggravated by cold air through the whole winter, would this likely be present for 8 months (since repair work causing dust was done in November)?
Thank you for your insight!

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No need to worry for bronchitis if repair work was done 8 months before.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Healthcare Magic.
I can I can understand your.
Sorry for misunderstanding.
No need to worry for bronchitis if repair work was done 8 months before.
Is she having burning epigastric pain?
Please reply me answer of above asked question, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your daughter. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (10 minutes later)

She is having no epigastric pain. We are still experiencing cold nights here in Wisconsin, so we are moving her to a well-insulated room to see if exposure to warm air while sleeping reduces symptoms. We still plan to see the doctor in two weeks. Thank you for your response!

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, this is a good idea.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Yes, this is a good idea. Try to change the room and see if this works.
Hope I have solved your query.
If you are not having further queries, then please close the conversation and rate my answer.
You can ask me directly on bit.ly/askdrkaushalbhavsar. Wishing good health to your daughter. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj