
What Causes Difficulty In Breathing, Sore Throat And Chest Congestion?

Question: Discomfort starts on left side of chest. I feel a sensation of dull pain when I breathe in. Worse when sitting than standing. Worse when lying down. Sensation quickly moves up into throat. Feel like I have a sore throat. Pain worsens over time and can spread to entire chest. Does not radiate to arms or neck. ECG seems normal when tested at worst pain level last week. Happens periodically and then goes away. After it goes away, a tender or sore location on the left side of my chest area above the ribcage line remains a while longer.
Brief Answer:
It is oesophageal spasms.
Detailed Answer:
Hello, thank you for posting your question on Health Care Magic.
If your ECG is normal during the worst of your episodes, there is no need to be concerned about cardiac issues.
Such painful spasms also occur due to GERD which is a problem of the oesophagus or the food pipe.
Mild antacids will not help.
Esmoperazole is the drug of choice.
Avoid spicy and oily food.
Quit smoking if you smoke.
And have dinner 3-4 hours before you sleep.
If you still continue to have those symptoms, please see a gastroenterologist who may do an endoscopy.
Hope this helps.
Best wishes
It is oesophageal spasms.
Detailed Answer:
Hello, thank you for posting your question on Health Care Magic.
If your ECG is normal during the worst of your episodes, there is no need to be concerned about cardiac issues.
Such painful spasms also occur due to GERD which is a problem of the oesophagus or the food pipe.
Mild antacids will not help.
Esmoperazole is the drug of choice.
Avoid spicy and oily food.
Quit smoking if you smoke.
And have dinner 3-4 hours before you sleep.
If you still continue to have those symptoms, please see a gastroenterologist who may do an endoscopy.
Hope this helps.
Best wishes
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng

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