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What Causes Spasms In Ribcage, Bloating And Shortness Of Breath?
Question: I have been diagnosed with IBS since I was in late 20's. Actually, just medically, with test, confirmed. So I do have bloating. I exercise regularly, aerobics, etc. at gym. Some shortness of breathe but not much since I am 68. However, I really have a hard time climbing up steep hills and stairs. In the center of my rib cage almost feels like spasms. I have told a heart doctor this and he didn't pursue it. I recover pretty quickly but it really takes my breath and I have really labored breathing and, of course, my heart races. I do not get dizzy or faintee but really concerned. Any ideas?
clarify spasm area. between rib cage like at the stomach. I keep wondering about diaphram as a chest x ray said at one time "diaphram slightly flatten". I have also been told I have a lot of air in my stomach so I am an air swallower
clarify spasm area. between rib cage like at the stomach. I keep wondering about diaphram as a chest x ray said at one time "diaphram slightly flatten". I have also been told I have a lot of air in my stomach so I am an air swallower
Brief Answer:
investigation is required
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
perhaps you're not fit enough for this kind of physical activity... I can't say. If the cardiologist does not suspect angina then other causes will have to be sought. A flat diaphragm may mean that your lungs are not in a good shape. Emphysema is a common cause of flat diaphragm in a chest X-ray.
Besides clinical examination there are some tests that may help detect problems related to your heart and lungs. The cardiologist may check for signs of ischemia during an exercise tolerance test or myocardial perfusion scintigraphy - the cardiologist will decide which is more appropriate for you. The pulmonologist may order a spirometry test to evaluate your lungs functionality.
The aforementioned investigation is the most important one because it will detect the most serious causes of such symptoms. If nothing comes out of it then perhaps it's just your level of fitness.
I hope you find my comments helfpul!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
investigation is required
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
perhaps you're not fit enough for this kind of physical activity... I can't say. If the cardiologist does not suspect angina then other causes will have to be sought. A flat diaphragm may mean that your lungs are not in a good shape. Emphysema is a common cause of flat diaphragm in a chest X-ray.
Besides clinical examination there are some tests that may help detect problems related to your heart and lungs. The cardiologist may check for signs of ischemia during an exercise tolerance test or myocardial perfusion scintigraphy - the cardiologist will decide which is more appropriate for you. The pulmonologist may order a spirometry test to evaluate your lungs functionality.
The aforementioned investigation is the most important one because it will detect the most serious causes of such symptoms. If nothing comes out of it then perhaps it's just your level of fitness.
I hope you find my comments helfpul!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dr. Zografakis-chest x ray 2014 says pa and lateral views of the chest are lungs are clear. There is no pleural effusion. The heart and mediastinum are normal in size. The bony thorax is unremarkable. 2013-The heart size is normal. The lungs are clear. The pulmonary vasculature is normal no focal pulmonary infiltrates
2011-Frontal and lateral views of the chest compared with 2/2010. Cardiac silhuette is not enlarged Mild hyperexpansion of the lungs with flattening of the hemidiaphragms which was noted previously and may reflect COPD. Mild interstitial prominence without focal airspace consolidagion. No pleural effusion or pneumothorax. bondy thorax appears intact. What is your take on these?
See I wonder if my gut full of air is pressing on my diaphram and making things worse. I do smoke about 7 cigs per day but have done it for way too long. Tried to quit.
2011-Frontal and lateral views of the chest compared with 2/2010. Cardiac silhuette is not enlarged Mild hyperexpansion of the lungs with flattening of the hemidiaphragms which was noted previously and may reflect COPD. Mild interstitial prominence without focal airspace consolidagion. No pleural effusion or pneumothorax. bondy thorax appears intact. What is your take on these?
See I wonder if my gut full of air is pressing on my diaphram and making things worse. I do smoke about 7 cigs per day but have done it for way too long. Tried to quit.
Brief Answer:
my opinion is the same as before...
Detailed Answer:
The CXR findings are consistent with a mild form of COPD. Of course COPD (emphysema in your case) cannot be diagnosed with radiological tests. Spirometry is required. 7 cigarettes are not many but smoking for long and perhaps also exposure to other people's smoke and environmental fumes and dust (including air pollution) may lead to lung destruction and COPD.
An abdomen full of air does not help of course, but I can't believe it's the abdomen only. Are you so bloated? Taking everything into account perhaps all the problems contribute to your inability to perform this kind of physical activity (mild COPD, bloated abdomen).
I would recommend doing the tests I've suggested in my previous answer to evaluate the functionality of your heart and lungs and if they are OK, you can focus on the rest. Patients with IBS usually benefit from high fiber consumption. Some spasmolytic drugs like otilonium, mebeverine or trimebutine may help with the symptoms.
Kind Regards!
my opinion is the same as before...
Detailed Answer:
The CXR findings are consistent with a mild form of COPD. Of course COPD (emphysema in your case) cannot be diagnosed with radiological tests. Spirometry is required. 7 cigarettes are not many but smoking for long and perhaps also exposure to other people's smoke and environmental fumes and dust (including air pollution) may lead to lung destruction and COPD.
An abdomen full of air does not help of course, but I can't believe it's the abdomen only. Are you so bloated? Taking everything into account perhaps all the problems contribute to your inability to perform this kind of physical activity (mild COPD, bloated abdomen).
I would recommend doing the tests I've suggested in my previous answer to evaluate the functionality of your heart and lungs and if they are OK, you can focus on the rest. Patients with IBS usually benefit from high fiber consumption. Some spasmolytic drugs like otilonium, mebeverine or trimebutine may help with the symptoms.
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
it could...
Detailed Answer:
A normal oxygen saturation is against COPD but it does not exclude it. In the early stages of COPD, the patient may only have symptoms during physical activity and feel perfectly fine the rest of the time - and the same applies for oxygen saturation...
it could...
Detailed Answer:
A normal oxygen saturation is against COPD but it does not exclude it. In the early stages of COPD, the patient may only have symptoms during physical activity and feel perfectly fine the rest of the time - and the same applies for oxygen saturation...
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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