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What Causes Tightness In Chest And Difficult Breathing Inpsite Of Normal Chest X Ray?

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Posted on Fri, 25 Apr 2014
Question: Hello im 24 years old male. for past 4-5 months I have been having tightness in the middle of my chest with extreme breathing in difficulties. sometimes I have to yawn to get a full breath and I feel good instantly, but then i start breathing in again and feels like air is not getting past my throat to lungs. I always have this unusual pain inside the middle of chest it seems where the trachea is...its like a sharp pain inside. have had chest x ray done and everything was normal. I have got blood work done everything was normal. Also I have been to lung doctor and they did some test of me breathing into a pipe which was also normal. I really want my normal life back. please help me doctor. A month ago I had also went into hospital and they said it could be gerd and i am taking some gerd medicaiton but it doesnt seem to help. I seem to have a tightness on top of my chest when I breathe in. Please let me know doctor. Which kind of doctor do you advise me to see.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (45 hours later)
Brief Answer: GERD could be the cause Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for your query. Sorry for the delay in my response. Based on your symptoms and medical history, I suspect it to be due to Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) only. You can confirm the same by getting a endoscopy done. It is very common presentation and antacid medications will surely help but will take time for sure. I would like to know what medication you are on. I will try to revise them and advice you better. Waiting for your response.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (4 hours later)
basically im taking pantoprazole 40mg for a month now but i see a little bit help but not a drastic help. The breathing thing and pain in middle of chest still stays...sometimes i notice when i eat the pain gets little better and shortness of breath as well but when I eat a good meal it gets worse. it feels like there is something in my esophagus bothering me. Could there be something else besides gerd like ulcer or something? im just curious. its affecting my life too much and i need this fixed.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (51 minutes later)
Brief Answer: Yes, a Ulcer is possible Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for writing back. Yes, there could be an Ulcer which does present the way you explain. Get an Upper gastro-intestinal endoscopy done. This will help to identify the problem and also helps on how to manage the same. Wish you good health. Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (3 hours later)
Thank you so much for your fast reply. One last question, Like I said I have gotten blood test and xray done, Wouldn't that show if there was an ulcer? or Do I need to get an Upper Gi endoscopy done for that. Also do I need to see a gastroenterologist or ENT. Please advise.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (13 hours later)
Brief Answer: Endoscopy alone can help Detailed Answer: Hi, Only endoscopy can help in diagnosing an ulcer. Chest Xray or any of the blood test do not provide any indications. Yes, you have to consult a Gastroentrologist. Regards,
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 4903 Questions

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What Causes Tightness In Chest And Difficult Breathing Inpsite Of Normal Chest X Ray?

Brief Answer: GERD could be the cause Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for your query. Sorry for the delay in my response. Based on your symptoms and medical history, I suspect it to be due to Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) only. You can confirm the same by getting a endoscopy done. It is very common presentation and antacid medications will surely help but will take time for sure. I would like to know what medication you are on. I will try to revise them and advice you better. Waiting for your response.