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Why Do I Feel Shortness Of Breath Anytime I Lay Down On My Back, Side Or Chest?

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Posted on Wed, 17 Feb 2021
Question: anytime I lay down on my back, side or chest I feel short of breath and some tightness in the center of my chest. I'm 38. what is causing it?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sagar Makode (55 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Could be a Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
There are two possibilities, one of Gastroesophageal reflux disease and other we have to rule out cardiac disease. Do you also have upper abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, burping, increase in pain on food, sour water feeling in throat or chest burning, these are the other symptoms and may be associated with reflux disease.
In that case, you should avoid fatty, oily and spicy diet. Have some walk after having food instead of taking rest. Have regular sleep habits and avoid stress. Lots of green leafy vegetables, fruits. Avoid smoking and alcohol if any.
You should get prescribed tab Pan DSR 40 mg or esomiprazole domperidone combination beforebreakfast once a day for 2 weeks.
If not, do you get shortness of breath on exertion as well, any chest pain on exertion etc. In that case you should get one ecg done and x ray and echo may be needed.
Hope this helps you and get back if you have any doubts.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sagar Makode (10 hours later)
I forgot to mention when I wake in the morning I can lie any way I want and I'm not short of breath. does that change your answer doctor?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sagar Makode (24 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
No, my answer remains same

Detailed Answer:
My answer remains the same. Same things can happen with both. So after Gastroesophageal reflux disease, we need to rule out cardiac and respiratory issues. So you should get ecg, chest X-ray and echo done if symptoms persists. All the best.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sagar Makode (1 hour later)
I just had an EKG and chest CT scan last week in the ER. would that count as a chest xray? they were both normal
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sagar Makode (3 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes

Detailed Answer:
Yes, it rules out respiratory problem as a cause. Also, makes heart less likely as a cause for this. However, if this persists, echo should be done. So I think, you should try antacids for few days, and this should help you. I guess you don't get shortness of breath or chest pain on exertion.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
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Answered by
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Dr. Sagar Makode

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2013

Answered : 1867 Questions

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Why Do I Feel Shortness Of Breath Anytime I Lay Down On My Back, Side Or Chest?

Brief Answer: Could be a Gastroesophageal reflux disease Detailed Answer: Hello, There are two possibilities, one of Gastroesophageal reflux disease and other we have to rule out cardiac disease. Do you also have upper abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, burping, increase in pain on food, sour water feeling in throat or chest burning, these are the other symptoms and may be associated with reflux disease. In that case, you should avoid fatty, oily and spicy diet. Have some walk after having food instead of taking rest. Have regular sleep habits and avoid stress. Lots of green leafy vegetables, fruits. Avoid smoking and alcohol if any. You should get prescribed tab Pan DSR 40 mg or esomiprazole domperidone combination beforebreakfast once a day for 2 weeks. If not, do you get shortness of breath on exertion as well, any chest pain on exertion etc. In that case you should get one ecg done and x ray and echo may be needed. Hope this helps you and get back if you have any doubts.