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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Do Any Kind Of Viruses Cause Chest Congestion To Spread?

I feel like my chest is heavy, it feels tight and almost like there is something stuck in my chest. I really don t feel like eating due to the discomfort. It does go away at times but then reappears. Almost gassy. antacids do not help. I have been having some constipation issues as well and took a laxative for the past 2 days. The funny thing is my co-worker has the same symptoms and I was wondering if it might be a virus?
Thu, 12 Mar 2015
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Hello dear, thanks for your question on HCM.
I can understand your situation and problem.
Your chest symptoms can be due to viral infection. Upper respiratory tract infection ( URTI ) is common after viral infection. So your chest congestion and heaviness can be due to viral URTI.
But your gas, constipation and poor appetite can be due to GERD ( gastroesophageal reflux disease ). Along with antacids, you need to follow these lifestyle modifications for better symptomatic relief.
1. Avoid hot and spicy food.
2. Avoid stress and tension.
3. Avoid large meals, instead take frequent small meals.
4. Go for walk after meals.
5. Keep 2 - 3 pillows under head in bed to prevent reflux.
6. Loose weight if you are obese.
7. Avoid alcohol and smoking if you have these habits.
Don't worry, you will be alright.
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Do Any Kind Of Viruses Cause Chest Congestion To Spread?

Hello dear, thanks for your question on HCM. I can understand your situation and problem. Your chest symptoms can be due to viral infection. Upper respiratory tract infection ( URTI ) is common after viral infection. So your chest congestion and heaviness can be due to viral URTI. But your gas, constipation and poor appetite can be due to GERD ( gastroesophageal reflux disease ). Along with antacids, you need to follow these lifestyle modifications for better symptomatic relief. 1. Avoid hot and spicy food. 2. Avoid stress and tension. 3. Avoid large meals, instead take frequent small meals. 4. Go for walk after meals. 5. Keep 2 - 3 pillows under head in bed to prevent reflux. 6. Loose weight if you are obese. 7. Avoid alcohol and smoking if you have these habits. Don t worry, you will be alright.