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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Chest Tightness After A Work Out?

I am a 31 year old male, 5 11 185 lbs that has been in relatively good shape over the years with no prior conditions/surgeries, etc. But I have something that has been bothering me for the last several weeks that I believe to related to stress but I m not sure. Usually occurs 2-3 times a week recently. At the end of the work day or sometimes during the day the bottom of my chest area which I am pretty sure is the Xiphoid Process area has an unusual tightness. Literally the middle of my torso. It usually will take 1-2 hours after work when at home for it to subside. Then when I press on that hole location at the bottom of the sternum and just above that on the bone itself it is tender and tight, which causes some trouble breathing and hyperventilating. In the past, I ve suffered from panic attacks but this is something different. Again, I believe it to be related to stress as I have an anxious feeling when it occurs and I definitely am going through a lot more stress than I ever have with work, personal life, etc all at the same time. Also, I ve been sitting down a lot more at work and I m not sure if it s because I ve been slouching forward too much. Also not sure if it relates to how I sleep on my back as some mornings when I wake up, the middle of my back and sometimes that area in front is a little sore. Is there something I should get checked out? Or if it is something minor, possibly some breathing techniques, etc that can help when I get these feelings?
Thu, 17 Dec 2015
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Pulmonologist 's  Response
Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Your all symptoms are suggestive of mostly stress and anxiety related GERD. GERD is due to laxity of gastroesophageal sphincter. Because of this the acid of the stomach tends to come up in the esophagus and cause symptoms of Central pain and tightness.
So stress management is very important in your case to relieve these symptoms.
And for this, you should consult psychiatrist and get done counselling sessions. Try to identify stressor in your life and start working on its solution. You may need anxiolytic drugs too.
You should also start proton pump inhibitors.
Don't worry, you will be alright.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
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What Causes Chest Tightness After A Work Out?

Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic. I can understand your concern. Your all symptoms are suggestive of mostly stress and anxiety related GERD. GERD is due to laxity of gastroesophageal sphincter. Because of this the acid of the stomach tends to come up in the esophagus and cause symptoms of Central pain and tightness. So stress management is very important in your case to relieve these symptoms. And for this, you should consult psychiatrist and get done counselling sessions. Try to identify stressor in your life and start working on its solution. You may need anxiolytic drugs too. You should also start proton pump inhibitors. Don t worry, you will be alright. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.