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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Chest Tightness And Discomfort With Difficulty Breathing?

I'm 57, in fairly good health. In the last couple weeks, I've noticed difficulty breathing in the shower. Sometimes I'm light headed when I get out. There's also a tightness, discomfort in my chest. I've had my heart checked in the last couple years and didn't have any problems. I can play with my grandchildren and go up and down stairs fine. Just the shower. I have similar pain sometimes after eating and have suspected a hiatal hernia. I've never had upper GI tests, but have been prescribed heartburn medicine.
Wed, 29 Jun 2016
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Since your chest tightness is associated with eating, possibility of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is more.
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 chest tightness, chest pain, mild breathlessness etc.
Hiatus hernia can also cause GERD. But fir confirmation, you need to get done upper GI (gastrointestinal) scopy.
So follow these steps for better symptomatic relief in GERD.
1. Avoid stress and tension, be relax and calm.
2. Avoid hot and spicy food, avoid junk food. Avoid large meals, instead take frequent small meals.
3. Take pantoprazole tablet on empty stomach.
4. Go for walking after meals.
5. Keep 2-3 pillows under head in bed to prevent reflux.
Don't worry, you will be alright with all these. Get done upper GI scopy for the confirmation of hiatus hernia.
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 And Discomfort With Difficulty Breathing?

Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic. I can understand your concern. Since your chest tightness is associated with eating, possibility of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is more. 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 chest tightness, chest pain, mild breathlessness etc. Hiatus hernia can also cause GERD. But fir confirmation, you need to get done upper GI (gastrointestinal) scopy. So follow these steps for better symptomatic relief in GERD. 1. Avoid stress and tension, be relax and calm. 2. Avoid hot and spicy food, avoid junk food. Avoid large meals, instead take frequent small meals. 3. Take pantoprazole tablet on empty stomach. 4. Go for walking after meals. 5. Keep 2-3 pillows under head in bed to prevent reflux. Don t worry, you will be alright with all these. Get done upper GI scopy for the confirmation of hiatus hernia. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.