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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Tightness In Chest And Difficulty In Swallowing?

What would make my chest feel so tight that I have trouble swallowing food? More often than not I do not finish a meal as it is simply to difficult to get the food to move down past my chest. I've also noticed an increase in indigestion? Would it be stress realated? I'm 40yr old female, 5'2", 180lbs. I've not had any medical issues.
Thu, 26 May 2016
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Yes, your all these symptoms can be due to stress.
Actually, in my opinion, you are mostly having GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
It 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 indigestion, difficulty in swallowing, chest pressure, tightness, heaviness etc.
Stress is the biggest risk factor for GERD.
So first of all we should treat your stress. So consult psychiatrist and get done counselling sessions. Try to identify stressor in your life and start working on it's solution. You may need anxiolytic drugs too. For GERD, take pantoprazole tablet on empty stomach. Avoid hot and spicy food. Avoid large meals, instead take frequent small meals.
Don't worry, you will be alright by all these.
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 Tightness In Chest And Difficulty In Swallowing?

Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic. I can understand your concern. Yes, your all these symptoms can be due to stress. Actually, in my opinion, you are mostly having GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). It 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 indigestion, difficulty in swallowing, chest pressure, tightness, heaviness etc. Stress is the biggest risk factor for GERD. So first of all we should treat your stress. So consult psychiatrist and get done counselling sessions. Try to identify stressor in your life and start working on it s solution. You may need anxiolytic drugs too. For GERD, take pantoprazole tablet on empty stomach. Avoid hot and spicy food. Avoid large meals, instead take frequent small meals. Don t worry, you will be alright by all these. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.