Health Related Question

jforeman5 · November 2009

Sometimes I feel like there is a weight on my chest and this makes me feel like I can't get enough air in my lungs. My heart also feels like it is beating harder (not faster) than usual. This sensation lasts about 3 days, and is not related to my physical activity levels at the time.I do not have any allergies that I am aware of. I've never had asthma, or any other kind of respiratory issue.What could this possible be?

Brie2010 · November 2009

I was just re-diagnosed with asthma, and had a similar feeling a lot of the time before I started meds. When you can't breathe, you're basically panting like you would when you exercise, so your heart rate is going to go up. Definitely see a doctor.

shannonalise · November 2009

This sounds exactly like anxiety/panic attacks. Have you looked into that?

danieliza1127 · November 2009

Well I would go to a doctor and explain that you have days where you have trouble breathing and describe your systems.Also, just because you aren't aware of any allergies doesn't mean you don't have them or asthma.

kikibaby · November 2009

I would think your doctor may be better qualified to answer this than us.

AlexiaANDRobert · November 2009

Anxiety! Well, at least that's what mine is!

J&K10910 · November 2009

It could be an allergy, asthma, anxiety/panic attacks, or any number of things. It also could be nothing.

[Deleted User] · November 2009

The first thing I thought of when I read this is panic / anxiety.

sgstraub · November 2009

I agree, panic attacks was the first thing that popped into my mind. I would see a doctor though, shortness of breath is a pretty dangerous symptom. Do you have any chest pain when you take a deap breath?

jamm2019 · November 2009

Do you have pain in your chest when this is going on? I would go talk to your Dr.

danieliza1127 · November 2009

In any case, start writing down when this happened and anything you ate that day, were exposed to, or any stress going on. That might also help you pinpoint if it's an allergy or anxiety.

SnShne322 · November 2009

Ditto pp about anxiety. I had some healthy issues a couple a years ago and all the sudden I was having trouble breathing as well, I went to the doctor and she told me it was anxiety. Knowing that was enough to help me most of the time, but a drink always helped calm me down!I would definitely see a doc though. Better safe than sorry!

kate51485 · November 2009

I had similar symptoms when I was diagnosed with hyperthyroid.

tenofcups4me · November 2009

It could also be reflux. I agree -- check with the doctor, but be prepared for a lot of back and forth, testing, and "I don't know"s along the way. (Yes, I speak from experience with similar symptoms...)

jforeman5 · November 2009

Thanks for the suggestions. I do have a history of anxiety and panic attacks, but when I feel this way, it's not paired with the typical full on panic attack. I will look into this more. I don't have any chest pain, just the heavy feeling on my chest. Kikki: I am aware that a doctor would be able to give me a better answer. I like to do a lot of research before I actually go to a doctor, so I can have some questions prepared for them. Thanks for the advice though.

J&K10910 · November 2009

You can have anxiety without a full blown panic attack. It happened to me all the time.A good thing to do, as Dani suggested, is to start keeping a written record of these "attacks" (for lack of a better word). When they started, what you were doing when it started, how long it lasts, what it feels like, if it gets worse or better during the course, what you ate, what you drank prior, any possible stressors prior, etc. This is something that a doctor might ask you to do before diagnosing you if it's not clear cut. this way you save a step (and an appointment, time, and co pay!), and can have great documentation for your appointment.

mavgirl_73 · November 2009

I know it sounds funny but it could also be gallbladder attacks. Mine presented in exactly the same manner and they (doctors, family, friends, etc.) all said it was most likely anxiety but upon further probbing I had huge gallstones. It feels like pressure right at the top of my diaphram. As others said keep a journal including any foods that you ate preceeding the attacks (I have a hard time with dairy, anything high in fat or anythign really acidic), I'd see a doc as well just to make sure it's not something heart related. Hope it feels better soon

jforeman5 · November 2009

J&K thanks for the advice, I will definitely start keeping track of all the details surrounding the symptoms for a couple weeks, then I will go see my doc.I appreciate the help ladies!

[Deleted User] · November 2009

I'm willing to bet it's anxiety related. I had this same issue 2 years ago and still do. I felt like someone was sitting on my chest so I couldn't breathe. I went to the doctor and did a chest xray as well as numerous breathing exercieses. My tests came back perfect and of course I never had the problem when I was at the doctor. She told me it was most likely anxiety even though nothing stressful/big had happened. I get them every so often now, but I can tell when they are coming on. Now it seems that whenever one is coming on I get so stressed and worried about it, it creates a bigger anxiety problem. I am not on any medication but I think I should probably go to the doctor again to keep some on hand.

Mofongo · November 2009

Definitely could be anxiety or plenty of other things as pp's have said. The thing that came to my mind was heart trouble - not trying to freak you out. I work with the heart failure and transplant pts at a local hospital and they often describe those symptoms. Some of them are young girls/guys with no other issues. BUT, it also describes so many other things that are not serious!! Just something else to talk to the doctor about. I'm sure you are fine, but you will feel better with peace of mind

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