Why does my chest feel tight and uncomfortable when I lie down?
Dec 09, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
Feeling chest tightness and discomfort when lying down may be caused by conditions such as pleurisy, intercostal neuralgia, or heart failure. If the patient has intercostal neuralgia, lying down can lead to muscle tension, resulting in symptoms like chest tightness and shortness of breath. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as Anluotong tablets and vitamin B1 tablets can be taken. In daily life, spicy foods should be avoided, and staying up late should be prevented.
Lying down and experiencing chest tightness and discomfort may be caused by conditions such as pleurisy, intercostal neuralgia, or heart failure.
1. Pleurisy
Chest tightness when lying down occurs in pleurisy due to inflammatory exudate. This exudate can compress lung tissue along the lower edge of the pleural cavity, causing chest tightness and shortness of breath. Treatment under a doctor's guidance may include antibiotics such as cefixime capsules or metronidazole tablets.
2. Intercostal Neuralgia
In patients with intercostal neuralgia, lying down may cause muscle tension, leading to symptoms of chest tightness and breathlessness. Under medical supervision, medications such as anluotong tablets or vitamin B1 tablets may be prescribed. Patients should avoid spicy foods and staying up late in daily life.
3. Heart Failure
When patients with heart failure lie flat, increased cardiac load and greater blood return can lead to pulmonary congestion, resulting in chest tightness. It is recommended that patients take medications such as spironolactone tablets or digoxin tablets under a doctor’s guidance for appropriate treatment.
Besides the above causes, bronchial asthma may also cause chest tightness and discomfort when lying down.
