What causes chest tightness and blockage when taking deep breaths?
Feeling chest tightness when taking deep breaths may be caused by physiological factors, or it could result from pathological conditions such as respiratory or cardiovascular diseases.
I. Physiological Factors
This may occur due to excessive mental stress, prolonged anxiety or tension, or extreme fatigue, all of which can affect normal bodily functions.
II. Pathological Factors
1. Respiratory Diseases: Conditions such as chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or emphysema may cause chest tightness during acute episodes. These are often accompanied by symptoms like coughing, sputum production, and shortness of breath.
2. Cardiovascular Diseases: Chest discomfort may also stem from heart-related conditions such as myocardial ischemia, angina pectoris, or coronary heart disease, which increase cardiac workload or impair heart function.
In addition, intercostal neuralgia could also be a possible cause. It is recommended to identify the underlying cause before initiating appropriate treatment.