What causes chest tightness and blockage when taking deep breaths?

Feb 24, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
Heavy breathing and chest tightness may result from excessive mental stress, prolonged anxiety or tension, or overexertion, which can affect bodily functions. They may also be caused by flare-ups of chronic conditions such as chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or emphysema. Additionally, these symptoms could stem from cardiovascular diseases like myocardial ischemia, angina pectoris, or coronary heart disease, which increase the heart's workload or impair cardiac function.

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.


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