Breathless and tight chest

[Ellesbells12]

Hi everyone, hope you’re all well and safe!

I’ve been really breathless on and off the last few weeks due to no apparent cause, as well as going through periods of time (usually over a few days) where I feel as if there is a tight band/weight on my chest.

I’ve heard this is a symptom of anxiety and depression, just scary when it comes and goes like that

Thanks in advance x

[JW621]

Have some gratitude in your thoughts. Think about the things you can be thankful for

[Ellesbells12 in reply to JW621]

Thank you, that’s a good way to look at it

[Ellesbells12]

I hope you’re ok it’ll all be alright! These feelings are horrible, but they will pass x

[Hb2003]

I have had chest pain was freaking out thought I had AFIB because my heart was racing super fast at random times for no reason and felt like I couldn’t breathe I got diagnosed with Costochondritis it was not fun but thankfully I don’t have it anymore

[Ellesbells12 in reply to Hb2003]

I have that also! Do you get random sharp bursts of pain in your back also? It’s so odd, I feel so short of breath sometimes you never think it could be muscular

[Hb2003 in reply to Ellesbells12]

I have not had sharp pain in my back . And yes I get shortness of breath unfortunately ☹️ because of Asthma

[endofheartache1290]

I have these symptoms too. It's really terrifying and so hard to overcome sometimes because as you say it comes and goes so randomly. One of the best ways to help is to practice mindfulness which means to be aware of your thoughts while you are panicking. To do this you need to actually embrace the panic and take time to recognize how you feel in that moment. Once you start noticing the thoughts that you are having you can start to combat them and slowly over time have less panic.

[Ellesbells12 in reply to endofheartache1290]

Thank you so much, this is really helpful! I’m sorry you have to go through this too

[endofheartache1290 in reply to Ellesbells12]

Yeah I have been struggling with this for 2 years now. I can't say it's an easy fight, especially when you are gasping for air. But I know for a fact that once some of my biggest stressors were gone it started happening less often. It still happens because I still have a lot of triggers so it's still an everyday challenge but it is possible to combat the thoughts. I am sorry you are struggling with this as well.

[Ellesbells12]

Dogs are great for anxiety I feel mine gives me the best cuddles when I need it most

[Lazy_dog_lover]

Sorry, Ellesbells12. Yes, some anxiety can include tightness in the chest, but it is usually during a panic event, for me. I can't recall any depressive episode that I felt it. Any issues with pulse or blood pressure at the same time?

You might want to go in for a check up, just to make sure there are no other issues sneaking up.

I also felt pain across the chest after pulling a muscle just to the side of my breast. Who knew boobs had muscles?

😉

[Ellesbells12 in reply to Lazy_dog_lover]

It’s horrible isn’t it been for bloods and ECGs a few times within the last year all seem to come back fine! I check my pulse throughout the day, always normal reading! Don’t have a blood pressure machine however, but will speak with the doctors as can’t keep going on like this they always seem to put it down to anxiety and don’t really listen I feel though. Thank you for your reply

[Kisna]

I have been experiencing the samething for awhile now and everyday it seems to be getting worst

[Ellesbells12 in reply to Kisna]

I’m sorry you’re experiencing this also have you spoken with your doctor?