When I try to breathe in deeply, my chest feels tight and I can't, why?

Question

I'm not in any pain and this has been going on for easily a week. The problem is this constant awareness that when i try to take a deep breath, I can't. I bought an OTC inhaler but it doesn't seem to do anything. I seem perfectly healthy and I am able to run and workout with no problem... is the "condition" purely mental? It also feels like something is in my throat a little but I know nothing is. Please help.

Answer 1

what concerns me is the "lump" that you feel in your throat, it could be obstructing your upper airway, so you try to breathe in harder -- and your chest feels tight because of too much negative force exerted when inhaling.

when you talk, does it sound "muffled"? have you had any fever recently? that "lump" you feel in your throat, does it hurt?
this kind of symptom sounds like something that we would see on a 3-year-old child with epiglottis -- but since you're already using the internet, im guessing that you're already an adult or a teenager, (which epiglottitis is not common among). you should definitely have that checked out. speak to your physician, and let him/her know about your breathing problems as well. he/she should be able to recommend some tests done to you.

Answer 2

My Breathing Feels Restricted

Answer 3

I had very similar symptoms and I have what is called vocal cord dysfunction. Please make an appointment with an allergist. He or she will have you schedule and pulmonary function test. My symptoms were shortness of breath, not being able to take a deep breath (which can be improved with deep breathing excercises), tightness in my chest, cough, feeling like I had a lump in my throat. Look up vocal cord dysfunction up on the internet. I hope you find out what it wrong. Good luck!

Answer 4

Andrew I am facing the same problem since two weeks. I went to the doc who advised me to have CNS and chest Xray. After examining the Xrays he told me that i am having an allregy, due to which i am feeling blockage in my throat. my nasal cavity is also blocked on one side. I took madicine for that allergy for 3 days or so but it didnt do much. he says if not cured it can lead me to have ashtma. Have u had a checkup.. what did the doc tell u?

Answer 5

Are you stressed? Try breathing in through your diaphragm, (instead of your chest,) which is your stomach. See if that helps. Are you standing up tall to take a deep breath? Raise your arms over your head AS you take a deep breath.through your nose, if you need to.

You are not trying that, sitting at the computer , now, are you??

Answer 6

Sounds kind of like anxiety attacks. Try breathing in through your nose deeply and exhaling through your mouth.....about 3 times

Answer 7

Wow its sound exactly like what I had 2 weeks ago. OH but mine turned out to be a MAJOR heart attack that put me in the hospital until yesterday
Just go see the medicine man.....

Answer 8

See a doctor.

Answer 9

you need to talk to a doctor and have a few simple tests ran, i.e. chest x-ray, labs, pft, etc.... do you smoke? at any rate, you need to talk to a doctor.

Answer 10

I think you should make an appointment with your doctor.