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Concerned about Tight Chest: Testing for asthma
Asthma & Allergy | Last Active: Aug 16, 2025 | Replies (22)Comment receiving replies
Does anyone else have chest tightness? When I lay down at night, or sit quietly I am aware that my chest feels tight when I breathe. I had been on Symbicort, and recently started Breztri. Last night I decided to get back out of bed and take my albuterol inhaler--it didn't help. They're not considering my asthma really bad, but it doesn't seem like whatever med I am using is helping. I had a full pulmonary function test at the hospital that supposedly proves I have asthma as it improved about albuterol via nebulizer. I'm trying to be extra vigilant in using my inhaler properly. I haven't had any scans or anything of my chest or lungs. Just haven't felt great since early January--it's getting really old.
Replies to "Does anyone else have chest tightness? When I lay down at night, or sit quietly I..."
Also, are you an anxious person. I know when I had trouble breathing, I would become anxious. They always tell you to relax, but easier said than done!
@normagal I have allergy induced asthma and also a condition called thoracic outlet syndrome or TOS that causes chest tightness. It’s something that many doctors miss. I have worked with a physical therapist who does myofascial release work and that helps a lot. We have a discussion on that here where you can learn more. I can feel when my lungs build phlegm and then do MFR stretches and open up the airways to get it moving out. MFR is basically a stretch to create a shearing force on the skin and you just wait until the tissue releases. It helps me a lot and I can self treat to manage my condition. There is a provider search at mfrtherapists.com. Also see myofascial release.com. I also use antihistamines. Sometimes the respiratory diaphragm gets tight too. Working with a PT helps a lot.
I see an allergist--not a pulmonologist. I was having bad headaches, shortness of breath, and exhaustion for months. I've had a cardiac echo (normal except mod. mitral valve regurgitation), nuclear stress test (normal), sleep apnea test (normal) MRI of brain (normal). I think that's everything. My pulmonary function test in office is not horrid per dr, but not normal. Had a full pulmonary function test at hospital that was told confirms that I have asthma.
I'm gathering from what I am reading that I have to give the Breztri a few weeks to work,but I would think the albuterol inhaler would help with the chest discomfort.
Jennifer-interesting what you are saying about TOS. I'm very tired of going to drs and having tests, but wondering if a pulmonary dr is warranted if things don't improve. I'm better than I was a few months ago, and will be a lot better when hot weather, humidity and poor air quality aren't a factor.
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@normagal Here come my questions, because a lot of different things could be happening here.
Have you reported these ongoing symptoms to your pulmonologist?
And have you been screened for other lung conditions like COPD or bronchiectasis?
Finally, have you had a full workup to rule out cardiac issues as the source of your chest tightness?