What causes chest heaviness and shallow breathing?
Patient: I am female 52 years old. I have heavy shallow breathing, weakness, and dizziness once in a while. I also have mild chest pains on occasions. My ecg was within normal limits but I know there's problem in my body that's causing me to have a heavy chest and shallow breathing. Please let me know what could be causing these? Doctor: Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic. I can understand your concern. Shallow breathing, chest heaviness etc are commonly seen in allergic asthma and bronchitis. So better to consult pulmonologist and get done clinical examination of respiratory system, chest x ray and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test). PFT is must for the diagnosis of asthma and bronchitis. It will also tell you about severity of the disease and treatment is based on severity only. You may need inhaled bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). If PFT is normal then possibility of stress and anxiety related symptoms is more. So if you are having stressful life then consult psychiatrist and get done counselling sessions. Try to identify stressor in your life and start working on its solution. You may need anxiolytic drugs too. Don't worry, you will be alright. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.