What causes breathing difficulty with tightening feeling in chest?
Patient: I went to the ER today cause I could not breath, 2 weeks ago went to urgent care for the same thing. They said it was acute bronchitis. Went to normal doc a week later, he said it might be asthma. But I am not wheezing or coughing, chest will tighten out of the blue and I won t be able to breath enough to hold a simple conversation or walk very far. Then I start fading out like I m going to faint and start going numb. That could be anxiety though. Prednisone helped. The ER said x rays were fine, O2 levels are fine, cardiogram was fine and put me on an inhaler and steroids, again. Any ideas? Vocal Chord Issues? Could it be occupational, adult onset asthma? I ve smoked for 6 or seven years, I m 23 and male. Doctor: Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic. I can understand your concern.  Chest pain with breathlessness are commonly seen in bronchitis and lung infection. Since your chest x ray is normal, no need to worry for lung infection. Possibility of bronchitis is more in your case. So better to consult pulmonologist and get done clinical examination of respiratory system and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test). PFT is needed for the diagnosis of bronchitis. It will also tell you about severity of the disease and treatment of bronchitis is based on severity only. You may need inhaled bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). Don't worry, you will be alright. Hope I have solved your query. Wish you good health. Thanks.