What causes tightness in chest with occasional dry cough?
Patient: Hello..I am mildly asthmatic and take symbicort twice a day. I am male 5'9 and 11 stone in weight. For the last two weeks I have developed a tight chest sensation with occasional dry cough. Ventolin and/or symbicort do not make any difference. My peak flow reading consistently registers 610+ (as normal) when chest feels tight and this doesn't change after medication. My chest feels restricted, but I can exercise hard without any problem. The doctor has completed an ecg, blood pressure test and listened to my heart/chest - all is clear. I have a feeling that this could be anxiety, possibly a virus or an allergy to pollen. Please advice. N Doctor: Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic. I can understand your concern. I don't think, your symptoms are due to worsening of asthma because your peak flow reading is consistently high. So no need to worry for viral infection or pollen allergy. So possibility of stress and anxiety related chest tightness is more. So better to consult psychiatrist and get done counselling sessions. Try to identify stressor in your life and start working on it's solution. You may need anxiolytic drugs too. Avoid stress and tension, be relax and calm. 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.