What could cause expansion in chest?
Patient: Hello Doctor,I am 30 yrs old and I am an asthmatic patient from last 17 yrs And I am under formonide 400 medication but still I feel discomfort while breathing. Wanted to ask you regarding chest tightening. Is there any possibilty that the rib cage increase( chest increase) due to asthma as I observed my shirt size increased in last 6 months. And sometimes also getting pain while breathing Doctor: Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic. I can understand your concern. Yes, uncontrolled asthma can cause hyperinflation and air trapping. Both these cause larger lungs. And larger lungs when chronic can cause increase in chest wall size. All these are markers of uncontrolled asthma. Your pain is also due to this only. So better to consult pulmonologist and get done 1. Clinical examination of respiratory system. 2. PFT (Pulmonary Function Test) 3. Chest x ray. PFT will diagnose severity of asthma and air trapping. Chest x ray will diagnose hyperinflation. You may need additional inhaled bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). Oral combination of antihistamine and anti allergic drugs are also indicated in asthma. So consult pulmonologist and discuss all these. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.