Strange sensation / tightness in chest and upper throat
Posted , 218 users are following.
I'm hoping for some help please..I have been feeling this strange sensation in the chest and lower throat. It's a sensation which I can only describe as a heavy feeling (no pain) and a tickling cough sensation in the chest. This then moves upwards to the lower throat area and makes it as though it is becoming tight. It makes me clear the throat and try to get the mucus out. I can feel a bit coming out but not much. The sensation makes me want to cough.I have been to doctor many times and he has listened to my chest and back. He's said that it's all clear. In the end he gave me antibiotics which I took for 7 days but it made no difference. He's also given me ventolin but it made no difference. I had chest x-ray and that showed clear. He referred me to ENT specialist who did a nasal endoscopy and that was clear. I have also done a barium swallow and that was also clear. However, I am still having this problem. I have also noticed that when I cough, I hear a grinding noise in my chest which sounds like friction. I've now been referred to a respiratory specialist and my appointment is next Friday. I'm really worried as I don't know what it can be. Has anyone else has this strange feeling? Can it be infection of the lower airway which has not cleared up? All this has been going on for 3 months now and I'm really worried and not sure what to do...Any help would be really appreciated. Thank you..
6 likes, 439 replies
mick91747 rai27
Posted
I've had these symptoms on & off for over 2 years. Been to see GP on numerous occasions and referred to hospital to see 2 different spcialists. Both carried out same procedure i.e nasal/throat scope and both luckily found no problems. Prescribed Laprasodol (think thats how its spelt) for acid reflux. Nothing seems to make much difference. I am prone to anxiety/depression and have taken various prescribed medications. In a strange way it helps to know that there appears to be so many others in a similar situation. I also have a very dry mouth sensation, like you've been licking chalk and a tingling tongue. Sometimes cant wait for bedtime to come so that I can get away from these feelings for a while.
I usually wake up thinking " has it gone" but alas within a few minutes of waking it resumes again. Would love to hear from anyone who has actually found anything that helps.
melissa53667 mick91747
Posted
Mick,
Very strange that you talk about waking up and feeling fine. For the first 3-4 minutes I'm awake and laying down I feel close to nothing in my chest or throat. Then within ten minutes of standing up, using the bathroom, etc. the sensation is back full force and stays with me all day. I don't understand it.
casper43737 melissa53667
Posted
jenny58598 rai27
Posted
natallia04776 rai27
Posted
I'm so worried. It's all what you are saying but my situation is getting worse slowly up to 10.00 and then after 15.00 i start feel gradually better. The wors time is afternoon for me. Now i feel perfect. What is it? But 12 or 13 i can't breathe at all. Have to wait for my x ray for next 2weeks! !!! Grrrrre
melissa53667 natallia04776
Posted
Keep us posted. I can't breathe either.
I have asthma and whatever is going on in my chest is just irritating it even more.
natallia04776 melissa53667
Posted
Was so bad on Thursday so boocked GP he said I have to wait for X ray. Blood test is perfect. I was trying to say that we need to do something so he gave me a salamol cfc- fee 😕 don't feel better. Just that dry felling in me shest. A! Also he said that more likely I ve got virus! Three weeks, + 2 weeks of waiting. It will be 5! Very upset so slowly. ..cannot get why he doesn't want to check me on allergy.
Ebundarl rai27
Posted
Please can anyone give an update if you've got any solution to this challenge?
melissa53667 Ebundarl
Posted
allison38201 rai27
Posted
Hi
I read your story with interest as I am having exactly the same symptoms and am getting very worried and anxious now. I'm getting the strange sensation in my chest radiating around my upper back towards my shoulder blades. It's particularly bad at night and sleeping is now virtually becoming inpossible. I have googled the symptoms and it seems it can be anything from GERD to a heart issue !
I too have had a chest X-ray and it came back clear.
I am now waiting for a letter to have an endoscopy.
Please let me know if you are any the wiser as our symptoms seem similar.
Thanks
mick91747 allison38201
Posted
Hi Allison, there seems to be so many of us with same symptoms. I try to put mine down to anxiety ( for my own peace of mind) I too get back ache which radiates around my chest, mainly right hand side whicj I sometimes ease with a hot "wheattie" bag...helps a bit. I've had this on & off for over 2 years & so far got nowhere. I've recently found out that I have a cousin who I seldom see has identical symptoms, so I really dont think it can be anything "life threatening" as there just seems to be so many. I've asked my GP if anti biotics would help if its some sort of infections but he insists its not a virus. I will keep you posted if I stumble across anything that helps. Good luck
melissa53667 allison38201
Posted
Hi Allison,
Same symptoms here too! So sick of feeling this way. Chest xray and CT scan were clear. Was referred to have barium swallow or endoscopy within the next few weeks. What I don't understand is why my symptoms NEVER subside. I literally have this strange sensation all day long. I took 40mg of Prilosec for a month and it did nothing. No foods tend to make it worse. I haven't had a sip of alcohol in over a month and quit smoking because I was horrified that I was dying of lung/esophageal cancer or something along those lines. I'm so frustrated. And so over feeling this way and worrying about it. My doctor prescribed me Ativan to take because he thinks I'm losing my mind. I'm on month 4 of this discomfort with no relief or break- of course I'm losing my mind.
allison38201 melissa53667
Posted
Me too, the sensation is with me constantly. Its all I think about, which is driving me mad, I am obsessed with what is wrong, and google my symptoms often but the symptoms are not specific...like with you my Doctor probably thinks I am a hypochondriac because my Chest Xray and Blood Tests came back negative, but what we are feeling is very real. I am waiting for an Endoscopy as the Doctor said it may be a Digestive issue.Â
I just wish whatever it is coud be diagnosed, treatment given and then we would have some respite from feeling this way.
allison38201 mick91747
Posted
Hi Mick
I am really glad I found this Forum. Yes there are others suffering with the same symptoms, and that is reassuring is'nt it !! Antibiotic's havent helped me. I just hate the nights, as when I lie down it is so much worse. It feels as if something heavy is pressing on the chest. Its like a Spasm. I then feel this lump in the throat and feel as though I can't swallow properly. I then can't breath properly, but this may be down to anxiety overthe condition...
I hope we all get some answers in the not to distant future. Do keep in touch.
melissa53667 allison38201
Posted
Same here Allison. The symptoms aren't distinct in details that I can describe verbally- they're just constantly bothersome. And it is impacting my breathing on the right side (I am asthmatic) and there is a lot of throat clearing going on on the right side as well. I'm just at a total loss and so frustrated. I have to travel next month and I'm already concerned about being away and having having her symptoms because they tend to make my anxiety worse. Please keep us posted on your endoscopy results. I took 20mg of Nexium this morning- ate an apple and had a yogurt for lunch and I have no relief. Every doctor tells me its gastro related but I have a hard time believing it 100% because I can eat a greasy pizza or an apple and have the same sensation!
melissa53667 allison38201
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How are you feeling? Any updates? I had a nasal scope yesterday (up nose, down throat to larynx) and there are no signs of acid reflux. I have been on 20mg Nexium for a week and my symptoms are still the same- no change. I'm very frustrated to say the least and don't know what to do.
allison38201 melissa53667
Posted
Hi Melissa
I've been feeling worse than ever, searing ache odd sensation through chest radiating round upper back/ shoulder blades. Lump in thrust and scratchy feeling in chest making me cough. Chest very sore too. So much so that I made an appointment to see Doc this afternoon and he thourghly examined me, took blood pressure which was normal, pulse normal, lungs clear. He said the symptoms are being created on my brain due to anxiety ! He said the fact it's worse at night is due to the acid in the stomach traveling up esophagus ! He has referred me counseling. I am only anxious due to the severity of the prolonged symptoms.. have to see what results from Endoscopy reveal. Confused
melissa53667 allison38201
Posted
Ugh Allison I'm so sorry. I had a really bad day yesterday with it. To the point that I called my mom to come over because I was afraid I was dying.
Whatever is going on in my chest is now activating my asthma. My right side of my chest itches internally, it feels tight like I can't breathe. I've never felt something so uncomfortable in my life. I've dealt with the pain and discomfort since June- now almost 4 months later the same area feels itchy and tight inside of my chest? I'm ready to lose it.
Please don't forget about us after you have the endoscopy. Please come back and post any findings to help us now and anyone in the future.
I have a barium swallow scheduled for 10/12 which is in about 2 weeks. I'll let you guys know how that goes. I'm sure I'll end up having the scope too in due time...
melissa53667
Posted
Why is everything deleted below here?