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Strange sensation / tightness in chest and upper throat

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rai27
rai27

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

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  • fillo4100
    fillo4100 rai27

    Posted

    Hi rai27

    sorry to hear you have been having a rough time with this mystery complaint. I just happened to come across your post tonight after putting in a search for pressure in chest and throat. I became very interested in reading all the threads and your replies.  I've had these same symptoms now for over two years. Seemed to start off following a cold but at a very stressful time at work due to a work colleague. Of course it was diagnosed as silent reflux and after numerous tests and loads of different medication, I'm not any better. Can't pinpoint when this might start or what causes it when it does. Thought at one time that the Zantac were helping but then realised that it was doing nothing. Maybe I just had convinced myself that it was the magic pill and would end all this discomfort.  I'm convinced it has to do with anxiety but times when it comes on I think I've nothing to be anxious about so am no further on with this complaint. 

    Would love to hear how you are now and hope it's good news. 

    Take care. 

    • rai27
      rai27 fillo4100

      Posted

      Hi fillo4100,

      Sorry to hear you are having the same issues like mine. I'm doing okay some days and other days I still have the same sensations I had which started over a year ago now. When I do get the sensations, I do think to myself if I am really stressed or anxious. In most cases when the sensation occurs, like you, I have nothing to be stressed about at the time so it's puzzling.

      The latest with me is that I had an MRI of the neck about 2 months ago and that came back normal. I used to be on esomeprazol and was asked to stop it to see how I get on. It's just been a month do far. I still take gaviscon before bed so just continuing with this journey where ever it may lead. It's worrying but I've learnt not to get worked up as this then starts affecting breathing etc..You'll see in my previous post that I thought it was asthma but that was ruled out. I've had several other tests as per my previous post, all back normal. Doctors are insisting to be either stress related or acid related as other tests coming back normal.

      Let us know how you get on.

  • MyDarlin
    MyDarlin rai27

    Posted

    I have the similar issues that I am not getting an answers - a pressure/tightness in my neck/throat and upper chest. The first time I felt it it felt like someone was pressing on my lower neck/throat in the front only. I have NO breathing problems or swallowing problems. Did a barium swallow and neck/chest CT scan - all clear. It is VERY annoying and I was hoping there was some answers here. It really does not seem like GERD for those of you taking all these reflux meds. I tried them too and had no relief. I do find that I cough a bit to try to clear the sensation. I've noticed that if i'm looking down at my phone/ipad the sensation seems worse, so if I extend my neck and look up slightly I seem to get some temporary relief. I want this to go away!! I am 45 w/ no other health problems. Very frustrating.
    • carmel96402
      carmel96402 MyDarlin

      Posted

      I have this tightness in the throat and notice that it is worse when I look down and relieved when I look up.  I have had neck scan with dye and all ok.  Being treated for asthma but I think the seretide twice a day is irritating throat.  Very upsetting - never know when it will happen and I start this strange head jerking movement to try to relieve it.

       

  • kyleishash1
    kyleishash1 rai27

    Posted

    i feel the same pain i don't know that whit

    is

     

  • Tanner-420
    Tanner-420 rai27

    Posted

    hey bud i have all the symptoms just like you unfortunately.  I've tried antacid for reflux and been to ENT and had thyroid ultrasound checked and i'm waitng for endscopy soon from GI Doctor,  Did you ever go to Gi and did they do Endoscopy?
  • Google_Dr.
    Google_Dr. rai27

    Posted

    Dear rai27,  I know you don't think its the stress because you don't feel stressful, but, I have exactly the same symptoms, they come (the symptoms), they stay for a few days and they go.  I solved the problem with an anti depresant prescribed by a cardiologist who agreed with me that my heart is ok and the problem is a mental one.  I now take 5 mg lexapro only when the symptoms are back (ie, not every day) and  I cut the coffee to half a cup a day.  I read that Bendryl anti histamis works too and I will try it next time I have the symptoms. 

  • bilal74783
    bilal74783 rai27

    Posted

    Hi there i am 19 y male. I have had the exact same symptoms for 6 months and my life has been like living in a box. So started with weird feelings and tightness in throat and stomach GP gave me antibiotics didn't work. Had blood test clear ct scan clear ECG clear. It turned even worse i started getting chest pains and chest tightness as well as arm pains and neck pains. I still to today get chest tightness everyday and chest pain once a while and nausea kind of feeling. I have seen 4 doctor no answers waiting to see a cardiologist. So anything you can tell me guys will really help my life is on hold right now cant play football cant go to the gym cant even be bothered to read a book . thanks guys
    • Google_Dr.
      Google_Dr. bilal74783

      Posted

      bilal,

      I think it's stress related. I have exactly the same symptoms, they come (the symptoms), they stay for a few days and they go.  I solved the problem with an anti depresant prescribed by a cardiologist who agreed with me that my heart is ok and the problem is a mental one.  I now take 5 mg lexapro only when the symptoms are back (ie, not every day) and  I cut the coffee to half a cup a day.  I read that St. John's Wort, Kava, and Bendryl anti histamis works too.  These are supplements and an over the counter items.  I hope it helps you. 

    • bilal74783
      bilal74783 Google_Dr.

      Posted

      Hi there a doctor gave me some anxiety pills to i forgot the name but it didn't help at all. My main issue right now is chest tightness and pain when i do anything physical. Thanks for sharing your experience it makes me feel better thanks a lot.
  • cathy59903
    cathy59903 rai27

    Posted

    Have you figured out what is wrong? I have been having this same feeling for 2 days now and just feeling like i just need to wait it out. But then i go on the internet (of course), and wondering if i should actually go see my doctor sooner than trying to wait it out.
    • bilal74783
      bilal74783 cathy59903

      Posted

      Hi there I tried to wait it out didn't work its gone on for 6 months and now a doctor gave me a 24 hour heart monitor .good luck
  • mike22444
    mike22444 rai27

    Posted

    I've read every single post here and about 95% seems to be right inline with what i'm feeling (been about a month now) I have yet to see a doctor as i thought it may have just been a mild case of brochitis or something i could tough out. Now i'm starting to get a little more anxious about what it could be. One symtom i find interesting for me is that the mornings from waking up at 6am to about 9 or 10am I actually feel very little to no symtoms and midday through the evening they stick around. 

    some people on this thread speak of a little bit of pain, by my symptoms have no pain, really just a nuiciance, need for clearing the throat, or coughing at will to maybe give me a couple seconds of clarity. What i find most strange about this is the fact sometime it feels totally like a resporatory problem to the point of some mild weezing and sometime it feels like a gastro problem with belching. 

    Rai you seem to have quite a bit of test done, as have others - any findings that could help would be greatly appreciated. my next step is the doctor but im not looking forward to the run around with a million specialists and tests to end up going nowhere. 

    • pat02500
      pat02500 mike22444

      Posted

      same symptoms.

      i wake up feeling fine, then symptoms start to present when I go downstairs for coffee.

      i believe it has to do with sensitivities to chemicals or mold....if one becomes sensitized, just the slightest exposure can be a trigger.  it's a cumulative thing...not many doctors know about it.  enviornmental illnesses are becoming a problem throughout globally.

  • laurenm
    laurenm rai27

    Posted

    Don't know if this will help anyone, but I fixed mine 100%. I started eating only "low acid" foods (you can search for a list). I ate cantaloupe or watermelon every morning, stayed away from lots of bread, meat and dairy. After a few weeks it went away. 
    • juniorr
      juniorr laurenm

      Posted

      ok but do you mind if we chat on facebook cos i will like to ask you some questions if you dont mind ? my facebook username is jr softt baderman, i will really appreciate if you text me ....thank you !
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