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What Causes Pressure In Upper Chest?

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Posted on Wed, 4 Jun 2014
Question: For the last 6 months my voice has been getting progressively rougher. I feel a pressure in the upper section of my chest after I have been speaking for a few minutes. I have no GERD symptoms. CAT shows some emphysema. I have mild asthma and use Xopenex as needed (maybe 3-4 times a year). I don't have shortness of breath. I have had hay fever since early childhood. Last week I had a Broncoscopy. The lab results were negative on the first cultures. I have to wait 6 weeks for the second set of results. In the meantime Nexium has been prescribed. I am at a loss as to what could be causing my lack of speaking "power". Any ideas?
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Answered by Dr. Gyanshankar Mishra (46 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
PFT needs to be done.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting the query on HCM. After going through your query, I would like to comment the following:

1. You seem to be suffering from obstructive airway disease - Emphysema which may be responsible for your lack of speaking power since it denotes a decreased vital capacity. In such a case a Pulmonary function test can be done and inhalers and oral bronchodilators may have to be taken by you. Inhalers and oral bronchodilators can help you get back the lost "power" of speech.

2. Considering your age, there is a possibility of you suffering from senile emphysema if there is no history of active or passive smoking in the past.

3. You need to get yourself clinicaly evaluated by a pulmonologist in detail.

4. Also do vaccinate yourself with flu and pneumococcal vacines by your doctor.

I hope I have answered your query. I will be glad to answer follow up queries if any. Please accept my answer if you have no follow up queries.

Regards
Dr. Gyanshankar Mishra
MBBS MD DNB
Consultant Pulmonologist
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Gyanshankar Mishra

Pulmonologist

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 600 Questions

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What Causes Pressure In Upper Chest?

Brief Answer: PFT needs to be done. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for posting the query on HCM. After going through your query, I would like to comment the following: 1. You seem to be suffering from obstructive airway disease - Emphysema which may be responsible for your lack of speaking power since it denotes a decreased vital capacity. In such a case a Pulmonary function test can be done and inhalers and oral bronchodilators may have to be taken by you. Inhalers and oral bronchodilators can help you get back the lost "power" of speech. 2. Considering your age, there is a possibility of you suffering from senile emphysema if there is no history of active or passive smoking in the past. 3. You need to get yourself clinicaly evaluated by a pulmonologist in detail. 4. Also do vaccinate yourself with flu and pneumococcal vacines by your doctor. I hope I have answered your query. I will be glad to answer follow up queries if any. Please accept my answer if you have no follow up queries. Regards Dr. Gyanshankar Mishra MBBS MD DNB Consultant Pulmonologist