Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Tightness In Esophagus And Difficulty Breathing?
Question: I've been having tightness in my esophagus and difficulty breathing. It has been going on for the last 5-6 months. I am on previcid(30mg) which doesn't seem to be helping a great deal. It usually starts with a nasal drip then difficulty breathing and a feeling of something stuck in the bottom of my throat. I also have an upset stomach most of time. I had an upper endoscopy and they found nothing in my esophagus but found mild stomach inflammation of my stomach lining. I have changed my diet to non-acidic light foods(plain macaroni, pancakes, low fat soups, etc..), i have cut out all caffeine, carbonated beverages and, alcohol. I also sleep with the head of my bed elevated. Changing my diet made the symptoms less frequent/severe but i still have issues multiple times daily. I tend to have more problems late at night. The symptoms usually last anywhere from 30minutes to a couple hours and usually occur after i eat or even if i go a too long without eating.
Brief Answer:
Hi, Need not worry.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for the query.
I understand your concern.
Possible cause of your symptoms could be
1) acid reflux
2) Allergy (air borne)
3) Cardiac symptoms (unlikely)
4) Anxiety related.
Worthwhile getting an PH Metry test done after consulting your gastroenterologist to look for acid reflux.
In addition can try adding an anti allergic medication (allegra 120 mg once a day) and prokinetic (domperidone 10 mg thrice a day) for 3weeks both of which are easily available over the counter.
Also lifestyle modification will help you.
1) Eating on time
2) Taking adequate sleep
3) Regular walking
4) Avoiding sleep 2 hours after meals
5) Cutting down on stress and anxiety
Getting some basic tests like doing complete blood count, thyroid function test, stool examination will help.
All this will help you to control symptoms in long run.
Hope this answers your query.
Wish you a speedy recovery.
Happy to help.
Hi, Need not worry.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for the query.
I understand your concern.
Possible cause of your symptoms could be
1) acid reflux
2) Allergy (air borne)
3) Cardiac symptoms (unlikely)
4) Anxiety related.
Worthwhile getting an PH Metry test done after consulting your gastroenterologist to look for acid reflux.
In addition can try adding an anti allergic medication (allegra 120 mg once a day) and prokinetic (domperidone 10 mg thrice a day) for 3weeks both of which are easily available over the counter.
Also lifestyle modification will help you.
1) Eating on time
2) Taking adequate sleep
3) Regular walking
4) Avoiding sleep 2 hours after meals
5) Cutting down on stress and anxiety
Getting some basic tests like doing complete blood count, thyroid function test, stool examination will help.
All this will help you to control symptoms in long run.
Hope this answers your query.
Wish you a speedy recovery.
Happy to help.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
