What should you know about bloating and chest tightness?

Acid reflux can allow stomach contents to irritate the food pipe and create pressure or burning after meals. Asthma or COPD may cause chest tightness alongside wheeze, cough or breathlessness. Anxiety and panic disorder can tighten chest muscles and change breathing. Angina is a heart-related cause that may appear with exertion and settle with rest; chest tightness itself does not identify its cause.

Stop strenuous activity and sit upright. Notice whether eating, lying down, exercise, stress or an inhaler changes the symptoms, and record any cough, wheeze, sweating or nausea. Avoid a large meal while symptoms are active. Use prescribed inhaler therapy exactly as directed; do not borrow someone else’s inhaler. Arrange medical advice for recurrent or unexplained episodes.

Call emergency services for severe or persistent chest pressure, marked difficulty breathing, fainting, blue or grey lips, confusion, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw or back. Get urgent assessment when tightness starts during exertion or comes with cold sweat or unusual weakness. Digestive discomfort should not be used to explain away these warning signs.

Ask whether your pattern fits reflux, a lung condition, anxiety or angina, and whether you need an examination, heart tracing or breathing tests. Mention smoking, allergies, medicines and any previous episodes.