Chest tightness with shortness of breath

Asthma, acute bronchitis, bronchiectasis, and COPD can narrow or irritate the airways, often with cough, wheeze, or phlegm. Angina may cause chest discomfort during exertion. Anaemia can reduce oxygen delivery and contribute to breathlessness and tiredness. Atrial fibrillation may cause an irregular heartbeat, weakness, or breathlessness. Anaphylaxis can rapidly cause breathing difficulty with swelling, hives, or throat tightness. These patterns overlap, so the symptom combination cannot identify one cause.

Stop activity, sit upright, loosen tight clothing, and try to stay still while arranging help. Use your prescribed reliever or emergency allergy medicine according to your written plan. Do not use another person’s medicine. Note onset, triggers, wheeze, cough, fever, palpitations, rash, and known conditions for the clinician.

Call emergency services immediately if breathing is difficult at rest, symptoms start suddenly, the lips look blue or grey, you cannot speak comfortably, you feel faint or confused, or chest pressure spreads to the arm, jaw, shoulder, or back. Facial or tongue swelling, widespread hives, or throat closing after an exposure is an emergency.

Ask whether you need heart, lung, blood, or rhythm checks; how to use your prescribed inhaler; which symptoms mean emergency care; and whether recent infection, allergies, smoking, medication, or reduced fitness could be contributing.