Chest tightness when sick

A cold or chest infection can inflame the breathing tubes and make the chest feel heavy, especially with coughing or wheezing. Fever, repeated coughing and forceful breathing can also tire the muscles between the ribs. Asthma presents with chest tightness and wheeze, while COPD can flare during an infection. Burning behind the breastbone or a sour taste may point toward Acid Reflux. Anxiety can tighten chest muscles and change breathing, but it should not be assumed to explain a new physical symptom.

Rest, drink fluids if you can, avoid smoke and note when the tightness began. Sit upright and take gentle breaths rather than repeatedly forcing a deep breath. If you have a prescribed reliever inhaler, use it exactly as directed; do not borrow someone else’s medicine. Arrange clinical advice if the feeling persists, returns with each illness, or comes with wheeze, fever or reduced activity tolerance. A clinician may listen to your chest and check oxygen levels.

Seek emergency help for severe or rapidly worsening tightness, marked difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, fainting, confusion, coughing blood, or pressure that spreads to the arm, back, neck or jaw. Angina can present as chest pressure with exertion, and a heart attack can be difficult to distinguish from indigestion at home. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or severely breathless.

Ask whether the pattern fits an airway flare, infection, reflux or another cause; whether you need an examination or testing; and how to use your own Inhaler Therapy safely. Share your temperature, cough, wheeze, medicines, medical history and whether exertion changes the sensation.