Home remedies for tight chest and shortness of breath

Chest tightness and breathlessness can arise from asthma, a chest infection, anaemia, heart-related conditions or an allergic reaction. Anxiety can also change breathing, but it should not be assumed to be the cause before urgent problems are considered. The timing, trigger, pain quality, cough, wheeze, fever, palpitations and previous diagnoses help a clinician judge what is happening.

Stop exertion, sit upright and loosen tight clothing. Move away from smoke or another suspected irritant. Use only a prescribed reliever inhaler or emergency medicine according to your personal plan; do not borrow someone else’s inhaler. If symptoms are mild but new, contact a clinician promptly rather than relying on steam, herbal products or breathing exercises. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or severely breathless.

Call emergency services for severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, blue or grey lips, inability to speak in full sentences, fainting, confusion, severe chest pressure, pain spreading to the arm or jaw, coughing blood, or swelling of the lips, tongue or throat. Sudden symptoms after food, medicine or an insect sting may indicate anaphylaxis. New breathlessness with a fast or irregular heartbeat also needs urgent assessment.

What tests could identify the cause of my symptoms? Do I need an inhaler or an action plan? Which changes in breathing, chest pain or heartbeat should prompt emergency care?