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upper abdominal tightness and shortness of breath-Please help.

Hi everyone,
I was just wondering if anyone had upper abdominal tightness that also had shortness of breath and was diagnosed with liver disease?  I am a 29 year old female who for the past 2 years have been having shortness of breath or feeling of not getting enough air.  I have been diagnosed with Acid Reflux as this seems to be only thing they could find. I have had numerous tests and besides thyroid nodules was all they could find. About a year or so ago I had a chest xray done to see if anything showed to indicate this feeling. Nothing was found. I had Upper GI and the only thing they saw was the acid reflux. I have been to numerous doctors and had a complete blood work done. I assume that in this complete blood workup the also tested my kidney and liver. The doctor said that everything looked ok and nothing besides a slightly elelvated wbc. Because of that I retook the blood test and my count was back to normal. I have been suffering from this for this long and want to know if there is anything else that I can do. I do notice however that when i add pressure to my upper abdomen, burp, or just bear down on my upper abdomen, or just relax i find that i can take that satisfying deep breath. Can anyone help me. I am really worried that I might have cancer or some other terrible fatal disease.One more thing, when I breath through my mouth i find that i don't relly have this feeling, but mainly when I breath through my nose or try to take a deep breath through my nose i feel that way and my abdomen feels tight.
Thanks
23 Responses
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Avatar universal
It could very well be GAD, or General Anxiety Disorder. I have pretty much what you are explaining and was told that I have acid reflux. But the worry of it being more than just that causes panic or anxiety attacks that make you feel like you can't breath and that someone is squeezing your chest and abdomin.

Ask your doctor about this as well. Since you are a self proclaimed hypochondriac, that could very well be the diagnosis.
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
Most often the cause of these problems is a spasm or tightening of the diaphragm. I've dealt with this problem most of my 70 years and went through a lot of what's already been mentioned, e.g. tests. GO TO SEE A CHIROPRACTOR!!!  They can usually fix this in under 5 minutes...no tests...no meds!  The regular MDs, sadly,  seem unfamiliar with the condition or the solution.
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Avatar universal
I have had the very exact same thing and feel same way. Done all the tests the doctor just said I am spasms which is causing this. just started amitryptline or however you spell it. lol did it ever go away?
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1 Comments
i think i know what is causing this.
it is from a herniated disk in our spine right around the area that is near to our stomach. that when swollen puts pressure on our stomach just slightly enough to mildly restrict breathing, as many of you have complained that this seems to be more present if standing.
Avatar universal
Hello, I have had many of the same symptoms on this thread for the last 5 years. Difficulty breathing on exertion, even talking makes me winded at times and appears to be worse when standing. I also have the extreme tightness in my upper abdomen under the rib cage and feel as if my breathing is somehow being forced to pull from my abdomen. When standing, breathing can be difficult at times. When the symptoms first started, I was evaluated by a Neurologist due to symptoms I read about POTS (Postural Orthostatic tachycardia Syndrome) and was eventually diagnosed with it after a positive Tilt table test. I have been to numerous doctors, cardio, pulmonary, neuro, gastro, endo, etc. and all other tests are normal. I do also suffer from thyroid nodules but have been told this is not related to the symptoms I experience on a daily basis. My heart rate is also highly elevated upon standing so I am taking a beta blocker to lower the heart rate (although blood pressure is low). In summary, my diagnosis is POTS. Not sure if I agree that all symptoms are related to this, but I have not been able to get confirmation of any other health issues present causing my symptoms. Treatment for POTS includes fluids, exercise and medication if necessary.
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1 Comments
Too bad no medical professionals can get on here to answer these questions for us?
Avatar universal
Hi, did anyone ever get a diagnosis please? Exact same issue since 10 months, any help or advise is appreciated!!!!
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2 Comments
I have similar problem too but everything goes away when i start exercise i do curl ups jogging everything that deals with upper and lower abdomen.and when i stop exercise and dietay problem comes back again soi decide to exercise again healtylifestyle and its gone again.sorry for my english.
My labtest are all ok.cardio.xray.ultrasound.cbc but my doctor cant diagnose anything.
Avatar universal
Gluten intolerance
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Avatar universal
Hi joeybs  I'm back at respiritory in September they are going to repeat the tests  are doing a fluridscopy again to compare as I am a bit better than when it first happened , but I had a bit of are lapse a few weeks ago and I was struggling with getting a deep breath and breath urge again. . It's got a bit better again since . I. Still unsure I go from thinking the consultants right  , it's diaphragm related , but then I get this weird pinching sometimes really strong in the epigastric and sternum area  I'm at the gastro today as he  was checking for other causes . I still think I should have a ct scan as the normal tests are nt giving me definite answer s  , but everyone seem reluctant to let me have this . It's a horrible thing and so frustrating not  to really know what the cause is . I also went on holiday and swam a lot in the pool and the sea.  And my respiritory consultant said  if I swam the pressure  would really affect my diaphragm if it is weak . But again totally the opposite ,I had no problem  , did notice the pinching sensation  particularly at night went crazy . It's very weird . I will post as I go along
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Avatar universal
I have had similar problems for a year  strange I can breathe when laying down  did you find any answers .?
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I hope every one feeling better by now. did anybody have a diagnosis for this issue. I am suffering since September. I did all kinds of tests with no clue.
Avatar universal
I have had similar problem it started in March this year I suddenly one night could not get a deep breath in , I totally panicked and went to a&e dept  where they brushed me off with its prob a  virus  as I had a slight cough .. This went on and on  and I literally struggled every day to breath in and a Constant breath urge ,  I was told reflux  and put on lansoprazole but endoscopy showed nothing. , had  helibacter test negative , uss  and  breathing test. Finally  my respiratory consultant says breath and lung function s Fine and has said because I have a  very slight elevated left diaphram  she s come to the conclusion it maybe  is caused by a virus causing a nerve problem that may come back within a year . Or may not recover , this  is very upsetting as tho I'm a bit better , I struggle every day  with deep breathing . Also I am fine when lying down , I saw a chiropractor yesterday for another opinion really as I feel the breath thing comes from my middle stomach. Like the muscles lock , he even questioned  why lying down would make any difference if it was nerve related  and also it contradicts my symptoms as in therory my stomach would put pressure on my diaphragm   When in lying position making breathing more difficult  so I have not much faith in that  diagnosis  , I've read up on even people with diaphram paralysis at do not have there's symptoms  they get breathless on exertion , I don't  I'm worse when standing up as I feel I mechanically need to pull up from my stomach  to get my breath in also I seem to get trouble swallowing  , I haven't got a hernia. Either .One more theory I have that's seem s to be getting dismissed is that I have adenmyosis which is Enlarged womb which is on the left side. And was once told  by gynaecologist. It could  put pressure on other  surrounding organs  squeezing things  in an so pushing on stomach and diaphragm  however he could not say 100 percent that was definite  so I'm reluctant to have a major operation  hysterectomy if   That isn't the cause. ..  No meds work    Iv tried supplements.  Anti inflammatorys. Nothing helps  except  coming home and lying down  its getting me seriously down now as no one seems able to help with the cause or symptoms  that's me up to date. And I'm at a loss  good luck to everyone as its a horrible upsetting thing to live with
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Avatar universal
Not sure this site is going to help me, does anyone ever get replies ????
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4 Comments
I'm feeling the same way about anyone answering questions I've been been threw every single test possible and always different answers from different doctors that act like I'm bothering them but I'm trying to get answers about my new very troubling problem I have VERY dark urine yellowish eyes and my heartburn has become worse and doesn't stop so if u find out anything please let me know
Tanya - Hope by now you have found answers. Given that I have been looking for a medical solution for a long time, you may still be looking, too. What I have found out, though, is that the yellowish eyes could indicate jaundice... pancreas or liver could be having trouble. If you haven't already, mention this to your doctor -- s/he can do blood tests to quickly determine your enzyme levels. Even if you find something like this and treat it successfully, it may not solve the "tight band" problem. This is what happened to me. Solved other problems, but just get blank stares when I describe this one.
Hi, I would recommend going to a G.I. doctor having your pancreas check abdomen CT‘s stool test to see if that’s why your eyes are yellowing and you’re getting bloating and can’t eat . pancreas is very hard to spot if you have a problem it should be rechecked with abdomen CT‘s. I would also get a colonoscopy and endoscopy
Hi, I would recommend going to a G.I. doctor having your pancreas check abdomen CT‘s stool test to see if that’s why your eyes are yellowing and you’re getting bloating and can’t eat . pancreas is very hard to spot if you have a problem it should be rechecked with abdomen CT‘s. I would also get a colonoscopy and endoscopy
Avatar universal
Hello Rotoman, I am 53 and have the systems you do ? Have you received any answers? I have tightness in my upper abdomen, which with any kind of movement, like vacuuming, makes it worse. I have had an ultrasound,a swallow test with a tube up my nose and down my throat, another test where I stood in front of an exray and swallowed a white chalky liquid, upper endoscopy, and colonoscopy. All have come back normal. I am very frustrated
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Avatar universal
Hello Rotoman, I am 53 and have the systems you do ? Have you received any answers? I have tightness in my upper abdomen, which with any kind of movement, like vacuuming, makes it worse. I have had an ultrasound,a swallow test with a tube up my nose and down my throat, another test where I stood in front of an exray and swallowed a white chalky liquid, upper endoscopy, and colonoscopy. All have come back normal. I am very frustrated
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Has anyone gotten any answers yet? I've been having the same problem for about 10 months now and have had just about every test known to man done and they can't find anything. I've even been on anti-anxiety meds in case that was it and still I'm having problems.
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1 Comments
Everybody should leave more medical information. Overweight ,smoker ,ex-smoker, exercise , over eating , hyper inflated lungs ,COPD , heart problems etc. all this can cause the same problem including all G.I. Problems that may cause you to change your diet in order to feel better.  Just trying to help
Avatar universal
I am a 78 year old male who has been experiencing problems similar those outlined on many of the above letters.  My aortic valve was replaced about six years ago, and I have not had any problems pertaining to my heart performance or breathing functions until recently. In the early part of this year I started experiencing shortness of breath, accompanied by discomfort in my upper abdomen and full chest area.  Simple tasks such as running a vacuum cleaner, bending down to pick up an object or tie my shoes,  carrying packages from the car to the house, or taking a short walk result in the discomfort in the chest and abdomen, sometimes accompanied by a slight dizziness.  I have to stop whatever I am doing and rest.  After a few minutes of rest, everything seems to return to normal.  This increase in breathing difficulty with the slightest amount of exertion made me worry that my heart was causing the problems.  I visited my cardiologist and preliminary examination resulted in heart function being normal.  Further checking with an electrocardiogram, nuclear stress test, heart pictures and echo cardiogram indicated, to my relief, that the heart was not the cause of my shortness of breath, or discomfort in the chest and abdomen. I am about 15 pounds overweight.  My upper abdomen has a tenderness to the feel, slightly below the rib cage. Interestingly, since the breathing problems have gotten more troublesome, my blood pressure has dropped from slightly above normal to well below normal, but well within standard guidelines.  I have been taking medication to control high blood pressure for about fifteen years, with no side effects.
I have an annual physical checkup scheduled with my family physician, and a follow up appointment with my cardiologist next week.  Hopefully, some positive answers will be found to my problems.
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Avatar universal
Hey Fredda
I have the exact same problem you do, find out any solutions yet?

Giffy
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Avatar universal
I have been having similar symptoms. I have tightness in my abdomen with shortness of breath. The breathing trouble gets really bad at times. The tightness comes and goes all day. It feels better to breath when laying down. I also get light headed and the shakes sometimes. I do have some burping and feel very full even when I don't eat. I have been to the hospital twice and had several test done. I have been told I have a fluid filled sac on my kidney as well as one on my liver. It is only cyst, however, this is not the case of the abdomen tightness and trouble breathing. It is very frustrating when no one can help. I had a CT w/o contrast 6 months ago and it showed an elevation in my diaghram. I have been insisting on further testing and getting a CT w/wo contrast of abdo/pelvis tomorrow. I am also going to the GI doctor for his opinion as well. it may be a bacteria infection in the stomach or it may be cyst in other organs that are affecting the pressure on your abdomen. I will post my results once I receive it. I suggest you ask your doctor for a CT abdomen/pelvis with and without contrast as this will show what a X-ray and other test won't.
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Avatar universal
I have all of these symptoms. Went to  a hospital emergency and they gave me all kind of tests that cost me 18,0000 dollars. I don't have 18,000 dollars of coarse so that's another story. I do have the same symptoms though. They game me pro air and other asthma stuff. None of it helps. i stopped using it.
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Avatar universal
i have the same feelings as most everyone here. whenever i try to breath i feel like i can take a full deep breath or if i do i have to work really hard to get one and its very uncomfortable. i have been diagnosed with acid reflux which i think might be really severe becasue this has been going on for so long now. the top of my stomach tightens up so much and when i try to talk i can barley get a word out because i am so short of breath. ive had more doctors appt than i can count in the past yr and still they cant find what is wrong.
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Avatar universal
I have the same symptoms, my stomach feels like it is going to explode, and I can't breathe. I can't sleep right now either. Sometimes I feel its in my head, but I really feel it. When I wake up in the middle of the night, I feel that if I don't get a deep breath I will suffocate. Really they need to find a cure for this, I am tired of it. I have tried prilosec and all other meds, but they fail. I even had that laproscopic surgery  done, nothing helped.
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Avatar universal
Your symptoms sound a lot like mine. I'm 26, female, dont smoke, used to drink in college but not anymore. That abdominal tightness feels like someone is squeezing me around the waste and I find it takes some work to breathe. It usually happens in the evening, but sometimes during the day too, and it even makes me have difficulty falling asleep. When this first started in February, I thought I was having a heart attack or something, so I went to the ER cause it was really bad. They checked literally EVERYTHING (heart, lungs, blood, even checked for signs of blood clots) and I was fine, so they sent me home! Later my doctor gave me medication for allergy/asthma (singulair) and i'm not sure if its doing any good yet. I also tried an albuterol inhaler which I think did nothing. I'm also occasionally taking Maalox chewables, because I have a suspicion it may be related to acid reflux or gerd.... I eat a lot of spicy foods and coffee, although I never "feel" any heartburn... but that's the road that I'm thinking of trying next. A pharmacist recommended prevacid and said it could be giving me the breathing problems... I guess I will try that next. Otherwise, I have no idea... (I also feel better when I burp and breathe better thru my mouth).  

If you're worried about your liver or something specific, it doesnt  hurt to ask your doctor about it. The risk of sounding stupid is far outweighed by the piece of mind. Besides, they've literally heard everything! Also, have you actually been taking the acid reflux medication? If so, what kind and how did that work out for you?
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Avatar universal
If you feel it in your chest and throat,  it is possible that a small amount is being carried to your lungs just from normal respiration.  A friend's mother a few years ago ended up with lung cancer that the doctors suspected was from years a reflux.  My experience is to drink plenty of water over the course of the day, take your medications, no coffee or carbonated drinks and eat smaller meals.   Good luck
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Avatar universal
how can you tell if it is in your lungs? Are there other symptoms if this does happen?

Thanks
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Avatar universal
I have had GERD most of my life.  Reflux can and does come up and can enter your lungs and sinus.  You may not really realize it.  If you are getting reflux into your lungs, this could be it.  This is dangerous.  Can cause long term issues.  Make sure you take your meds and talk to your doctor (GI) about  this.  Good luck.
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1 Comments
worriedhypochondriac do you always insult yourself?
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