horrible gripping sensation lung/asophogus

[genty192]

I am 54 yrs female with moderate to severe emphysema the last few weeks I have developed a horrible gripping sensation at the centre of my chest and across my lungs/diaphragm it feels like its setting in stone very unpleasant, and its also adding to my breathing problems can anyone regognise this or help in any way.
Thanks

[Jenn12546]

Do you use a nebulizer? I find that getting bronchodilators in that fashion helps more than an inhaler for some reason. Maybe that is something you could ask your doc for to at least try. I hope the steroids work soon and that you get relief.
Keeping you in my thoughts,
Jenn

[genty192]

what you say about the bronchil tubes shutting down is exactly what it feels like i cannot seem to clear the left side near my heart it is so tight, i am on steriods at the moment too been on for 5 days but that hasnt seemed to help either so as you can see im just not in a good place right now but thanks for listening x

[Jenn12546]

You know, another thing to consider is reflux disease, what you describe can be from GERD as well. Reflux can mimic asthmatic symptoms, right down to the tightness of your chest and even wheezing. It is definitely worth looking into as once that is controlled, then your symptoms should get much better if that is indeed the issue.
Jenn

[Jenn12546]

I meant that anxiety is NOT our best friend....me and my fingers LOL :)

[Jenn12546]

Are you doing anything when this happens? Such as, are you at rest or doing some activities? Either way, what do you do to help relieve it? As RRT Dave said, bronchodilators are a good thing as it sounds like your airways are clamping down so to speak, making it tougher to get air. Bronchodilators will open up those airways, making it easier to breathe. Do you practice pursed lip breathing by any chance? That also helps....I have severe lung issues and find that whenever I feel that way, pursed lip breathing helps but I also do an extra neb and try to relax as worrying over it makes things a whole lot worse. Anxiety is definitely our best friend whenever breathing becomes an issue....easier said than done, isn't it?

Please talk to your doctor about it as he or she will probably tweak your meds to make you more comfortable and also to help prevent these episodes. I know how unnerving they can be...any measures that can be done to help is worth it in my opinion. RRT makes a good point as far as rehab goes, I am currently on my 4th round of rehab to try and strengthen my muscles, especially those that are responsible for breathing. A stronger muscle makes for more efficient use of O2, therefore, less respiratory effort.

Good luck
Jenn :)

[RRTDave]

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/copd/DS00916/DSECTION=symptoms

Adding inhaled steroids (symbicort or advair) may help, in addition to bronchodilators like Duoneb. Also there are a few long acting bronchodilators such as Brovana.

Talk with your MD and make a plan to manage your symptoms. You may also qualify for a pulmonary rehabilitation program which will help.

David