chronic chest tightness for past few years!!!

i have had chest tightness and slight pain for a few years now (I just turned 29). I have irregular breathing, not just in sleep, but during the day as well. I know this sounds weird, but I catch myself involuntarily/unconsciously holding my breath every once in a while. Could the two be related? Or is the chest tightness probably caused by stress? Do I just need to exercise more?

[NURSELPN]

I'd say you need to see a Dr. & possibly have a sleep study done for sleep apnea or a cardiac work up. You shouldn't ignore chest tightness, no matter your age.
                          Good Luck, J

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Has a chest xray been done to rule out any rib fracture, chest infection, or air in the pleural space?

There could be several causes of the symptoms you are having including a muscle pull, injury or trauma at the site, chest infection, etc.

Do you have any associated symptoms?

You should apply some local pain relief medications, take some oral pain relief medications, maintain a proper posture throughout the day, try some warm compresses.

You could take some antireflux antinausea medications and see if they help with your symptoms - this could be pain due to reflux or GERD.

Consult the doctor if the symptoms persist and discuss whether you need to get any investigations including a chest xray and ECG done.

Let us know about how you are doing and if you need any other information.

Regards.