Heavy Feeling in Chest, Shortness of Breath

[prozac_ace143]

Hello,

I'm a 23 year old male, non smoker, occasional drinker, and pure vegetarian. Of late I have been experiencing occasional bouts of a very heavy feeling on the left side of my chest, along with a difficulty in inhaling. It goes away in around 3 4 days time. When this happens, I cannot manage to take more than 10 - 15 steps at a time, and have to sit down, in order to lower my heart rate. If i climb a flight of stairs, it feels like my chest is about to explode.

I had experienced Asthma as a kid, but only till I was 12 years old. I have also noticed that the above mentioned symptoms occur when I have traveled and adjusting to a new surrounding, especially a different country. I think it may also be related to weight changes that I experience during these times.

Thank You.

Ace

[prozac_ace143]

Thanks for your response. The feeling is gone now by the way, and a few discussions with friends have now led me to believe that it could have just been excess gas build up. I remember that I hadn't taken breakfast that day. If that could be the possible reason, is there anyway I can take care of it once it happens?

Thanks.
Ace

[Tammy2009]

Since the symptoms are on inhaling, it probably isn't asthma.  Asthma affects exhaling by narrowing the lung passages.  

Vocal chord dysfunction as well as anxiety symptoms (even if you don't feel anxious until the breathing symptoms occur) are two possibilities to look into.  

There are also cardiac related issues that can arise and cause shortness of breath that should be looked into.  Doctor visit is important and see if you can get pulmonary function tests.