Heavy Chest- Congestion

[rmsalt]

I am 43 year old male 6'- 205lbs. I played tennis about 2 and half months ago and a few days later I felt heavy congestion in my chest with no mucas or coughing and no pain. At night it was difficult breathing but woke up with fairly clear breathing. I went to the doctor and had blood work and a Chest Xray and everything was normal. Over the past few years I have had refuxe and have taken prevacid. The doctor put me on a PPI thinking it could have been reflux that caused this. Well two and half months later I am still having problems. I have improved greatly but find it difficult to lean back in a chair or sofa feeling tightness in my trachea and chest having to sit up to get a good breath of air. If acid reflux caused the congestion feeling how long would it take for the symptms to go away? By the way there are days that I have no symptoms at all and days that are worst than others. Is anxiety a possiblity?

[Vickster01]

A related discussion, Middle ear infection & heavy chest was started.

[LINEY1956]

A related discussion, cough congestion only when lying down was started.

[National Jewish]

Acid reflux could still be causing your symptoms.  It may be that the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) is not completely controlling your acid reflux.  Another consideration is that asthma is causing your symptoms.  Ask your doctor about being checked for these things.

[Inanga]

i have a similar thing - very simple in my case. When I feel like It's hard to get a breath through my nose I do a mouth breath and it's easy. Basicall nasal congesting from allergies are making it harder for the air to get sucked down. It's quite scary at the time but I know I can mouth breath when required, and also I can treat the congestion/ allergies. a small does of antihistamine keep it at bay. Hope yours is as simple. Sometimes the simple things don't get picked up by the doctors and you go through enless tests and get worried because they can't find anything. Breathing problems can be very worrying and frightening and the stress can make it worse. good luck

[mike007]

have you looked into chronic bronquities?

[rmsalt]

I have been to see my doctor three different times. The first time he thought it might be Pneumonia or Bronchitis but I have no cough, no fever, no wheezing or phlegm. My lungs sound clear according to the doctor. The chest Xray and blood work came back normal. I just have restricted breathing. I must say the breathing part is getting much better but full inhales and exhales are tight and cause my restricted breathing to return for 30 minutes or so. It might go away after a few months but it is frustrating not to know what it is.