Hi, I Get A Cramping Feeling In My Lungs During

Posted on Mon, 5 Nov 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 5 Nov 2018 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I get a cramping feeling in my lungs during breathing at times. Also sometimes swallowing things end up getting stuck in my chest area until it finally goes through. Not frequently but more than feels right. No history of heart problems. Don’t smoke cigarettes, never have smoked one. I do use cannabis. Father died last year from lung cancer and my mother is a survivor of breast cancer.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You should try proton pump inhibitor drugs first..

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I went through the details provided. And in my opinion before ordering more tests, I would first consider starting proton pump inhibitor drugs - Prilosec OTC once a day.

Cramping while breathing and discomfort during swallowing are few of the known symptoms of GERD and hyperacidity. And prilosec is helpful in these conditions.

If symptoms don't improve after 3 weeks of PPI's may be then you may consider evaluation further.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you need clarifications.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (1 hour later)

Thank you. Will Zantec do the same thing .. and is aspirin advisable?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Zintac will do; no aspirin...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Zintac works similarly but is lesser effective than a PPI drug. In all my patients, I try a combination of zintac + ondansetron / domperidone or PPI + ondansetron / domperidone. If you feel, either zintac or the PPI is not working satisfactorily, I will urge you to see a doctor who will prescribe the aforementioned combination.

I recommend a trial with medications before considering extensive investigations.

Hope it helps you. Let me know if you need clarifications.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (13 hours later)

Appointment made. I did work in the chemical industry for many years before EPA restrictions. From bathing in Acetone to clean off, to mixing lacquers and epoxies with no respirator.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
need not be overly worried about cancer...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I understand you have had some amount of exposure to chemicals during the life span. But the set of symptoms you describe doesn't outrightly point towards cancer.

You've made a good decision to see a doctor. You will find answer to the problem and the medications are going to help you. Do not be overly worried about cancers.

Hope it helps. I am available for clarifications.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad