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What Causes Chest Pain From Cold Air And Throat Constriction?

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Posted on Fri, 26 Jun 2015
Question: UPDATED: Added more.

This is not an emergency. These symptoms have been occurring acutely for about a year and I am usually able to take action to stop them.

Symptoms: Chest pains when exposed to air condiionting/ cold air.
- sharp or dull
- usually localized(left center chest)
- fairly strong.
- when pain is present, it increases with exhalation
- Turning off the air condoning keeps the pain from escalating and the symptoms usually subside within a relatively short time (2-20 minutes).

History:
- about 2 years now
- however, my concern is that the condition is progressing in
- frequency
- duration
- intensity


Other Conditions:
-vocal chord disorder. dx and by ENT within last 12 months. Have had some treatment.My throat often feels constricted externally - a strong choking sensation/pain. I have been exploring triggers and significant change in air temp( too hot or too cold) is one of my VCD triggers and at times it can occur simutaneously with the chest pain - but not usually. And the chest pain is not induced by my other VCD triggers and seems to me to have a separate etiology.

Medication:
I'm guessing what your first question may be… and yes, I am on a medium to low dose of anti-depressants and methylphenidate for ADD.
I am convinced the chest pain is not related to anxiety. The first reason is because I have been on these same meds for about 5 years now with great results and my mental health is currently best its been in last few years.

Secondly, the chest pain symptoms occur even while I am my most relaxed - i.e.: listening to my favorite songs in the car, not concerned about anything and driving through a beautiful XXXXXXX day.

Thirdly, there is high correlation between the AC/onset of symptoms - and removing the AC/ decreasing symptoms.

Tests:
- no allergies (tested within 3 months)
- no asthma (tested within 3 months)
- not a smoker/drug user
- healthy otherwise
- no respiratoy infections, trauma, family history
- healthy weight
- healthy diet
- medium low level of exercise

Thank you for any insight or direction you may be able to offer!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
perhaps symptoms from acute coronary syndrome

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I had gone through your question and understand your concerns that you are having recurrent episodes of chest pain.

Answers and solutions for your queries.

1. Cold breeze, due to air conditioner causes vaso constriction, which can lead to coronary vaso-spasm leading to chest pain. We need TMT test and stress dobutamine ECHO test to look for coronary blocks.

2. GERD (gasro esophagial reflux disease) also causes spasm of heart and its musculature (heart and esophagus or stomach shares same nerve supply). Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy may be performed to rule out the degree of GERD.

You can discuss about the two condition with your local physician. If they feel so, the tests can be ordered.

Mean time, avoid direct exposure to air conditioner, maintain timely meals, take small 6 meals instead of large 3, sleeping posture (head-up 30 degrees) to avoid regurgitation, avoid caffeine or carbonated drinks, regular walk and stress free life style.

Hope this answers your question, if you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Wishing you good health.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Abubakar Siddiqh

ENT Specialist

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 2038 Questions

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What Causes Chest Pain From Cold Air And Throat Constriction?

Brief Answer: perhaps symptoms from acute coronary syndrome Detailed Answer: Hi, I had gone through your question and understand your concerns that you are having recurrent episodes of chest pain. Answers and solutions for your queries. 1. Cold breeze, due to air conditioner causes vaso constriction, which can lead to coronary vaso-spasm leading to chest pain. We need TMT test and stress dobutamine ECHO test to look for coronary blocks. 2. GERD (gasro esophagial reflux disease) also causes spasm of heart and its musculature (heart and esophagus or stomach shares same nerve supply). Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy may be performed to rule out the degree of GERD. You can discuss about the two condition with your local physician. If they feel so, the tests can be ordered. Mean time, avoid direct exposure to air conditioner, maintain timely meals, take small 6 meals instead of large 3, sleeping posture (head-up 30 degrees) to avoid regurgitation, avoid caffeine or carbonated drinks, regular walk and stress free life style. Hope this answers your question, if you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions. Wishing you good health.