What Causes Shortness Of Breath, Chest Pain And Wheezing?

Posted on Sun, 15 Nov 2015

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

Sun, 15 Nov 2015 Answered on

Sun, 6 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello yesterday I had an episode of compression chest pain with some wheeze in lungs and shortness of breath. The same thing happened last night and this morning and I was taken to my local hospital via ambulance. ECG normal , afebrile but sweaty and clammy. Urinanalysis was normal. Oxygen sats 95% on room air. Full blood picture was fine and troponin negative. CRP slightly elevated at 14.
I was given simple analgesia and salbutimol with minimal effect. I was told there was nothing else they could do as it was deemed non life threatening.
Of note I also have quite bad stomach distension and have noted a pulsating above umbilicus and some dizziness.
My question is, are they related?
I have been discharged home but feel no better. I am very familiar with bronchitis and I don't feel this is my problem. Thanks in advance.

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Shortness of breath usually leads to distension of abdomen

Detailed Answer:
Hi
'Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day

Dear Ms

Wheezing and shortness of breath are usually associated with air hunger leading to aerophagia( excessive swallowing of air) which usually leads to distension of abdomen. It usually subsides with improvement of wheezing . Realised CRP is an indicator of underlying infection as the cause of respiratory symptoms.
Shortness of breath is usually associated with tachycardia( elevated heart rate) , in thin individuals this may lead to visibly pulsation in umbilical region. There is no cause for concern.

I would also suggest you the following which will provide you much need relief

1. Continue Salbutamol

2. Steam inhalation preferably using electronic steamer will be helpful 15 minutes each session thrice a day

3. Oral antibiotics like Azithromycin once a day for three days

4. Salbutamol Nebulisation will be helpful

Do get back to me if you need any further assistance , will be glad to assist you

Take Care

Best regards
Dr Shobha Deepak

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

Follow up: Dr. T Shobha Deepak (14 minutes later)

Hello doctor, thanks for your review.

My issue with pulsation is that i am quite overweight and it is noticeable and it can be felt by myself without palpation.

I just wondered if possibility of abdominal issue causing the chest discomfort. My chest x ray this morning was NAD.

I also was not tachy. Heart rate steady and around 67bpm. Although I feel short of breath, my resp rate is normal too. Not related to any anxiety disorder.

I am sorry for the long winded answers, but I am confused and unable to function or perform any activities of daily living.

Thanks again

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (0 minute later)

Brief Answer:
There is no cause for concern

Detailed Answer:
Dear Ms

As the zChest X ray is normal and you have been thoroughly examined by the physician , then there seems to be no cause of concern. I would suggest you to follow previous advise as mentioned. A good sleep and adequate intake of nutritional diet will be very helpful.

Take Care

Regards
Dr Shobha

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