What Causes Sudden Breathlessness And Burning Feeling In Chest?

Posted on Wed, 20 May 2015

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

Wed, 20 May 2015 Answered on

Fri, 5 Jun 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been experiencing breathlessness ( cant get enough airin) all day for 3 months. Came on suddenly . I am breathless even at rest with increase in the symptom with exertion. I also have midsternal chest squeezing/ burning with exertion ( riding bike or going up stairs). Neg PFT's, neg chest ct, normal EKG , echo and stress tests. I have a feeling of gloom an d doom at times... Thyroid test neg.
could I have a missed heart condition? I am frustrated..

Answered by Dr. Anantharamakrishnan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Counselling can help

Detailed Answer:
Hi friend
Welcome to Health Care Magic

It is unlikely for a heart affliction to be missed – by stress test
And significant lung issue will not be missed by PFT

If you are still worried about your heart, you may go for more tests –
Treadmill Exercise ECG (TMT) with THALLIUM isotope. It is the ideal non-invasive way to evaluate ischemia / to assess the PHYSIOLOGY (function) – to see whether the blood arriving at the heart muscle.
If there is a suggestion, the next step is to see the ANATOMY (structure) – CT angio is non-invasive study for the anatomy
I don’t think you need them. The treating doctor alone could conclude better based on total clinical picture…

The total picture / description is highly suggestive of Depression – You may benefit from Psychological assessment and assistance. There need be no reservation in consulting a Psychiatrist – he can exclude any problem – just like the heart or lung specialist. If he confirms, he can treat

Good luck
God bless you

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