What Causes Tight Chest, Heartburn And Dizziness?

Posted on Tue, 13 May 2014

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

Tue, 13 May 2014 Answered on

Mon, 9 Jun 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I am having some difficulty when I lay down to sleep, my chest is tight, I'm a little dizzy. But I had heartburn this evening and my nasal passages are swollen a bit. I'm not in pain. I don't want to call 911 if I don't need to. It's late and I'm just so tired, but when I lay down I can't sleep. I have sleep apnea, but it feels like I can't get enough air to breath through the cpap machine, so I took it off.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Following suggestions...

Detailed Answer:
Hi my dear,

I have gone through your medical history and feel sorry for the situation you are in.

Having your chest tight and feeling a little dizzy might be related to:
- oscillations in blood pressure (BP): if you have any blood pressure monitoring machine, please measure your BP and record the results.

- heartburn you had this evening: take antiacid. If you do not have any at home, can take 1 teaspoon of soda bicarbonate with half glass of water. Can add sugar if you cannot drink it as it is.

I also advise to drink more water.

- take another pillow when laying down to sleep. That could ease your breathing

- if you have any nasal decongestant, please use it. If you do not have any, I advise to warm up water (1 liter) with 1 tablespoon salt, and inhale the evaporating steam. If you have any other asthma pump or drug, can use it to ease breathing.

- prepare a good chamomile tea before going to bed.

Please do not forget to monitor BP and record the results.

Hope it helped! Let me know if you have further queries!
Dr.Albana

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