Chest Tightness: Causes, Symptoms, and Home Remedies

Chest tightness refers to a feeling of pressure, fullness, or constriction in the chest. It may feel like a pressure of weights being put on the chest. Some people may describe it as a difficulty in breathing deeply. It can be a scary experience for some as they might relate it to a symptom of a heart attack; however, fortunately, a large number of reasons contributing to chest tightness may have no correlation with any issues with the heart. It may occur all of a sudden or develop gradually. There may also be accompanying symptoms that may indicate the specific causes of underlying chest tightness.

People often ask, "how to relieve chest tightness". There are quite a few home remedies that can be tried to get relief from it. However, it is important to understand the symptoms and causes of chest tightness to seek suitable treatment.

What is Chest Tightness?

Chest tightness is a general feeling of tightness or discomfort. There may be pain, pressure, or constriction in the area between the abdomen and below the neck. It may be caused by a number of underlying conditions that may not be serious at all.

Lower chest tightness symptoms and causes may differ from such discomfort in other parts of the chest. Thus, it becomes imperative to understand what may be the plausible reasons and accompanying symptoms of the tightness.

Causes of Chest Tightness

The possible tightness in the chest reasons may be attributed to:

• Asthma
• Pneumonia 
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Pulmonary embolism 
• Respiratory infection 
• Pulmonary hypertension 
• Allergies
• Acid reflux or GERD (gastrointestinal reflux disease)
• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Mitral valve prolapse 
• Pericarditis
• Gallstones 
• Shingles
• Peptic ulcer

Apart from the above mentioned causes, another possible chest tightness reason is anxiety or panic attack disorders.

Symptoms of Chest Tightness

A person experiencing chest tightness may have the following additional symptoms:

• Breathing difficulties
• Nausea
• Indigestion
• Sweating
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Increased heartbeat or palpitations  

Risk Factors Of Chest Tightness

Some of the common risk factors that may cause tightness in the chest may include the following.

• Obesity or being overweight
• Having a family history of pulmonary or cardiac conditions
• Smoking
• Allergy exposure
• Leading a sedentary lifestyle 

Home Remedies For Chest Tightness

Here are cause-specific home remedies for tightness in the chest to understand "how do I relieve chest tightness".

1. Respiratory Problems: Experiencing tightness or heaviness in the chest may commonly occur due to infections in the respiratory system, which can be as simple as a common cold causing congestion in the lungs and airways due to the accumulation of mucus.

• Staying hydrated helps dilute the mucus and aids in coughing up mucus more easily. Warm fluids such as soups and hot beverages may be equally beneficial.
• Using decongestant medications may also help to clear the nasal passageway as well as relieve chest congestion.
• Using a humidifier at night may also aid in loosening the mucus and help get a better night's sleep by relieving some pressure off the chest.
• Trying vapour rubs or creams containing methanol may also provide a cooling sensation that may ease chest tightness.

2. Gastrointestinal System Issues: Experiencing heaviness in the chest due to gastroenterological problems is quite common and can be relieved by trying one or more of the following home remedies.

• Eating smaller portions of meals but at frequent intervals of time 
• Avoiding smoking 
• Avoiding carbonated, caffeinated, or alcoholic beverages. Fried foods, fatty foods, chocolate, tomatoes, and onions are among the foods that may worsen the condition.

3. Lung Diseases: Lung problems, such as COPD, may cause afflictions in the chest, leading to symptoms of pain and tightness. Trying the following home remedies may help get relief from chest tightness as a result of pulmonary problems.

• It is crucial to take enough rest and abstain from performing strenuous activities. It may still be recommended to take a light walk but without putting much strain on the body.
• It is also important to understand and avoid certain triggers that may worsen a lung condition.
• Talk to a professional and take medications to manage symptoms.

4. Anxiety Disorders: If a person goes through anxiety or panic attacks, they may experience heaviness in the chest as one of the ensuing symptoms. Following these tips may help manage both the symptoms and anxiety disorders as well.

• Meditation and mindfulness may help to shift focus from anxious thoughts and bring back to the present. Focus on each part of the body and how they feel, or focus on finding five visible things, and add five more and so on until breathing difficulties subside and chest heaviness disappears.
• Focused breathing techniques may also help to control breathing. Count to five while inhaling, hold for four seconds, and release in the next three seconds. Continue this till breathing becomes normal again.
• Exercising regularly is also an engaging way to manage symptoms of anxiety.

5. Muscular Injuries: Apart from these reasons, a person may experience chest tightness as a result of muscular injuries. In such cases, it is very important to seek appropriate medical care and take care at home in the meantime. Resting is important for recovery, and individuals may be recommended to put on a compression bandage or apply ice on the affected area. 

When To Consult A Doctor?

It is important to seek immediate medical attention if chest tightness is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Chest pain or tightness that radiates to the neck, left arm, and the jaw
• Persistent shortness of breath or breathing difficulties 
• Dizziness or lightheadedness 

Chest tightness may also be persistent and may be accompanied by a range of symptoms which may warrant a visit to the doctor, including:

• Fever
• Loss of weight
• Palpitations or rapid heartbeat
• History of pulmonary problems like asthma, COPD, etc.

Conclusion

Chest tightness may be temporary and nothing to worry about in case the underlying cause is manageable easily. However, it may be beneficial to investigate the reason for persistent or severe chest tightness before attempting to treat any of the symptoms. If symptoms make an individual hard to breathe, it is important to seek medical attention as early as possible.