My wife has complained about a tightening in her chest causing coughing systems, asthma like, and also slight pains in her chest. We went to a Cardiologist and they didn t seem to think it was too serious but I m worried about her. What could this be?
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. Tightness in chest with coughing is mostly seen in asthma and bronchitis. So better to consult pulmonologist and get done clinical examination of respiratory system, chest x-ray and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test). PFT is needed for the diagnosis of asthma and bronchitis. It will also tell you about severity of the disease. And treatment is based on severity only. She may need inhaled bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). If all these investigations are normal than sometimes, stress and anxiety can also cause similar symptoms. So ask her to avoid stress and tension if she has. Don't worry, she will be alright. First rule out Pulmonary causes. Hope I have solved your query. Wishing good health to your wife. Thanks.