Hello doctor, I am having difficulty in breathing. It is like I always need to take deep breaths. And I think it gets worse after I eat. On top of that, it triggers an anxiety attack most of the time. Another thing is, there is this sensation in my chest, I do not know if is right to call it as tightening or pressure. Usually, when I stand up it somehow alleviates that sensation but the breathing difficulty is still there. Sometimes all of the symptoms go away like for hours but then it comes back. I think I am having these symptoms for three weeks or a month now. I am doing self-diagnosis and I do not really know which of these is it, costochondritis, angina, GERD or COPD. That is why now, I am seeking the help of a professional. I just hope it is nothing serious.
Hello,  Welcome to icliniq.com. Do you have any other symptoms like cough and colds, history of trauma, fever, body aches, diarrhea, or throat pain? When did you feel tightening or pressure in the chest area, any numbness or weakness in the left arm? Do you feel any burning sensation at the epigastric region (just below your sternum, part of the upper abdomen)? Will you do frequent throat clearing? You also mentioned it gets worse after eating, what food usually triggers it? Do you experience bloatedness or frequent flatulation? Does it get better when you burp or flatulate? Have you tried any medication? Do you smoke? Did this happen before? Perhaps the anxiety is due to the uncertainty or fear that it might be related to COVID? But based on what you have described so far, it is highly unlikely. I understand the ECQ does not really help and a lot of people are also having the same issue. When we confine ourselves within the premises of our home for this long it takes a lot of things from us. The quarantine has taken our slight sense of freedom, control, and changed it to what we know now as the new normal. But please understand that it might take sometime before the quarantine is lifted but know all of these things are only temporary. So far, your symptom is pointing to dyspepsia (umbrella for Gerd, hyperacidity, etc). But I need answers to some of the questions mentioned above in order to strengthen the diagnosis.