Where Exactly To Massage
The main muscles of respiration are:
And heres one more minor respiratory muscle in the low back that could be clinically significant:
- The quadratus lumborum is a sheet of muscle spanning from the pelvis to the lower rib. A crampy quadratus lumborum can pull down on the lower rib like an action hero clinging to the landing skid of a helicopter. It may painfully resist elevation of the rib cage during inhalation and/or hurt when contracting to pull it down during exhalation. Read more about quadratus lumborum massage.
It is also well worthwhile to massage other muscles throughout the neck, shoulders, and chest. Even the upper back! Soothing them may indirectly help the actual respiration muscles. And even if they dont control breathing themselves, they often produce sensations that feel related to breathing in a way that is hard to describe. Feeling stiff in the upper back often has a lot of sensory overlap with shortness of breath they are similar and probably related sensations.
For instance, its startling how much trigger points between the shoulder blades can feel related to breathing . After professional massage of this area, patients often say something like, I feel like I can breathe again! Even if they didnt feel short of breath to begin with!
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You’re Also Experiencing Sudden Weight Loss
If you’re rapidly losing weight and sweating excessively, you may have a thyroid condition like hyperthyroidism. Infections including tuberculosis and mononucleosis, as well as certain types of cancers, can lead to these symptoms too, Garshick said.
“If you’re experiencing sudden weight loss and sweating, it can mean many different things and is important to see a board-certified physician,” she said.
Managing And Preventing Shortness Of Breath
The sensation of not being able to get your breath can be distressing and frightening. Anxiety can cause a further constriction of the chest, creating more trouble breathingwhich creates more anxiety.
This is a dirty cycle. For people who are experiencing shortness of breath as a result of fibromyalgia, breathing, relaxation and meditation exercises can be helpful.
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Muscle Aches Fatigue And Shortness Of Breath
Muscle aches, fatigue and shortness of breath are three symptoms that often present themselves concurrently and are common to a variety of disorders or illnesses. The seasonal flu is the most common cause of this triad of symptoms, but the root of the problem may also be a more serious condition such as bronchitis, pneumonia or other viral or bacterial infection.
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When To Go To The Hospital
You need to seek emergency treatment if you have any of these symptoms:
Chest Pain
Chest pain should always be considered a serious symptom because it can indicate an emergency situation. If youre experiencing chest pain and any of these factors apply to you, you should seek emergency care:
- You have a strong family history of early heart disease.
- Youre 45 years old or older and you have any of the risk factors for coronary artery disease, including obesity, smoking, family history, diabetes, high cholesterol, or a sedentary lifestyle.
- The pain is worse than any other chest pain youve had.
- The pain feels like its spreading to your neck, shoulders, upper abdomen, arms, back, or jaws.
- The pain is crushing, tight, heavy, or feels like squeezing.
- You also feel nauseous, fatigued, weak, short of breath, dizzy, sweaty, or youve fainted.
- You feel like something is very wrong.
- The pain keeps getting worse as the minutes pass.
- The pain is unlike anything youve experienced before.
Heart Attack Symptoms
If you have symptoms of a heart attack, be sure to seek emergency medical care. These symptoms include:
- Chest or arm pain, pressure, or discomfort that may spread to your neck, back, or jaw
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness and loss of coordination
- Difficulty breathing
If youre with a loved one and suspect he or she is having a stroke, use these measures to help you determine if theres a problem:
Sudden Cardiac Arrest
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Shortness Of Breath And Fatigue Are Symptoms Of
Asthma: Asthma is inflammation and constriction of the bronchial tubes. Attacks can be triggered by airborne allergens, stress, cold air, air pollutants, acid reflux, and more. Shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness are common symptoms. The restriction of air flow can lead to fatigue.
Obesity: Obesity is a condition in which you have accumulated enough excess body fat to cause health problems. Shortness of breath and fatigue are common symptoms of obesity and the condition can lead to other life threatening health problems such as sleep apnea, heart problems, and stroke.
Weight Gain / Lack of Exercise: Sometimes the simplest explanation is the correct explanation. You dont have to be obese to feel the effects of weight gain and general lack of exercise.
Asbestos-Related Diseases:Asbestos exposure can affect the entire body but most often causes conditions that affect the lungs. Among these are asbestosis which is scaring of the lungs, and mesothelioma which is cancer of the lining of the lungs. Both can take decades to manifest symptoms. Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, and pain.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder:Generalized anxiety disorder is a mental health disorder that involves chronic anxiety and excessive worrying for no known reason. GAD can cause shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle tension, irritability, difficulty swallowing, hot flashes, trembling and more.
Symptoms Of Heart Failure
- Rapid or irregular heartbeats
- Other symptoms include nausea, palpitations, and chest pain.
Like valve disease, heart failure symptoms may not be related to how weak your heart is. You may have many symptoms, but your heart function may be only mildly weakened. Or you may have a severely damaged heart, with few or no symptoms.
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What Is The Outlook For A Tight Chest
Chest tightness isnt a symptom to take lightly. If you experience chest tightness with other concerning symptoms, see a doctor immediately. Chest tightness could be a symptom of a serious health condition, like a heart attack.
If your chest tightness is the result of anxiety, you should discuss the symptoms with your doctor. Anxiety should be treated early to keep it from getting worse. Your doctor can help you implement a plan thatll reduce anxiety and chest tightness. This may include lifestyle adjustments that help you manage the anxiety from home.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a progressive inflammation of the lungs that makes breathing difficult. It is caused by long-term exposure to irritating gases and/or dust particles, most often cigarette smoke.
Symptoms may take years to develop. They include a chronic cough with mucus , wheezing, chest tightness, fatigue, constant colds, swollen ankles, and cyanosis Depression is often a factor due to reduced quality of life.
Treatment is important because there is a greater risk of heart disease and lung cancer in COPD patients. Though the condition cannot be cured, it can be managed to reduce risks and allow good quality of life.
COPD is commonly misdiagnosed and so careful testing is done. Diagnosis is made through patient history physical examination lung function tests blood tests and chest x-ray or CT scan.
Treatment involves quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to other lung irritants use of inhalers to ease symptoms steroids lung therapies and getting influenza and pneumonia vaccines as recommended.
Rarity: Common
Top Symptoms: fatigue, cough and dyspnea related to smoking, cough, shortness of breath, trouble sleeping
Symptoms that always occur with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease : cough and dyspnea related to smoking
Symptoms that never occur with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease : rectal bleeding
Urgency: Primary care doctor
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I Havent Been Diagnosed With Lymphoma But Im Concerned About Symptoms What Should I Do
If you are concerned about any symptoms youre experiencing, speak to your GP.
You might find it helps to keep a note of your symptoms and how theyre affecting you. You could have this with you when you speak to your GP so that you remember everything you want to discuss.
If your GP suspects lymphoma, you might be referred for tests and scans.
If you would like to speak to a member of our helpline team about any aspect of lymphoma, contact us for support.
Excessive Sweating Comes On Suddenly And Unexpectedly
Sudden, unexpected sweating could be a sign you’re stressed or anxious. This type of sweat is different from the perspiration that results from your body’s attempts to cool you down because it’s caused by a “surge in adrenaline,” or your body’s fight-or-flight response, explained Dr. Caesar Djavaherian, cofounder and chief medical officer at Carbon Health who’s based in Berkeley, California
Unexpected sweating could also be “the first sign of a heart attack or an underlying heart problem,” he added. If you suspect you’re experiencing a heart attack, you’ll want to reach out for emergency help as quickly as possible.
That said, a sudden onset of sweating isn’t always a reason to panic. It “can come with certain situations, such as with warmer temperatures, spicy foods, exercise, or stress, and doesn’t always mean there’s a more significant underlying condition,” said Dr. Marisa Garshick, a dermatologist in New York City and chief medical correspondent for Certain Dri, an over-the-counter antiperspirant. You should address any concerns with your doctor.
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When To Phone A Doctor
You should phone your GP immediately if you have sudden unexpected shortness of breath, as there may be a problem with your airways or heart.
Your GP will assess you over the phone, and may either visit you at home or admit you to hospital. If your shortness of breath is mild or the result of anxiety, you may be asked to come to the surgery rather than a home visit.
If youve struggled with your breathing for a while, dont ignore it. See your GP as its likely you have a long-term condition, such as obesity, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , which needs to be managed properly.
Your doctor may ask you some questions, such as:
- Did the breathlessness come on suddenly or gradually?
- Did anything trigger it, such as exercise?
- How bad is it? Does it only happen when youve been active, or when youre not doing anything?
- Is there any pain when you breathe?
- Do you have a cough?
- Do certain positions make it worse for example, are you unable to lie down?
Feeling like you cant get enough air can be terrifying, but doctors are well trained in managing this. You may be given extra oxygen to breathe if this is needed.
When Should You See A Doctor About Night Sweats
Night sweats are a really common complaint, Dr. Weinstein says. If it is really bothersome and interfering with life, its time to see a doctor. If your night sweats come along with fever, unintended weight loss, any new pain , diarrhea, coughing, or other symptoms that are new or possibly concerning, then you should schedule an appointment with a doctor. Some types of cancer can cause night sweats and unexplained weight loss, so it’s really important not to overlook sudden symptoms.
With so many potential causes of night sweats, it may seem like NBD, but you are well within your right to consult a doctoreven if its simply to assuage your concerns. In most cases, your doctor will review your symptoms, do a physical exam, and probably do some bloodwork or other lab exams as they see fit. From there, you and your physician can work together to get you closer to sweat-free sleep.
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After You Call Emergency Services
When you call emergency services, the dispatcher may ask you about the medicines you take and your allergies. If you dont currently take a blood thinner and you arent allergic to aspirin, the dispatcher may advise you to chew an aspirin while youre waiting on medical attention. If you have nitroglycerin tablets, you may also wish to use these as directed by your doctor to reduce chest pain.
If you have a list of medications you currently take or any information about your medical history, you may wish to take this information with you. It can speed your medical care.
You’re Under A Lot Of Stress Or Experiencing Panic Attacks
Lots of people sweat in stressful situations, like before public speaking. But if sweating is accompanied by other symptoms of panic or anxiety, you’ll want to check in with a doctor or therapist, who can help correctly diagnose any underlying mental health concerns.
“Intense emotion and stress can bring out sweating in anyone,” Garshick said. “If you experience panic attacks or increased levels of stress related to a persistent and excessive worry about everyday situations, this can mean that you are also experiencing anxiety.”
Anxiety-related sweating can be a vicious, self-perpetuating cycle in which the anticipation of sweating actually causes you to sweat. The good news is there are plenty of medication-based and therapeutic treatments to help ease these worries. Seeing a professional may help both manage the anxiety and the sweat.
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What Causes Shortness Of Breath From Anxiety
Shortness of breath and other physical symptoms happen in the fight-or-flight response to protect you. With anxiety, you may not be running for your life. But your body still responds as if you are.
You experience chest tightening, shortness of breath, and faster breathing because your body is trying to get more oxygen to your muscles, preparing you to run. Your heart rate increases and you may feel hot as more blood pumps to your muscles, preparing you to fight.
All of these symptoms are normal body responses designed to save your life.
Of course, you probably arent often running or fighting for your life from wild bear attacks or men with chain saws. But your body still reacts to your trip to the crowded grocery store, your work presentation, and other anxiety-provoking events as if you were.
When Should You See Your Doctor
Its always better to err on the side of caution if something doesnt feel right. If you have noticed that you are shorter of breath with regular activity, you should go to your general doctor or your cardiologist, says Dr. Cho. It depends on the severity and the acuteness if it has started recently or not.
When you do visit, be sure to:
- Bring a list of your symptoms and when they are occurring.
- Let them know about any related family history of heart disease.
- Talk about stress or anything going on in your life that might contribute to a problem.
Your doctor likely will listen to your symptoms and check your pulse and blood pressure. They may order blood work, which will show whether your heart is damaged. They also may use an electrocardiogram to tell whether the electrical activity of your heart is normal, or an echocardiogram to view images of the heart to see if damage has occurred. Some patients may get stress tests, a coronary computed tomography angiogram or a cardiac catheterization.All of this is important in identifying any problems and taking steps to intervene before a possible heart attack.
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What Causes Pneumonia
There are many different causes of pneumonia, some more serious than others. The exact cause cant always be identified, even after testing.
In most cases, pneumonia happens after a germ is inhaled into the lungs. However, sometimes an infection gets to the lungs by other means, such as via the bloodstream.
Common infectious causes include the following.
- Bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae .
- Viruses such as the influenza virus that causes the flu .
- Atypical bacteria such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Legionella pneumophila .
- Fungi fungal pneumonia often affects people with weakened immune systems.
Pneumonia can also develop if someone accidentally breathes food, drink or vomit into their lungs. This is known as aspiration pneumonia and usually affects people who have problems coughing or swallowing . It can also happen if you inhale smoke, chemicals or dust into the lungs.
Who Is At Risk
Some adults are more at risk of getting pneumonia than others. At-risk groups include:
- people older than 65 years
- heavy drinkers
- people who have chronic conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetes
- people taking acid-reducing medicines for conditions such as heartburn and
- people with weakened immune systems.
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Pain In Other Parts Of Your Body
Heart attacks can cause chest pain and/or tightening, but its possible that you feel the pain elsewhere. According to the American Heart Association, heart attacks can cause pain in your:
The pain can last for minutes it might even come and go. Regardless, if you have pain , get checked out. You might also feel lightheaded, nauseous, or dizzy.
But Anyone Who Has Any Of These Signs For Five Minutes Or Longer Should See A Doctor Right Away
As with men, womens most common heart attack symptom is chest discomfort. Women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, and back or jaw discomfort.
Regardless of your gender, getting proper medical care as quickly as possible is key to surviving a heart attack. Clot-busting drugs called thrombolytic agents have increased survival rates for heart attack patients when these medicines are given as soon as possible after an attack. These drugs and other artery-opening treatments can stop a heart attack in its tracks and can prevent or limit damage to the heart. To be most effective, they should be given within one hour of the start of heart attack symptoms.
If you think youre having a heart attack, call 9-1-1 and get to an emergency room. EMS is very well trained in the recognition and treatment of heart attacks and will take you to a hospital that is capable of providing first rate care for such an event.
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