Yahoo Answers is shutting down on May 4th, 2021 (Eastern Time) and the Yahoo Answers website is now in read-only mode. There will be no changes to other Yahoo properties or services, or your Yahoo account. You can find more information about the Yahoo Answers shutdown and how to download your data on this help page.

Difficulty breathing, what is this?

I've had costochondritis, sprained ribs and dislocated ribs. A few weeks ago, I accidentally placed weight on my chest, and it stopped working. I felt fluttering (my heart?) and I couldn't inhale or exhale. It's been happening to a less severe extent, the inability to breath and the fluttering, while resting. I don't why, or what it is and if I should see a doctor. It lasts for seconds.

Update:

There is also swelling on the left side of my chest against the breastbone.

Update 2:

I've had the swelling for a month. I haven't seen the doctor this year. What I listed before happened last year.

Update 3:

I'm not a weight lifter, I rested my body weight on my chest leaning on the couch, reaching for something. I work in retail and am a 21 year old female of slight build.

2 Answers

Relevance
  • ?
    Lv 5
    8 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    if there was no confirmed fracture on initial X-ray, then its just likely exacerbation of the pain.

    i'l wait it out unless bruising or the breathing becomes too difficult or its still painful after a while.

    is that swelling new?

  • 8 years ago

    You might have a heart arrhythmia. Probably an accelerated heart beat called SVT, or worse arrhythmia called Atrial Fibrillation. I would go see a doctor. If you do. since you are a weight lifter, you need to be 100% honest about any steroid or supplement use. These things can be deadly if in the wrong combination with some foods or other supplements. Now all that being said your heart may just have a physical injury from the weights on your chest. Anyway...Be well

    Source(s): Cardiac RN for 26 years
Still have questions? Get your answers by asking now.