Chest Tightness
Another common symptom of COPD is chest tightness. Most patients who experience this symptom describe it as “something” sitting on or squeezing their chest. The tightness makes you feel as if you are breathing using a straw. Chest tightness is linked to respiratory infections as well as airway obstructions. To relieve this symptom, patients are given inhalers alongside other medication that helps to open up the airways. Exercising and breathing techniques can also help to combat this symptom. Sufferers are advised to take very deep and slow breaths to cope with the symptom. Exercise helps a lot with chest tightness as well as many other symptoms related to chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
