Chest tightness and cough
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Understanding Chest Tightness and Cough: Causes and Clinical Insights
Asthma and Chest Tightness Variant Asthma (CTVA)
Asthma Symptoms and Variants
Asthma is commonly associated with symptoms such as wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing, particularly at night. However, some patients present with atypical symptoms, such as cough variant asthma, where chronic cough is the only symptom. A newly identified phenotype, chest tightness variant asthma (CTVA), features chest tightness as the sole presenting symptom, without the classic signs of wheezing or recurrent cough1 8. This variant can be easily misdiagnosed due to its atypical presentation, emphasizing the need for thorough diagnostic evaluations, including spirometry and bronchial provocation tests1.
Acute-Onset Symptoms and Differential Diagnosis
Case Study: Acute-Onset Cough and Chest Tightness
A 48-year-old woman presented with acute-onset shortness of breath, cough, and chest tightness. Her medical history included metastatic breast cancer and a recent bronchoscopic biopsy. Despite normal vital signs, her symptoms warranted further investigation through computed tomography to rule out other potential causes2. This case highlights the importance of considering a patient's full medical history and recent procedures when diagnosing acute respiratory symptoms.
Psychogenic Factors in Cough and Chest Tightness
Psychogenic Cough and Chest Tightness
Psychogenic factors can significantly influence respiratory symptoms. A study comparing children and adults with psychogenic cough and chest tightness found that children primarily exhibited cough, while adults experienced more chest tightness. Psychological assessments revealed that adults were more prone to depression, whereas children tended to exhibit anxiety4. These findings suggest that psychological evaluations should be part of the diagnostic process for patients with unexplained respiratory symptoms.
Non-Chronic Illness and Over-the-Counter Treatments
Cough Syrup for Non-Chronic Conditions
Chest tightness associated with coughing can sometimes be attributed to non-chronic illnesses, which may be alleviated with over-the-counter (OTC) medications. It is crucial to differentiate between chronic conditions like asthma and temporary issues that can be managed with simpler treatments3.
Chronic Cough in Asthma
Impact and Management of Cough in Asthma
Cough is a significant symptom in asthma, often more troublesome than wheezing or chest tightness. Studies have shown that cough frequencies in asthma patients can vary widely, and the triggers for cough are not well understood. Current treatments focus on managing the underlying asthma, but there is a need for more targeted therapies to address chronic cough specifically6.
COVID-19 and Respiratory Symptoms
COVID-19 Case Study
A healthcare assistant with mild asthma developed a cough, fever, and chest tightness, which were managed remotely due to COVID-19 protocols. This case underscores the importance of remote assessment and the challenges of diagnosing respiratory symptoms during the pandemic7.
Conclusion
Chest tightness and cough can be symptoms of various conditions, ranging from asthma variants to psychogenic disorders and acute infections. Accurate diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation of medical history, psychological factors, and appropriate diagnostic tests. Understanding the nuances of these symptoms can lead to better management and treatment strategies, improving patient outcomes.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
A new phenotype of asthma: chest tightness as the sole presenting manifestation.
Chest tightness variant asthma (CTVA) is a new clinical variant of asthma with chest tightness as the sole presenting manifestation, likely to be misdiagnosed.
Case Report48-Year-Old Woman with Acute-Onset Cough, Chest Tightness, and Shortness of Breath.
A 48-year-old woman with metastatic breast cancer and a recent lung mass presented to the Emergency Department with acute-onset shortness of breath, cough, and chest tightness.
Case ReportCough syrup for a tight chest
Cough syrup can help relieve a tight chest caused by nonchronic illnesses like colds and flus, providing temporary relief.
Clinical features and psychological differences of psychogenic cough and chest tightness in children and adults
Psychogenic cough and chest tightness in children are mainly caused by cough, while in adults it is chest tightness, with significant differences in self-cognitive and psychological factors.
Observational StudyA 29-Year-Old Man With Nonproductive Cough, Exertional Dyspnea, and Chest Discomfort.
The 29-year-old man's nonproductive cough, exertional dyspnea, chest tightness, and palpitations may be due to a viral infection, as he had no past medical history or history of tobacco smoking or IV drug use.
Case ReportInterrupting the cough reflex in asthma
Cough in asthma patients is a significant issue that requires further attention in clinical practice and research, with potential triggers and potential future therapeutics.
Literature ReviewCovid-19: a remote assessment in primary care
Remote consultations for covid-19 patients can be effective, but a focus on communication and follow-up is crucial for effective patient care.
Case Report
Rigorous Journal
Highly Cited[Research advances in chest tightness variant asthma].
Chest tightness variant asthma (CTVA) research advances aim to increase clinical attention and improve diagnosis and treatment strategies for this rare type of asthma.
Classification of Cough as a Symptom in Adults and Management Algorithms: CHEST Guideline and Expert Panel Report
CHEST's 2006 Cough Guidelines and management algorithms for acute, subacute, and chronic cough in adults are useful in diagnosing and treating patients globally, despite low quality evidence.
Systematic ReviewHighly Cited