Unsettling Sensations in Chest and Throat: Not Just a Cough!
A 26-year-old female, weighing 13.5 stones and standing at 5’11”, currently on 100mg of Sertraline for OCD, and a former smoker transitioning to vaping, has been experiencing a peculiar sensation. At night, as she attempts to drift off to sleep, she often feels an unusual fluttering or tickling sensation in her throat and chest. This discomfort is infrequent during daytime hours. It resembles the feelings of butterflies fluttering in one’s stomach, but it is positioned much higher and can be quite maddening. At times, she worries she might be losing her grip on reality! On certain nights, the sensation becomes so intense that it keeps her awake for hours, causing significant agitation. It reminds her of restless leg syndrome, only this discomfort resides in her chest, and she finds no effective remedy to ease it.
Answers (1)
7/31/2025, 2:11:00 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing some quite disruptive sensations in your chest and throat, especially at night, which are understandably causing concern and frustration. These feelings can be attributed to various factors including anxiety, muscle tension, or even changes related to vaping. Let's break this down further.
Explanation:
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Anxiety or Stress: Given your history of OCD and the fact that you're on Sertraline, it's possible that anxiety may be contributing to these sensations. Your mind can manifest physical feelings, especially when transitioning to sleep, a time when mental relaxation can often elude us.
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Muscle Tension: If you're experiencing tension or stress, it's common for muscles in your chest and throat to become tight, which might create fluttering or tickling feelings. This is similar to how people sometimes feel symptoms of "butterflies" in their stomach during stressful situations.
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Effects of Vaping: As a former smoker now using a vape, your respiratory system may still be adjusting. Certain ingredients in vape liquids can lead to throat irritation or discomfort.
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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Occasionally, sensations in the throat and chest can also be related to acid reflux, where stomach acid irritates the throat and chest area.
Next Steps:
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Practice Relaxation Techniques: Since these sensations worsen at night, try implementing relaxation techniques before bed. Deep breathing exercises, gentle yoga, or mindfulness meditation can help calm both your body and mind.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a symptom diary noting when these sensations occur (e.g., time of day, stress levels, recent meals). This can help identify any triggers or patterns, particularly in relation to anxiety or your vaping habit.
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Adjust Vaping Habits: Consider reducing your vaping, especially if you notice it exacerbates your sensations. Pay attention to the ingredients in your vape liquid, as certain flavors or chemicals may irritate your throat.
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Positioning at Night: Experiment with your sleeping environment. Elevating your head while you sleep can sometimes alleviate chest and throat discomfort.
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Consult with a Professional if symptoms persist: If these sensations continue to disrupt your sleep or worsen, it may be helpful to discuss your experiences with a healthcare provider, who can help rule out any underlying issues like GERD or other conditions.
Remember, it's important to take care of both your physical and mental well-being. You're not alone in this experience, and many people find relief through lifestyle adjustments and coping strategies. If there's anything more you'd like to discuss or if you have further questions, feel free to reach out!
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