Should I Be Concerned About Chest Discomfort?
I’m a 19-year-old assigned female at birth and I’ve been feeling some discomfort in my chest. It’s not exactly painful, but it makes breathing feel more laborious than usual. It’s hard to explain, but it feels like my sternum isn't moving when I try to take a deep breath, which leaves me feeling like I'm not getting enough air. It’s an odd sensation. I was diagnosed with a heart murmur when I was an infant, and recently, my new physician mentioned he might be able to hear it again, something that my previous doctors, especially my pediatrician, hadn’t mentioned in years. I’ve scheduled a thorough examination for it in three months. In the past, I assumed my chest discomfort was linked to the binder I wear when I go out, but interestingly, I’ve started experiencing these symptoms even when I'm not wearing it. It’s mostly occurring at night or while I’m lying down, and I've noticed it becoming more pronounced over the last few weeks. Should I bring this up with my parents right away or is it acceptable to wait until my upcoming appointment for a discussion?
Answers (1)
8/11/2025, 3:30:53 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about chest discomfort, especially since it’s affecting your breathing. Given your history of a heart murmur and the new symptoms you’re experiencing, here’s what you should consider.
Key Points:
- Chest discomfort and breathing difficulty can indicate several issues—some benign and others that may need more attention, especially given your history.
- Monitoring your symptoms is essential, particularly since the discomfort has become more pronounced.
Explanation:
Chest discomfort that feels like it's linked to your sternum not moving properly can stem from various causes, including musculoskeletal issues, anxiety, or even effects of pressure from binding during activity. Since you mentioned that it occurs even when you're not wearing a binder and primarily at night or when lying down, it's important to pay attention to how often it happens and any other accompanying symptoms.
Next Steps:
-
Keep a Symptom Diary: Track when the discomfort occurs, its intensity, and any other related symptoms, such as changes in breathing or heart rate. Documenting this will be useful for discussions with your healthcare provider.
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Share Your Observations: While you have an appointment in three months, it would be prudent to discuss this discomfort with your parents soon. They may offer support and can help you decide if an earlier appointment is necessary.
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Practice Relaxation Techniques: Until your appointment, consider exercises like deep-breathing or mindfulness to help manage any anxiety and discomfort you may be feeling.
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Identify Triggers: Try to notice if certain activities or positions exacerbate your symptoms. If you find that lying down worsens your discomfort, consider propping yourself up with pillows to see if that offers relief.
It's always better to err on the side of caution with any new or concerning symptoms, especially in a young adult with a history of heart issues. Your health and peace of mind are important, so don't hesitate to communicate your concerns with your parents and make them aware of the situation.
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