[Guest]

I am a 28 year old female and have been experiencing chest pains for some time now. For about 10 years (not every day) I have had shortness of breath and it seems like the only time I can catch my breath is when I yawn. Sounds weird but it's true. I weigh 118 pounds and I am 5 3'. Every time I try to exercise, go for walks or just chase my kids around I can't breathe and I constantly yawn to catch my breath even though I'm not tired. I can't be around cleaning supplies, chemicals, paint etc because it's very difficult for me to breathe and I have to leave the room immediately. I have gone to the doctor before and he took a chest x-ray and everything was fine. He put me on some medication for bronchitis (even though I wasn't coughing) but that never helped. I guess I am just looking for some advice and am wondering if anyone else has the same problems. Thank you.

[Guest]

Chest pain and shortness of breath must always be taken seriously in that either of these symptoms may indicate underlying serious heart disease. Nonetheless, many cases of chest pain or shortness of breath are not due to heart disease. Shortness of breath, especially when it occurs with minimal exertion can also be a sign of heart disease. In women, heart disease developes over a longer period of time when compared to men, so that more frequently when women present to health care providers with heart disease the process is already at a more advanced state. Women, as compared to men, also have chronic fatigue, dizziness, and fluttering sensations in their chest more frequently as a sign of heart disease. Any of these symptoms should prompt a complete medical exam.
Another possibility when symptoms occur upon exposure to chemicals in the environment is Multiple Chemical Sensitivities or Sick Building Syndrome. Patients with these syndromes usually have no signs of specific organic disese process. The approach to these syndromes, which occur secondary to exposure to certain environmental chemicals, is to avoid these toxins.
[quote] I am a 28 year old female and have been experiencing chest pains for some time now. For about 10 years (not every day) I have had shortness of breath and it seems like the only time I can catch my breath is when I yawn... [/quote]