Medical Questions > Conditions and Diseases > Asthma Forum

raspy feeling in my chest on the first breath

Must Read
What is asthma?
Asthma affects more than 22 million Americans. But what happens during a respiratory asthma attack? Learn the basics about asthma now....
Read more >>
Asthma Causes and Risk Factors
Some people are more likely than other to be diagnosed with asthma. Learn if you are at risk of asthma in this section on risk factors and causes of asthma....
Read more >>
Asthma Symptoms
How can you identify the signs and symptoms of asthma or respiratory problems? We list the common asthma symptoms here and discuss asthma problems....
Read more >>
Conditions and Diseases
Types of Asthma
Exercise Induced asthma getting worse
Asthmatic on predisone tabs, weight gain...
Asthma
Wheezing; inhaler not helping
steroid inhaler and steroid tablet work ...
just been diagnosed with moderate asthma
Related Topics
Voice is raspy
User Profile
February 3rd, 2011
I've been having a strange, raspy feeling in my chest on the first breath after lying down for a long time (on the left side, and also on the back). After sleeping in the same position, the first deep breath when waking up feels like a raspy vibration in my chest, like perhaps my airways have been compressed and they're expanding with a vibrating dull noise. I don't have this symptoms every night, it's intermittent and especially when I sleep deeply and for a long time in the same position (especially on my left side).

I've been having this since about 6-7 months (I think coincided with a nasty chest infection), it was even gone for a couple of months (Oct and Nov) and now it's back again.

The rest of the day I breathe normally in any position, don't have any cough or shortness of breath. I smoked for 8 years and reduced my smoking drastically in the past two years to about 5 cigarettes per week.

What can this be? I'm worried because it's related to my lying on the left side.


Did you find this post helpful?
First Helper User Profile
|
User Profile
replied February 4th, 2011
Asthma Answer A19320
Hi,

Welcome to the forum. I am really glad to help you out. I do understand the problem you're going through.

However, the good point is that such symptoms don't occur on daily basis. You should get yourself physically examined by a chest physician. It also makes sense to do an x-ray of the chest and possibly a pulmonary function test.

The PFT helps in ruling out any obstructive or restrictive disease of the lung. If these tests are normal, then I believe there shouldn't be anything to worry. There's no known disease in which there's a problem in the chest while lying on the left.

This can sometimes occur in the case of fluid in the pleural cavity but that should show up in the x-ray. I sincerely hope this helps. Take care.


|
Did you find this post helpful?
Comments (2)
This question has been answered by the doctor. This topic is now open for public discussion, however no comments below this point will be answered by a doctor.
Sign up for FREE weekly health tips!
... Saving
Ask a doctor

Featured Experts
Dr. Kokil Mathur
Dr. Kokil Mathur
General Medicine
anandsingh
Anand J. Singh
General Medicine & Surgery
DEEPAK ANVEKAR
Deepak Anvekar
General Medicine, Emergency Medicine
eHealthPedia Articles
Asthma Causes and Risk Factors
Asthma Diagnosis
Asthma Symptoms
Asthma Treatment
What is asthma?
DISCLAIMER: "Ask a Doctor" questions are answered by certified physicians and other medical professionals. For more information about experts participating in the "Ask a Doctor" Network, please visit our medical experts page. You may also visit our Asthma , for moderated patient to patient support and information.

The information provided on eHealth Forum is designed to improve, not replace, the relationship between a patient and his/her own physician. Personal consultation(s) with a qualified medical professional is the proper means for diagnosing any medical condition.