Although most people immediately associate pressure in the chest with a heart condition, problems with any organ or tissue in the chest, such as the lungs, muscles and nerves, can result in pressure. Shortness of breath is commonly associated with the lungs, but can also occur as a result of a circulatory system disorder that causes improper blood flow and lack of oxygen to the heart.
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic lung disorder that involves inflammation and irritation of the bronchial tubes--the airways that carry air into and out of the lungs. The inflammation causes the airways to narrow and the irritation triggers cells in the airways to produce excess mucus. The combination of narrow airways and mucus accumulation leads to shortness of breath, chest pressure, wheezing and coughing. These symptoms usually occur in attacks and may be triggered by respiratory infections, airborne allergens, increased physical activity, cold temperatures and high levels of stress, according to MayoClinic.com. Asthma cannot be cured, but symptoms can be managed with a combination of medications. Fast-acting inhalers are used during an asthma attack to reduce inflammation of the airways and improve breathing. Long-term medications are used to prevent inflammation and avoid asthma attacks.
Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is another long-term lung disorder characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes and excess mucus production. The mucus accumulates in the bronchial tube and forms an obstruction that prevents air from properly traveling into the lungs. This leads to shortness of breath, pressure in the chest and a mucus-filled cough. The main cause of chronic bronchitis is long-term cigarette smoking, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Other possible causes include repeated exposure to secondhand smoke, chemical fumes or other irritants, such as dust. The most important step in treating bronchitis is to quit smoking. The absence of smoke will allow the lungs to begin the healing process. An inhaler that contains a medication called a bronchodilator may also be prescribed. A bronchodilator opens the narrowed airways in the lungs and makes breathing easier.
Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease is a condition in which plaque accumulates in the coronary arteries, which are the blood vessels responsible for supplying the heart with oxygen-rich blood from the lungs. The accumulation of plaque, which is made up primarily of fat, cholesterol and calcium, is called atherosclerosis. Coronary artery disease develops as a result of damage to the arterial walls caused by smoking, high cholesterol, high triglycerides in the blood, high blood pressure or uncontrolled diabetes. The most common symptoms of coronary artery disease are shortness of breath and angina, which is chest pain that feels like pressure or squeezing. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute notes that the severity of symptoms varies based on the amount of plaque buildup. Treatment for coronary artery disease consists of a combination of medications and lifestyle changes. If plaque accumulation is severe, surgery may be required to open up the arteries.
