For several months now I've had an annoying cough and chest discomfort. I don't cough constantly ... but my chest almost always feels that "tickle" like I need to cough, and some tightness. My throat and upper chest also feel irritated and sore. I also have some shortness of breath. I'm never gasping for air by any means, but I sometimes feel like I have to concentrate on getting a deep breath ... and when I do, it is somewhat uncomfortable due to the irritation I mentioned.

I've been to the doctor a few times. He suspected reflux, and put me on medication for that, but it hasn't really helped. I've had an Upper GI which didn't reveal much. I'm going for a chest x-ray in the next couple days. My doctor doesn't think I could have an infection because I haven't had a fever. I do get chills sometimes though.

So I'm just wondering what I can expect the chest x-ray to reveal or rule out. I've worried about everything from asthma to lung disease to heart disease ... although my doctor highly doubts I have the latter two, since I'm only 31 and have no history of smoking, obesity, or family diseases.

For several months now I've had an annoying cough and chest discomfort. I don't cough constantly ... but my chest almost always feels that "tickle" like I need to cough, and some tightness. My throat and upper chest also feel irritated and sore. I also have some shortness of breath. I'm never gasping for air by any means, but I sometimes feel like I have to concentrate on getting a deep breath ... and when I do, it is somewhat uncomfortable due to the irritation I mentioned.

I've been to the doctor a few times. He suspected reflux, and put me on medication for that, but it hasn't really helped. I've had an Upper GI which didn't reveal much. I'm going for a chest x-ray in the next couple days. My doctor doesn't think I could have an infection because I haven't had a fever. I do get chills sometimes though.

So I'm just wondering what I can expect the chest x-ray to reveal or rule out. I've worried about everything from asthma to lung disease to heart disease ... although my doctor highly doubts I have the latter two, since I'm only 31 and have no history of smoking, obesity, or family diseases.it isn't absolutely fool proof. a lot of things get missed on a chest xray, but, generally if something is going on an xray will pick it up. has your doctor listened to your lungs? i've had a similar problem to you and my lungs are clear!!! my chest xray was normal. anyway, i carried on getting short of breath along with fatigue and many other symptoms for 5 months when i've just been diagnosed with a b12 and folate deficiency. can't understand the chest and back pain i've been getting though. good luck and try not to worry too much. chances are you've got allergies, asthma or something that can be easily treated.

it isn't absolutely fool proof. a lot of things get missed on a chest xray, but, generally if something is going on an xray will pick it up. has your doctor listened to your lungs? i've had a similar problem to you and my lungs are clear!!! my chest xray was normal. anyway, i carried on getting short of breath along with fatigue and many other symptoms for 5 months when i've just been diagnosed with a b12 and folate deficiency. can't understand the chest and back pain i've been getting though. good luck and try not to worry too much. chances are you've got allergies, asthma or something that can be easily treated.

Yeah, my doctor listened to my lungs and didn't hear anything unusual. I don't really have a lot of noisy phlegm in my chest or anything. I do have what feels like excess mucous in my throat all the time though, which doesn't make much sense.

Your diagnosis is interesting. I doubt that a nutritional deficiency is the answer in my case, because I eat a good diet that includes fruits and vegetables, and usually you can get enough B12 and folate that way. But I may start taking a supplement just in case ...

Yeah, my doctor listened to my lungs and didn't hear anything unusual. I don't really have a lot of noisy phlegm in my chest or anything. I do have what feels like excess mucous in my throat all the time though, which doesn't make much sense.

Your diagnosis is interesting. I doubt that a nutritional deficiency is the answer in my case, because I eat a good diet that includes fruits and vegetables, and usually you can get enough B12 and folate that way. But I may start taking a supplement just in case ...
let us know how you get on with your xray.