Chest Tightening

Hi , and welcome! I see you are a new member here, having just joined today, much earlier this morning. We are glad to see you already engaging with the community through this, your first post.
While I'm hopeful others in the community will see your inquiry and respond by sharing their own anecdotal experiences with you, I also have something to contribute.
Some of what you are experiencing may have to do with posture while you are managing the breathing flare-up. Abnormal breathing mechanics can certainly have an effect on one's posture. We have several published articles which refer to posture while using various breathing strategies. For your convenience, here are 2 of them:
1) https://copd.net/video/benefits-pursed-mouth, in which Karen demonstrates pursed lip breathing with proper posture. It is from our sister site, COPD.net2) https://copd.net/living/belly-breathing, in which Barbara speaks to posture while doing belly breathing. It, too, is from our sister site, COPD.net
I do hope you find this information to be helpful.
How are you feeling nowadays?
Leon L (author / site moderator asthma.net)

Welcome - as Leon states, we are glad to see you already engaging with the community through this, your first post. This is a great question. Posture is an extremely important issue when dealing with asthma. Good posture allows for better lung expansion and airway alignment. When you maintain an upright posture, your lungs have more space to expand, making it easier to take deep breaths and optimize airflow. And, poor posture, such as slouching or hunching over, can strain the muscles involved in breathing. This can lead to muscle fatigue and increased effort required for breathing, which may exacerbate asthma symptoms. Leon has given you some great articles to read in search of methods to help. Have you found you have muscle issues such as spasms or overuse when this occurs? Exercise and proper posture throughout the day can help in addition to breathing techniques - yoga and stretching can benefit you as well. Have you found anything to help? Or makes a difference? Wishing you relief - Thoughtfully - Rebecca (community moderator)

Many individuals with worsening asthma may experience changes in posture and a sensation of chest tightening. These symptoms can be attributed to abnormal breathing mechanics and the impact of asthma on lung function. These days, you can consult with healthcare professionals online, such as Plushcare, Ongo Care, or many others, for a thorough evaluation and personalized management to effectively address these issues.

Hi again, - thanks for joining in the conversation here. We appreciate your perspective on this particular topic. Do you use online healthcare professionals? Do you prefer doing this online rather than seeing the physician in person? How have you been feeling nowadays?
Have a great weekend!
Leon L (author / site moderator asthma.net)