Exercise Asthma - pericarditis?
Is it possible for asthma exacerbated by excessive exercise to cause a form of pericarditis? I am 24 and have had a pinching sensation occasionally in my chest for the last few years. I exercise and run frequently, and have not experienced any problems besides the minimal pinching and moderately decreased endurance when my asthma is worse. I generally don't have any problems at all with the asthma except when it is very humid out. It feels like the vessels towards the outer part of my chest are constricting which causes them to spasm as a result. I don't recall ever experiencing the pinching while running. I am not worried I caused any serious damage to my body, and had a few echocardiograms and EKGs for the complaint that were all normal. My doctor said it was costochondritis, but it wasn't explanatory of the specific cause. I am trying to figure it out on my own just to better understand my risks of exercising and if it will increase my chances of heart disease or related diseases like pericarditis if it is even related or possible to develop from these symptoms. Anatomically, what is likely the specific cause of this pinching? What is the worst condition that could develop as a result from trying to push through these (currently) minimal symptoms during exercise for years? All responses welcome and greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Update:The pinching is right above my heart, close to my breast bone, and feels like it's on (close "below") the surface by my pectoral muscle. It isn't a deep pain like I read is indicative of serious angina or heart problems.
Comments
Doubt it a lot.