Tight abdomen - #393

Hello Rajesh, The tightness you experience between your rib cage during breathing exercises and walking can be linked to several factors associated with your COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and gastrointestinal issues. Lung inflammation due to COPD can cause discomfort and tightness, particularly during physical exertion or deep breathing. Additionally, tension in the intercostal muscles, often resulting from compensatory breathing patterns, can restrict deep breathing and contribute to this sensation. Frequent gas and bloating may also increase intra-abdominal pressure, leading to discomfort perceived as tightness in the chest area. To alleviate these symptoms, focus on diaphragmatic breathing techniques to enhance lung capacity, incorporate gentle stretching exercises for the chest and abdomen to relieve muscle tension, and modify your diet to avoid known gas triggers while consuming smaller, more frequent meals. Staying well-hydrated helps thin mucus in the lungs, improving respiratory function. It is also important to review your current medications with your healthcare provider to ensure optimal management of your COPD.

It’s quite a common to feel tightness in the abdomen, especially with COPD. The pressure between the rib cage can come from a few different things. You’ve got this combination of COPD management, breathing exercises, and medications, right?. Tightness might not always be the lungs inflamed, sometimes it could actually be the diaphragm or even digestive overlaps.

Since your ultrasound was normal, that’s kind of good news, meaning serious issues like liver or gallbladder problems might be ruled out. Now, in Ayurveda, we look at how the doshas—Vata, Pitta, Kapha—might be playing into this. The tightness could mean Vata imbalance, since Vata governs movement and breath.

Try focusing on calming the Vata. You might want to try some grounding foods—things like warm soups, stews, cooked veggies. You absolutely want to avoid very cold or raw foods. It’s fascinating how your diet can impact the Prana Vayu, which is the subdosha of Vata related to breath and mind.

For your breathing exercises, try Anulom Vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing) or sit quietly and do long, slow deep breaths. Don’t push too hard if brisk walking sends tightness. Listen to what your body’s trying to say―your body is really smart, trust it.

In the evenings, after your daily activities, maybe set aside some time to practice gentle yoga poses that open up the chest region like Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) or Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose). They can ease tension off the chest and diaphragm.

But remember, if the tightness worsens or becomes concerning, always seek medical advice. Your health is way more important than any natural practice. It sounds like your doing a lotta good things, just keep tuning into what feels best. Let me know if there’s a particular aspect you’d like more info on.