Differential Diagnosis for a Fluttering Sensation in the Chest that Makes You Cough
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Atrial Fibrillation: This is a common heart condition characterized by an irregular and often rapid heart rate, which can cause a fluttering sensation in the chest. Coughing can be triggered by the irregular heartbeat, especially if it leads to a reduction in cardiac output, causing a decrease in oxygenation of the lungs and subsequent irritation of the respiratory tract.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Anxiety or Panic Attack: Anxiety can cause a rapid heartbeat, which might feel like a fluttering sensation in the chest. This can lead to hyperventilation, which in turn can cause coughing due to irritation of the airways.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD can cause stomach acid to flow up into the esophagus, irritating the throat and lungs, leading to coughing. The discomfort from GERD can also be felt in the chest and might be described as a fluttering sensation.
- Asthma: Asthma can cause coughing and chest tightness, which might be perceived as a fluttering sensation, especially during an asthma attack.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pulmonary Embolism: Although less common, a pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening condition that can cause sudden onset of cough and chest discomfort, which might be described as a fluttering sensation. It's crucial to consider this diagnosis, especially in patients with risk factors such as recent surgery, immobilization, or family history of clotting disorders.
- Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): A heart attack can cause a variety of symptoms, including chest pain or discomfort that might be felt as a fluttering sensation, along with coughing if there is associated heart failure leading to pulmonary congestion.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Pneumothorax: A collapsed lung can cause sudden chest pain and coughing. While the pain is typically sharp and stabbing, some patients might describe it as a fluttering sensation due to the sudden onset and the movement of air in the chest cavity.
- Cardiac Tamponade: This is a life-threatening condition where fluid accumulates in the sac around the heart, compressing it and impeding its ability to pump blood effectively. Symptoms can include chest pain or discomfort, coughing, and shortness of breath, which might be perceived as a fluttering sensation in the chest.