Hi Theresa,

Sorry to hear that you've been having persistent symptoms.  In looking for answers to give you, I found some good information at the Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre website.

The description of a tight chest, being short of breath, and feeling asthmatic sounds like the MS Hug or MS Girdle.  What can happen is that the tiny muscles which hold the ribs together go into spasm and/or get really tight and breathing becomes much more difficult. Here is how one person described it -

"I find myself holding my arm folded across my abdomen in order to ease the discomfort and find I can't breathe deeply enough to get my breath. I tried taking my asthma inhalers thinking these would help but because it's a skeleto-muscular thing, they gave no relief."

In addition, a description of possible breathing difficulties in people with MS can be found here.  In addition to potential damage to the autonomic nervous system (which controls vital bodily functions such as breathing), there may be other causes of difficulties.

I hope that this helps in your search for possible answers.  Although you do not have insurance coverage right now, it really would be a good idea to be seen by a medical professional.

Thank you for your question,

Lisa