4Chest Differences
When hypoxia and hypoxemia progress, your chest might look like a barrel. This shape might be more obvious when you have a visual examination in the hospital or clinic. It suggests that your lungs are over-inflating to compensate for the lack of oxygen. As a result, this makes the ribs extend to accommodate excess air and causes the chest to resemble the shape of a typical barrel. In some cases, you might also have chest tightness, which can be characterized by any kind of discomfort or pain happening between your lower neck and upper belly areas. While it would indicate many health issues, a barrel chest in combination with wheezing and cough can be indicative of hypoxia or hypoxemia. [4]
