<s>[INST] Have been recovering from a bout with the flu the past couple weeks...........accompanied by COPD.     Yesterday and today my stomach is bloated and my solar plexus area is sore to the slightest touch......as well as an "uncomfortable" heaviness in the chest area.   Have been experiencing deep brochial coughing.   Could I have pulled a muscle during coughing spell. [/INST] Hello dear, thanks for your question on HCM. I can understand your situation and problem. In my opinion you are having mostly GERD ( gastroesophageal reflux disease ). Uncontrolled GERD is the common cause for worsening of COPD. And chest heaviness with bloated stomach are the features of GERD more. But better to rule out cardiac cause first as COPD patients and at high risk for cardiac disease. So get done ecg.  If ecg is normal then GERD is likely cause. It is due to laxity of gastroesophageal sphincter. Because of this the acid of the stomach tends to come up in the esophagus and cause the symptoms. So try to follow these steps. 1. Avoid hot and spicy food. 2. Avoid stress and tension. 3. Avoid large meals, instead take frequent small meals. 4. Start Proton pump inhibitors. 5. Go for walk after meals. 6. Keep 2 - 3 pillows under head in bed to prevent reflux. 7. Avoid alcohol and smoking if you have these habits. Don't worry, you will be alright. </s>