<s>[INST] Im a white female apx 200lb.  For the past 3 days Ive had a hard time breathing; esp when laying down.  It feels like an elephant is sitting on my chest and my lower throat hurts;  I can see redness in my lower throat??  Ive never had symptoms like this before. [/INST] Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. By your history and description, possibility of either bronchitis or congestive heart failure is more. Both these can cause heaviness in chest with breathing difficulty. So better to consult doctor and get done 1. Clinical examination of respiratory system 2. Blood pressure monitoring 3. PUT (pulmonary function test) for bronchitis 4. 2d echo (for heart failure). You may need inhaled treatment if it is bronchitis. You may need diuretics and other cardiac supportive Chat Doctor.  So don't wait at home, consult doctor, first diagnose yourself and then start appropriate treatment. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks. </s>