Persistent Cold Symptoms: Should I See an Endocrinologist or Pulmonologist?

Q: Persistent Cold Symptoms: Should I See an Endocrinologist or Pulmonologist?

Hello： We understand your discomfort and concerns. <br>Although we cannot directly determine the issue from your description, we still recommend that you visit the outpatient clinic of the Department of Metabolism at a medical center for evaluation by a specialist. <br>Thank you,

A cold that has not resolved after a month may indicate the presence of a thyroid cyst?

Hello, I would like to inquire about which specialty I should consult for a diagnosis based on my current medical history.
I have a slight history of nasal allergies, and in mid-May, I often felt that the left nasal mucosa was very dry, even experiencing some nasal discharge with slight blood.
However, I did not seek medical attention.
This summer, due to a busy work schedule with little rest and a lot of traveling, I had an outbreak of herpes simplex on July 10, which took until around July 24 to heal, for which I used ACYCLOVIR.
Then, on July 28, I caught a cold with symptoms including sore throat, runny nose, phlegm, and cough, and I seemed to have a slight fever with a forehead temperature of about 37.5°C.
However, due to the nature of my work, I was unable to seek medical care.
Around the second week of August, my cold symptoms slightly improved.
On August 13, as I was about to finish work, I noticed a round lump below my Adam's apple (which I usually touch, so I am sure it appeared recently, and I had previously had blood tests showing normal T3/T4 levels).
It is not very painful, but there is a bit of a pressure sensation, and I still have a persistent cough, mostly dry.
I searched online using "cold thyroid nodule" as keywords, and some information indicated that it might be a subacute thyroid cyst or hemorrhagic cyst caused by a bacterial infection due to the cold.
On August 17, I visited an ENT clinic, and the doctor said it should be a thyroid cyst but believed it was unrelated to the cold, recommending that I see an endocrinologist.
The doctor prescribed the following medications for three days: Cleocin, GrBIYANSCANOL 500MG, MEDICON-A (SUCONINOSTOIN 10MG), SYMITEC 10MG (CETIRIZINE).
The diagnosis was acute sinusitis and acute pharyngitis, but the sore throat and cough symptoms have not resolved.
The phlegm was yellow-green, so on August 23, I went to the hospital's ENT department.
The doctor noted that my throat was still red and swollen and prescribed the following medications for seven days: Tranexamic acid cap, Ambroxol, Fexofenadine HCl, Cefadroxil monohydrate, Acetaminophen, and advised scheduling a thyroid ultrasound or biopsy, which cannot be done until mid-September.
Meanwhile, I also have pain when pressing on the bone above my chest and some difficulty breathing, along with a painful cough.
Since my cold has not healed after a month, I suspect pneumonia.
I speculate that the cold may have led to a bacterial or viral infection resulting in pneumonia and a thyroid cyst.
Therefore, I would like to know whether I should consult a pulmonologist, an endocrinologist, or an infectious disease specialist.
Thank you.

L, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/08/25

Dr. Gao Qingyun reply Family Medicine

Hello: We understand your discomfort and concerns.
Although we cannot directly determine the issue from your description, we still recommend that you visit the outpatient clinic of the Department of Metabolism at a medical center for evaluation by a specialist.
Thank you, and we wish you peace and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Gao Qingyun, Director of Family Medicine, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2016/08/25

More Info

Based on your detailed medical history and symptoms, it seems that you are experiencing a complex interplay of respiratory and possibly endocrine issues. Given the persistent nature of your symptoms, including the dry cough, throat pain, and the recent discovery of a thyroid nodule, it is essential to approach this situation methodically.

Recommended Specialist Consultations
1. Endocrinologist: Since you have a thyroid nodule, it is crucial to consult an endocrinologist. They specialize in hormonal and glandular issues, including thyroid conditions. The endocrinologist can perform necessary tests, such as thyroid function tests and imaging studies (like ultrasound), to assess the nodule's nature and determine if it requires further intervention, such as a biopsy.

2. Pulmonologist: Given your ongoing respiratory symptoms, including a persistent cough and chest discomfort, a pulmonologist would be an appropriate specialist to evaluate your lung health. They can conduct tests such as a chest X-ray or CT scan to rule out pneumonia or other pulmonary conditions. Since you mentioned a concern about pneumonia, this specialist can provide a thorough assessment of your respiratory system.

3. Otolaryngologist (ENT): You have already seen an ENT specialist, which is good, as they can address issues related to your throat and nasal passages. However, if your symptoms persist despite treatment for acute sinusitis and pharyngitis, a follow-up visit may be warranted to explore other potential causes or complications.

4. Infectious Disease Specialist: If there is a suspicion of a bacterial or viral infection that is not resolving with standard treatments, consulting an infectious disease specialist may be beneficial. They can provide insights into whether your symptoms could be due to an underlying infection that requires a different treatment approach.

Additional Considerations
- Thyroid Nodule Monitoring: Thyroid nodules are common and often benign, but they require monitoring. The endocrinologist will help determine the appropriate follow-up based on the ultrasound findings and your symptoms.

- Symptom Management: While waiting for specialist appointments, continue to manage your symptoms with over-the-counter medications as advised by your healthcare provider. Staying hydrated and using humidifiers may help alleviate throat discomfort and coughing.

- Lifestyle Factors: Ensure you are maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including adequate rest, hydration, and nutrition, which can support your immune system during this time.

- Mental Health: Chronic health issues can lead to anxiety and stress. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, consider speaking with a mental health professional for support.

Conclusion
In summary, based on your symptoms and medical history, I recommend seeing an endocrinologist for the thyroid nodule and a pulmonologist for your respiratory symptoms. If necessary, follow up with an ENT and consider an infectious disease specialist if your condition does not improve. It is essential to address both the thyroid and respiratory issues to ensure a comprehensive approach to your health. Please keep track of your symptoms and any changes, and do not hesitate to seek immediate care if you experience worsening symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or severe chest pain.

Similar Q&A

Persistent Cold Symptoms: When to See an ENT or Pulmonologist?

I have been experiencing cold symptoms for the past month or two, often feeling a sore and itchy throat, with yellow phlegm. I even frequently feel faint to the point of passing out (but my blood pressure is less than half of the normal value). Initially, I had high fevers reachi...

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello, if you are only sleeping 3 hours a day, you should prioritize improving your sleep to enhance your immune system; otherwise, recurrent infections will be difficult to resolve. Of course, you should also consult a pulmonologist to confirm whether there are any underlying co...

Persistent Cough: When to Seek Medical Attention and Which Specialist to Consult

Hello, doctor. I have been coughing for the past few months. I have visited three clinics and taken medication, but I haven't felt any improvement. The cough doesn't seem to be due to a cold; rather, it starts with an itchy throat, leading to a persistent cough. During ...

Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology
Hello: It is recommended to consult a pulmonologist for evaluation!

Post-Cold Symptoms: When to See an ENT or Pulmonologist?

Hello, since mid-October, after my cold symptoms have eased, I have started experiencing chest pain when swallowing. Should I see an otolaryngologist or a pulmonologist for this condition?

Dr. Lai Junlong reply Family Medicine
Hello: In response to your question, symptoms related to the common cold can be evaluated by an otolaryngologist or a family medicine physician. Thank you.

Understanding Persistent Breathing Difficulties: When to Seek Further Medical Help

Hello doctor, I have been experiencing difficulty breathing and wheezing at night due to a cold, accompanied by cold sweats and numbness in my fingers. I have visited the emergency room multiple times, but blood tests and X-rays showed no issues. Subsequently, I consulted a pulmo...

Dr. Wu Yingxun reply Pulmonology
Hello: We need to check for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and thyroid issues. If the organs are functioning properly, we may need to consider a psychological evaluation.