Which Specialist Should You See for Chest Pain and Coughing?

Which department should I see?

Hello, a week ago, I experienced sharp chest pain while breathing, which caused me a brief moment of anxiety about breathing—something I have never experienced before.
It was just that one time, and it hasn't happened again.
Over the past few days, I've felt phlegm in my throat, which is a bit itchy and makes me want to cough continuously.
Additionally, I hear a strange sound in my chest when I breathe, particularly during inhalation, and I can't quite describe it.
I also have a history of allergies, and I'm not sure if that could be contributing to my symptoms.
(To add some context, I had a cold before I noticed the strange sound in my chest, but I completed my medication, and the cold symptoms have resolved before the chest sounds began.) These symptoms have left me confused about which specialty I should consult.
Could you please help me with this? Thank you.

Liu Tongxue, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/08/27

Dr. Gao Qingyun reply Family Medicine

Hello, first of all, we understand your discomfort and anxiety.
Fortunately, based on your description, it seems that it may not be a serious or difficult-to-treat condition.
However, we still recommend that you promptly visit a family medicine or pulmonology clinic for an in-person evaluation by a specialist.
This will help identify the actual cause of your symptoms and ensure appropriate treatment.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Sincerely,
Dr.
Gao Qingyun
Director, Department of Family Medicine
Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare

Reply Date: 2016/08/27

More Info

When experiencing symptoms such as chest pain and persistent coughing, it is essential to consult the right medical specialist to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Based on the symptoms you've described, including chest pain during breathing, a sensation of phlegm in your throat, and a peculiar sound when inhaling, it would be advisable to see a pulmonologist, also known as a lung specialist.
A pulmonologist specializes in respiratory system disorders, which include conditions affecting the lungs and bronchial tubes. Given your history of allergies and recent respiratory symptoms following a cold, a pulmonologist can evaluate your condition more thoroughly. They may conduct various tests, such as pulmonary function tests, imaging studies like chest X-rays or CT scans, and possibly even bronchoscopy if necessary, to assess the underlying causes of your symptoms.

Additionally, since you mentioned a history of allergies, it might also be beneficial to consult an allergist. Allergies can significantly impact respiratory health, leading to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and chest discomfort. An allergist can perform tests to identify specific allergens and recommend appropriate management strategies, including medications or lifestyle changes to minimize exposure to triggers.

In your case, the combination of chest pain and cough could be indicative of several conditions, including bronchitis, asthma, or even gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can cause throat irritation and cough due to acid reflux. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly.
In summary, for your symptoms of chest pain and coughing, starting with a pulmonologist would be the most appropriate course of action. They can help determine if your symptoms are related to a respiratory issue or if further evaluation by an allergist or another specialist is warranted. Remember, early intervention is key to managing respiratory conditions effectively, so do not hesitate to seek medical advice.

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