Audible deep breathing?
Hello, doctor.
Recently, for the past week, I have been experiencing a friction sound (a wheezing sound) during the first few deep breaths while lying down at night before sleep and in the morning upon waking up.
After that, it goes away (it only happens when lying down).
I had a cold recently; could this be because the cold hasn't completely resolved? (I don't have a cough or runny nose, but I do feel a lump in my throat.) When I looked at my throat with a mirror, I noticed some orange swollen spots around it.
Is this due to the cold not being fully resolved, or could it be something else? Could it be pleurisy?
Laki, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/09/10
Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1.
You may first visit an otolaryngologist to examine your throat.
2.
Please consult a pulmonologist.
Reply Date: 2016/09/10
More Info
Understanding noisy breathing, especially after a recent cold, can be concerning, but it's important to approach this with a clear understanding of the potential causes and implications. Noisy breathing, often described as wheezing or a whistling sound, can arise from various factors, particularly following a respiratory infection like a cold.
When you mention experiencing a "摩擦聲" (friction sound) during deep breaths while lying down, it could be indicative of several underlying issues. After a cold, the respiratory tract may still be inflamed or irritated, leading to residual symptoms. This inflammation can cause the airways to narrow, resulting in noisy breathing, especially when lying down, as gravity can affect how mucus settles in the airways.
The presence of a "卡卡的感覺" (a feeling of something stuck in the throat) and the observation of "一粒粒周圍橘色腫腫的" (orange swollen spots) in your throat could suggest post-nasal drip or lingering inflammation in the throat area. Post-nasal drip occurs when excess mucus accumulates in the back of the throat, often a result of sinus congestion or irritation from a cold. This can lead to a sensation of throat discomfort and may contribute to the noise you hear when breathing deeply.
Regarding your concern about pleurisy (肋膜炎), which is inflammation of the pleura surrounding the lungs, it typically presents with sharp chest pain that worsens with breathing or coughing, rather than just noisy breathing. If you are not experiencing significant chest pain or discomfort, it is less likely that pleurisy is the cause of your symptoms. However, if you do experience any sharp pain or worsening symptoms, it would be prudent to seek medical attention.
It's also worth noting that while you may not currently have a cough or nasal symptoms, the residual effects of a cold can linger for several weeks. The respiratory system can take time to fully recover, and during this period, you may experience intermittent symptoms such as noisy breathing or throat discomfort.
If your symptoms persist or worsen, it would be advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They may recommend a physical examination, including listening to your lungs, and possibly imaging studies if there are concerns about your respiratory health. Additionally, they might check for any signs of infection or other underlying conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms.
In summary, while noisy breathing after a cold can be concerning, it is often a temporary issue related to residual inflammation or mucus in the airways. Monitoring your symptoms and seeking medical advice if they persist or worsen is the best course of action. Remember to stay hydrated, rest, and consider using a humidifier to help ease throat discomfort and promote recovery.
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