Post-Cold Concerns: When to Seek Medical Advice for Throat and Chest Issues

Q: Post-Cold Concerns: When to Seek Medical Advice for Throat and Chest Issues

Dear Miss Hsiao Yi： 1. Based on your description and medical history, the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 is very low. I personally agree with your attending physician's assessment that it may be due to post-nasal drip. 2. Please avoid ice products or cold dr

Inquiry after a cold?

Hello Doctor, about a week ago I started feeling discomfort in my throat and I was worried that I might have contracted a virus, especially since many classmates in my class frequently cough without wearing masks.
I visited an ENT specialist, who said that my tonsils did not appear to be inflamed, but I had a lot of post-nasal drip, which caused me to wake up with a sore throat in the morning.
The doctor also listened to my lungs and said everything sounded normal.
After taking the medication, I felt much better, but tonight I suddenly experienced a brief feeling of tightness in my chest, although it wasn't painful.
I'm not sure if it's related to the recent news I've been watching about the military, or if it's because I've been wearing a mask for too long.
I tried taking a few deep breaths and it seemed to relieve the tightness.
I would like to ask if I need to see the ENT specialist again, since the only remaining symptom is the runny nose, and the doctor mentioned that my nasal congestion could only be treated with medication, and that I didn't need to return since my throat wasn't sore.
Or could my issue simply be due to anxiety, which might cause temporary chest tightness and difficulty breathing? Is there any way I can alleviate this on my own? I only know that deep breathing seems to help relieve my anxiety.
I apologize for the lengthy questions, thank you Dr.
Hsiao.

Xiao Yi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/04/21

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine

Dear Miss Hsiao Yi:
1.
Based on your description and medical history, the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 is very low.
I personally agree with your attending physician's assessment that it may be due to post-nasal drip.
2.
Please avoid ice products or cold drinks, maintain a balanced diet, and ensure you keep warm; this should significantly improve your condition.
3.
Given the ongoing spread of the COVID-19 virus, it is still advisable to wear a mask in indoor or crowded places, and to wash your hands frequently while practicing good self-health management.
4.
If you continue to feel unwell, I recommend consulting your attending physician or visiting an infectious disease department at a regional hospital for further examination and diagnosis.

Reply Date: 2020/04/21

More Info

When it comes to post-cold concerns, particularly regarding throat and chest issues, it's essential to understand the symptoms and when to seek medical advice. Based on your description, it seems you have experienced throat discomfort, nasal congestion, and now some chest tightness. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what you might be dealing with and when it would be appropriate to consult a healthcare professional.

Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Throat Discomfort: This can often be attributed to post-nasal drip, which occurs when mucus from the nasal passages drips down the back of the throat. This can lead to irritation and soreness, especially in the morning. Since your ENT specialist noted that your tonsils were not inflamed and your lungs sounded normal, this suggests that your throat discomfort is likely not due to a serious infection.

2. Chest Tightness: The feeling of tightness or discomfort in the chest can be concerning, especially after a recent cold. However, if the tightness is not severe and improves with deep breathing, it may be related to anxiety or muscle tension rather than a serious respiratory issue. Anxiety can manifest physically, leading to sensations of tightness in the chest, especially if you are feeling stressed or worried about your health.

3. Nasal Congestion: The presence of nasal congestion and post-nasal drip can contribute to throat discomfort and may also lead to a feeling of pressure in the chest. If you have been using nasal sprays as advised, ensure that you are using them correctly and not overusing them, as this can lead to rebound congestion.

When to Seek Medical Advice
You should consider seeking medical advice if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent Symptoms: If your symptoms do not improve or worsen over the next few days, it may be worth revisiting your healthcare provider.

- Severe Chest Pain: If you experience severe or worsening chest pain, especially if it is accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, or sweating, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

- Fever or Other Symptoms: If you develop a fever, chills, or other systemic symptoms, this could indicate a more serious infection that requires treatment.

- Difficulty Breathing: If you find it increasingly difficult to breathe or if your breathing becomes labored, you should seek medical help.

Self-Care Strategies
In the meantime, there are several self-care strategies you can employ to alleviate your symptoms:
- Deep Breathing Exercises: As you mentioned, deep breathing can help reduce feelings of anxiety and tightness in the chest. Practice slow, deep breaths to help relax your body.

- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to help thin mucus and keep your throat moist. Warm teas or broths can be soothing.

- Humidifier: Using a humidifier in your room can help keep the air moist, which may alleviate throat irritation and nasal congestion.

- Rest: Ensure you are getting adequate rest to allow your body to recover from the cold.

Conclusion
Given your current symptoms and the advice from your ENT specialist, it may not be necessary to return for a follow-up visit unless your symptoms change or worsen. However, if you continue to feel anxious or if your chest tightness persists, it might be beneficial to discuss these feelings with a healthcare provider. They can help assess whether your symptoms are purely physical or if anxiety is playing a significant role. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health.

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