Breathing Difficulties: When to Seek Medical Help

Q: Breathing Difficulties: When to Seek Medical Help

Hello： You may first visit our Pulmonary Medicine Department for an examination, and you can also consult the Gastroenterology Department regarding your unusual sensations while eating, considering an endoscopy.

Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing?

Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing difficulty breathing.
Sometimes I need to take deep breaths to feel like I'm getting enough air (occasionally, I feel like I'm not able to breathe normally).
When I speak, I often feel the urge to cough, and there is a metallic taste of blood.
Additionally, I have pain in my left chest, and when I eat, it feels like food is stuck halfway and not going into my stomach.
Which specialty should I consult? Thank you!

ke ke, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/03/31

Dr. Lu Mingzhi reply Pulmonology

Hello: You may first visit our Pulmonary Medicine Department for an examination, and you can also consult the Gastroenterology Department regarding your unusual sensations while eating, considering an endoscopy.

Reply Date: 2021/03/31

More Info

When experiencing breathing difficulties, especially when accompanied by symptoms such as chest pain, coughing up blood, and a sensation of food being stuck in the throat, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. These symptoms can indicate serious underlying conditions that require immediate evaluation and treatment.

Based on your description, the combination of difficulty breathing, chest pain, and coughing up blood (hemoptysis) raises several concerns. Hemoptysis can be associated with various respiratory conditions, including infections (like pneumonia or tuberculosis), pulmonary embolism, or even malignancies. The sensation of food being stuck could suggest esophageal issues, such as esophageal strictures, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or even esophageal cancer, especially if it is persistent.

Given these symptoms, the first step would be to consult a healthcare provider who specializes in internal medicine or pulmonology (chest medicine). A pulmonologist can conduct a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical examination, imaging studies such as a chest X-ray or CT scan, and possibly a bronchoscopy if indicated. These tests can help identify any abnormalities in the lungs or airways that might be contributing to your symptoms.

If the sensation of food being stuck is more pronounced, you might also consider seeing a gastroenterologist. They specialize in digestive system disorders and can perform tests such as an upper endoscopy to visualize the esophagus and stomach, checking for any obstructions or abnormalities.

In addition to these specialists, if you are experiencing significant anxiety or stress related to your symptoms, a consultation with a mental health professional may also be beneficial. Anxiety can exacerbate feelings of breathlessness and discomfort, creating a cycle that can be challenging to break.

It is essential not to ignore these symptoms, especially the presence of blood in your cough and chest pain. These could be signs of serious conditions that require immediate attention. If you experience worsening symptoms, such as increased difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, or if you feel faint or lightheaded, seek emergency medical care.

In summary, based on your symptoms, I recommend the following steps:
1. Consult a Pulmonologist: They can evaluate your breathing difficulties and perform necessary tests to assess lung function and rule out serious conditions.

2. Consider a Gastroenterologist: If the sensation of food being stuck persists, this specialist can investigate potential esophageal issues.

3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms, including the frequency and severity of your cough, chest pain, and any other new symptoms that may arise.

4. Seek Immediate Care if Necessary: If you experience severe symptoms, do not hesitate to go to the emergency room.

Taking these steps can help ensure that you receive the appropriate care and treatment for your symptoms, leading to better health outcomes.

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