Facial Discomfort and Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice

Cheek and chest issues?

Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing irregular sleep patterns recently, and I started adjusting to a normal schedule two days ago.
However, I had a poor night's sleep last night and kept waking up.
I'm not sure if this is related to my sleep issues, but when I woke up today, my cheeks felt strange, somewhat tight and uncomfortable.
Could you please explain why this might be happening? Should I just rest and observe, or do I need to see a doctor right away? If I need to see a doctor, would a regular clinic be sufficient? Additionally, I accidentally hit my chest with my hand yesterday.
There is no bruise at the site of impact, but it is tender to the touch.
Should I apply any medication or how should I manage this? Is it likely that I have a serious internal injury? Thank you.

Li, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/07/16

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine

Hello, please have your family physician evaluate your condition first, and based on the assessment, determine if a referral to a relevant subspecialty is necessary.
Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations.
Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2021/07/16

More Info

When experiencing facial discomfort and chest pain, it's important to assess the symptoms carefully to determine whether medical attention is necessary. Based on your description, it seems you are dealing with two separate issues: facial tightness and discomfort, and localized chest pain following a minor injury.

Facial Discomfort
The sensation of tightness or discomfort in the cheeks can be attributed to several factors. Given that you've recently adjusted your sleep schedule, it's possible that your body is still adapting to this change. Poor sleep can lead to muscle tension, particularly in the facial area, which may manifest as discomfort or a feeling of tightness. Stress and anxiety can also contribute to muscle tension, leading to similar sensations.

In many cases, if the discomfort is mild and not accompanied by other concerning symptoms (such as swelling, severe pain, or neurological symptoms like numbness or weakness), it may be reasonable to monitor the situation. Ensuring you get adequate rest, staying hydrated, and practicing relaxation techniques can help alleviate the discomfort.

However, if the facial discomfort persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as headaches, vision changes, or difficulty swallowing, it would be prudent to seek medical advice. A general practitioner or family doctor can evaluate your symptoms and determine if further investigation is needed, such as a referral to a specialist.

Chest Pain
Regarding the chest pain you experienced after accidentally hitting your chest, it's important to consider the nature of the injury. If the pain is localized to the area of impact and there are no signs of bruising or swelling, it is likely a soft tissue injury, such as a bruise or muscle strain. In such cases, applying ice to the area can help reduce any swelling and alleviate pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can also be effective in managing discomfort.

However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention:
1. Severe or worsening pain: If the pain intensifies or does not improve with rest and over-the-counter medication.

2. Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling like you cannot catch your breath.

3. Radiating pain: Pain that spreads to other areas, such as the arm, jaw, or back.

4. Dizziness or fainting: Feeling lightheaded or faint can indicate a more serious issue.

5. Nausea or sweating: These can be signs of a heart-related issue.

Conclusion
In summary, your facial discomfort may be related to stress, sleep issues, or muscle tension, and monitoring the situation while practicing self-care may be sufficient. For the chest pain, if it is mild and localized, it is likely not serious, but if any concerning symptoms arise, do not hesitate to seek medical attention. If you decide to visit a doctor, a general practice clinic is appropriate for both issues. They can provide a thorough evaluation and guide you on the next steps for treatment. Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to health concerns.

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