Chest Discomfort: When to See a Pulmonologist

Q: Chest Discomfort: When to See a Pulmonologist

Hello： Please have a check-up with the pulmonology and cardiology departments (including X-ray, pulmonary function tests, echocardiogram, and 24-hour Holter monitoring). <br>If there are no issues, it may be a case of autonomic nervous system dysfunction.

Chest tightness, difficulty breathing, cold sweats, numbness in the hands, and pain in the upper back and shoulders?

One night, I suddenly experienced chest tightness, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty breathing, feeling like I was about to faint.
I went to the emergency room, but the doctor couldn't find the cause.
Later, I visited a cardiologist who performed an electrocardiogram and said everything was fine.
The doctor prescribed me anxiety medication, which helped when I took it, but I still experienced chest tightness, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty breathing when I wasn't on the medication, feeling like I could faint at any moment.
Additionally, I felt unwell and had diarrhea with loose, sticky stools.
The chest tightness was so severe that I had to tap my chest to feel like I could breathe more easily.
I experienced chest tightness on both sides and often needed to take deep breaths.
Should I see a pulmonologist? I also have occasional coughing, a sensation of phlegm in my lungs, and a feeling of something stuck in my throat, making swallowing difficult.

Wei xiong men kun rao de ren, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/08/20

Dr. Wu Yingxun reply Pulmonology

Hello: Please have a check-up with the pulmonology and cardiology departments (including X-ray, pulmonary function tests, echocardiogram, and 24-hour Holter monitoring).
If there are no issues, it may be a case of autonomic nervous system dysfunction.

Reply Date: 2021/08/20

More Info

When experiencing chest discomfort, especially when accompanied by symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, and feelings of impending faintness, it is crucial to seek medical attention. Your description indicates a complex interplay of symptoms that could stem from various underlying conditions, including anxiety, respiratory issues, or even gastrointestinal problems. Given your history of sudden chest tightness and the subsequent evaluation by a cardiologist, it seems that cardiac issues have been ruled out for now. However, the persistence of your symptoms, particularly the respiratory discomfort and gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, suggests that further investigation is warranted.

In your case, consulting a pulmonologist could be beneficial. Pulmonologists specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the lungs and respiratory system. Your symptoms of chest tightness, cough, and a sensation of phlegm in the lungs, along with the feeling of an obstruction in your throat, may indicate underlying respiratory issues such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, or even an allergic reaction. These conditions can manifest with similar symptoms and may require specific treatments or interventions.

Moreover, the sensation of needing to take deep breaths and the feeling of chest heaviness can sometimes be linked to anxiety, which you mentioned has been addressed with medication. However, if the anxiety is exacerbated by physical symptoms, it may be beneficial to explore both the psychological and physiological aspects of your condition. A pulmonologist can perform tests such as pulmonary function tests or imaging studies like a chest X-ray or CT scan to evaluate your lung function and rule out any significant pulmonary conditions.

Additionally, your gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly the diarrhea and the sensation of an obstruction in your throat, could suggest a possible connection to anxiety or a separate gastrointestinal issue, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or even food intolerances. It might be worthwhile to consult a gastroenterologist if these symptoms persist or worsen.

In summary, while your initial evaluation by a cardiologist was reassuring regarding your heart health, the ongoing symptoms you describe warrant further investigation. A pulmonologist can help assess your respiratory symptoms, while a gastroenterologist can evaluate your gastrointestinal issues. It is essential to communicate all your symptoms clearly to your healthcare providers, as this will aid in forming a comprehensive understanding of your condition and guide appropriate treatment. If your symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop, do not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention. Your health and well-being are paramount, and addressing these concerns promptly can lead to better management of your symptoms and overall quality of life.

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