Breathing Difficulties: Mucus and Gas Issues Explained

Mucus obstructing the airways can lead to difficulty breathing?

Hello Doctor: Last night while I was sleeping, I felt like my body was filled with gas.
It wasn't painful, but this morning before getting up, I dreamt that I couldn't speak because of bloating.
When I woke up, I realized I was indeed bloated to the point where burping was very difficult.
I had to exert a lot of effort for a long time before I could finally burp.
At the same time, I felt like there was phlegm in my throat that I couldn't cough out, and I wasn't sure if the phlegm was blocking the gas in my chest, which was very uncomfortable, making me feel like I could hardly breathe, and my chest still hurts.
The issue of not being able to release gas or burp has actually been ongoing for a long time, but today the situation is more severe.
When I was a child, I had to go to the emergency room two or three times due to constipation.
Usually, after sleeping, my stomach would be distended, and I would feel a bit of pain in my chest from the gas.
Basically, throughout the day, I have to consciously force myself to burp to feel more comfortable.
There have also been several occasions where I couldn't pass gas no matter how hard I tried, resulting in severe abdominal pain.
Additionally, I have allergy issues, and my nose has difficulty breathing.
A doctor once mentioned that I have a deviated septum, so I mainly breathe through my mouth.
I would like to understand if my breathing method is causing the excessive gas and how I can improve the issue of gas not being released.
Also, should I consult other specialties regarding these problems? Thank you!

Lin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/07/21

Dr. Li Jiaxuan reply Otolaryngology

Hiccups are caused by contractions of the diaphragm.
Above the diaphragm are the lungs, and below it is the abdominal cavity.
It is recommended to consult a thoracic gastroenterologist for examination.
Severe deviation of the nasal septum can lead to breathing solely through the mouth.
In serious cases, surgical treatment may be necessary.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2022/07/21

More Info

Breathing difficulties, especially when accompanied by sensations of mucus or gas buildup, can be quite distressing and may stem from a variety of underlying issues. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing a combination of respiratory symptoms, gastrointestinal discomfort, and possibly some complications related to your history of allergies and nasal issues.

Firstly, the sensation of feeling "full of gas" and having difficulty burping or passing gas can be indicative of gastrointestinal problems. Conditions such as functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or even food intolerances could lead to excessive gas production and bloating. This can create pressure in the abdomen, which may, in turn, affect your diaphragm and make it feel like you are having trouble breathing. The diaphragm is a muscle that plays a crucial role in respiration, and any pressure or discomfort in the abdominal area can lead to a sensation of breathlessness.

Moreover, your history of constipation and the need for emergency care in the past could suggest that you might be prone to gastrointestinal blockages or severe bloating, which can exacerbate your breathing difficulties. It is essential to address these gastrointestinal symptoms, as they can significantly impact your overall comfort and respiratory function.

In addition to gastrointestinal issues, your mention of having a deviated septum and a history of nasal allergies suggests that your upper respiratory tract may also be contributing to your breathing difficulties. A deviated septum can obstruct airflow through the nasal passages, forcing you to breathe through your mouth, which is less efficient and can lead to dryness and irritation in the throat. This could explain the sensation of mucus or phlegm that you feel is stuck in your throat, as mouth breathing can lead to increased mucus production in response to irritation.

Given these factors, it would be advisable to consult with both a gastroenterologist and an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. The gastroenterologist can help evaluate your digestive health, assess for any underlying conditions that may be causing excessive gas and bloating, and recommend dietary changes or treatments to alleviate these symptoms. Meanwhile, the ENT specialist can evaluate your nasal passages and throat to determine if your deviated septum or any other structural issues are contributing to your breathing difficulties.

In the meantime, there are several strategies you can employ to help manage your symptoms. For gastrointestinal discomfort, consider keeping a food diary to identify any potential triggers that may be causing bloating or gas. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding carbonated beverages can also help reduce gas buildup. Additionally, incorporating gentle physical activity, such as walking, can aid digestion and help relieve gas.

For your respiratory symptoms, practicing good nasal hygiene, such as using saline nasal sprays or rinses, may help clear mucus and improve airflow through your nasal passages. If you find that your allergies are contributing to your symptoms, discussing allergy management strategies with your healthcare provider may also be beneficial.

Overall, addressing both your gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms holistically will be key to improving your quality of life and alleviating the discomfort you are experiencing.

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