Loud Breathing: Causes and When to Seek Help

Regarding respiratory issues?

Hello, doctor.
I have a question.
Sometimes my breathing sounds very loud (not during sleep).
It's like after normal breathing, there will suddenly be a loud exhalation, and it feels like I have a tightness in my chest and can't breathe out properly, followed by a forceful breath.
I'm not sure when this started, but I often cough.
I've always had a sudden dry throat that makes me want to cough, but there's no phlegm, and I don't think it's a cold.
When I cough, I immediately drink water to soothe it.
I'm not sure if there's a connection.
I also have a constitution that, in Taiwanese, is referred to as "abdominal heat," where my temperature can't be measured accurately from the outside, but I feel hot all over, indicating that I might have a fever.
Sometimes I feel very hot all over, but my family does not feel hot, which makes me feel abnormal.
When I turn on the air conditioning because I'm hot, my family feels cold and asks me to turn it off, but I can't feel the cold; instead, I feel comfortable or even hot.
This issue worries me, and my family has caught colds from the air conditioning before.
I once wondered if this was a side effect of the COVID-19 vaccine, but thinking back, it doesn't seem right since it's been a long time (7 months) since I completed the vaccination.
I am overweight, weighing around 70 kg and only 160 cm tall, with a history of type 2 diabetes.
The medications I take regularly are: 1.
Glyxambi Tablets 25/5mg 2.
Amaryl M Tablet 2/500mg 3.
Atorvastatin (Lipitor) <20mg>/tab.
I haven't paid much attention to this issue, always thinking it's normal, but I'm still asking online if I need to get checked.

Ling Er, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/09/13

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello,
1.
Regarding respiratory sounds, being overweight can cause airway compression, which may lead to wheezing or audible breathing.
If you are feeling very uncomfortable, you can visit an outpatient clinic for an X-ray to confirm that your lungs are in good condition.
If it is already affecting your quality of life, you may want to consult an otolaryngologist.
2.
As for feeling easily overheated, it is speculated that this may be due to individual constitution.
However, if you are concerned, you can visit a family medicine clinic to check if it is related to any endocrine factors, such as thyroid issues.
3.
Regarding diabetes, it is recommended to follow medical advice to control blood sugar levels effectively.
Engaging in moderate exercise is believed to also help improve the two conditions mentioned above.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2022/09/13

More Info

Loud breathing can be a concerning symptom, and it’s important to understand its potential causes and when to seek medical help. Based on your description, it seems that you experience episodes of loud breathing, which may be accompanied by a sensation of chest tightness and a persistent dry cough. Additionally, you mentioned feeling unusually hot and having a history of type 2 diabetes, which adds complexity to your situation.

Possible Causes of Loud Breathing
1. Airway Obstruction: Loud breathing can occur when there is an obstruction in the airway. This could be due to conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or even allergies that lead to swelling in the airways. The sensation of not being able to breathe properly, followed by a loud exhalation, may indicate that your airways are constricted or inflamed.

2. Respiratory Infections: Although you mentioned not feeling like you have a cold, respiratory infections can sometimes present with symptoms that include a dry cough and changes in breathing patterns. Viral infections, in particular, can lead to inflammation in the airways, causing loud or labored breathing.

3. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Given your history of feeling hot and having a "burning" sensation, it’s possible that acid reflux could be contributing to your symptoms. GERD can lead to irritation of the throat and lungs, resulting in a chronic cough and changes in breathing.

4. Anxiety or Panic Attacks: Psychological factors can also play a role in breathing patterns. Anxiety can lead to hyperventilation, which may cause loud breathing sounds and a sensation of breathlessness. If you find that your symptoms worsen during stressful situations, this could be a contributing factor.

5. Obesity: Your body mass index (BMI) suggests that you may be classified as obese, which can contribute to breathing difficulties. Excess weight can put pressure on the lungs and diaphragm, making it harder to breathe deeply and leading to loud or labored breathing.

When to Seek Help
You should consider seeking medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent Symptoms: If your loud breathing and cough continue or worsen over time, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider.

- Difficulty Breathing: If you experience significant difficulty breathing or if your breathing becomes rapid or shallow, seek immediate medical attention.

- Chest Pain: Any chest pain, especially if it feels tight or constricting, should be evaluated by a doctor.

- Fever or Other Symptoms: If you develop a fever, chills, or other systemic symptoms, it may indicate an underlying infection that requires treatment.

Recommended Actions
1. Consult a Healthcare Provider: Given your symptoms and medical history, it would be wise to see a healthcare provider, preferably a pulmonologist or an internist. They can perform a thorough evaluation, including lung function tests, imaging studies, and possibly allergy testing.

2. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their duration, and any potential triggers. This information can be helpful for your healthcare provider in diagnosing the issue.

3. Lifestyle Modifications: Consider making lifestyle changes that could improve your overall health. This includes weight management, regular physical activity, and dietary adjustments to manage your diabetes effectively.

4. Medication Review: Discuss your current medications with your doctor to ensure they are appropriate for your condition and to rule out any potential side effects that could be contributing to your symptoms.

In conclusion, while loud breathing can be caused by various factors, it is essential to take your symptoms seriously, especially given your medical history. Seeking professional medical advice is the best course of action to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

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