Which Specialist Should I See for My Breathing and Vision Issues?

Q: Which Specialist Should I See for My Breathing and Vision Issues?

Hello Emily： Your symptoms include chest tightness, difficulty breathing, dizziness, discomfort in your eyes, and even sudden blurred vision. <br>These symptoms are related to overwork. <br>It is recommended to take a break for five to ten minutes every hour, move your eyes up an

I'm not sure which specialty to see?

Hello Doctor: At first, I experienced a feeling of tightness in my chest, followed by difficulty breathing.
When I was working on the computer, if I used it for too long, I would feel dizzy and my eyes would become uncomfortable.
I felt like I couldn't continue looking at the computer! After a while, I started to feel dizzy, and there was a strange sensation in the upper back of my neck.
I instinctively felt discomfort at the back of my neck! These symptoms began to occur before the Lunar New Year, and I initially thought it was due to working too much before the holiday, which caused my discomfort.
During the Lunar New Year period, I tried to rest as much as possible.
However, after returning to work, these symptoms resumed, and now they occur simultaneously.
Even when reading, if I look for too long, my vision suddenly becomes blurry, and I have to close my eyes to rest before I can continue! I now experience persistent tightness in my chest every day, feeling difficulty breathing (sometimes I even have to take deep breaths), and there is a constant discomfort at the back of my neck! I cannot continuously focus on the computer (which I need to do for work every day) or read! I want to see a doctor, but I'm not sure which specialty to consult.
Could you please provide me with some answers and advice? Thank you, Doctor.

Emily, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/02/11

Dr. Huang Jianling reply Family Medicine

Hello Emily: Your symptoms include chest tightness, difficulty breathing, dizziness, discomfort in your eyes, and even sudden blurred vision.
These symptoms are related to overwork.
It is recommended to take a break for five to ten minutes every hour, move your eyes up and down, and practice deep breathing and relaxation.
If there is no improvement, it is advisable to follow up with a family medicine physician to check for anemia or other cardiopulmonary conditions.
Family Medicine Physician Dr.
Huang Jian-Ling.

Reply Date: 2004/02/11

More Info

Based on the symptoms you've described, it seems that you are experiencing a combination of visual discomfort, breathing difficulties, and neck tension. These symptoms can be quite distressing, especially when they interfere with your daily activities, such as working on a computer or reading.
Given the nature of your symptoms, it would be advisable to consult with two types of specialists: an ophthalmologist for your vision issues and a primary care physician or a pulmonologist for your breathing difficulties.

Ophthalmologist
An ophthalmologist specializes in eye health and can conduct a comprehensive eye examination to determine if there are any underlying issues contributing to your visual discomfort. Symptoms like blurred vision, difficulty focusing, and discomfort while using a computer can often be attributed to digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome. This condition can arise from prolonged screen time without adequate breaks, leading to symptoms such as dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches.
During your visit, the ophthalmologist may perform tests to assess your visual acuity, check for refractive errors (like nearsightedness or astigmatism), and evaluate the overall health of your eyes. They may also recommend corrective lenses or suggest strategies to alleviate digital eye strain, such as the 20-20-20 rule (taking a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away every 20 minutes) and using artificial tears to combat dryness.

Primary Care Physician or Pulmonologist
For your breathing difficulties and chest discomfort, starting with a primary care physician is a good approach. They can evaluate your symptoms, perform a physical examination, and determine if further testing is necessary. If your doctor suspects that your breathing issues are related to a pulmonary condition, they may refer you to a pulmonologist, who specializes in respiratory health.

Your symptoms of chest tightness and difficulty breathing could be related to anxiety, especially if they coincide with stressful periods at work. Anxiety can manifest physically, leading to sensations of tightness in the chest and difficulty breathing. However, it is crucial to rule out any serious underlying conditions, such as asthma or other respiratory issues, which a pulmonologist can help diagnose.

Neck Discomfort
The discomfort in the back of your neck could be related to muscle tension, often exacerbated by poor posture while working at a computer. Ergonomic adjustments to your workspace, such as ensuring your monitor is at eye level and taking regular breaks to stretch, can help alleviate this tension. A physical therapist may also provide exercises and strategies to improve your posture and reduce neck discomfort.

Conclusion
In summary, I recommend that you first see an ophthalmologist to address your vision issues and then consult with a primary care physician regarding your breathing difficulties and chest discomfort. They can guide you on whether a referral to a pulmonologist is necessary. Additionally, consider discussing your neck discomfort with your primary care physician, as they may recommend physical therapy or other interventions to help relieve tension.
Taking these steps can help you gain a clearer understanding of your symptoms and lead you toward effective treatment options. Remember, it’s essential to communicate all your symptoms clearly to your healthcare providers to ensure a comprehensive evaluation.

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