Which Medical Specialty Should I Consult for Breathing Issues?

Which specialty should I consult?

Hello, Dr.
Huang.
Last year, I experienced unexplained shortness of breath and a feeling of tightness in my chest.
At that time, I was hospitalized for a stomach issue, and they treated me for that as well.
Whenever I had difficulty breathing during my hospitalization, my attending physician would ask me to wear oxygen to maintain my breathing or give me medication.
I asked my attending physician about it, but he did not provide a clear answer.
He suggested that I see a psychiatrist, but I did not follow through with that.
Recently, I have started experiencing shortness of breath and chest tightness again.
I have tried deep breathing exercises to alleviate it, but they haven't helped.
I would like to know if I should seek medical attention, and if so, which specialty I should consult.
Thank you for your guidance!

Qiu Feng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/03/01

Dr. Huang Mingde reply Family Medicine

It is recommended that you first consult a cardiologist to rule out any heart diseases.
Although emotional factors and external stress can manifest as physical symptoms, I believe it is important to first exclude any organic bodily conditions before considering a visit to a psychiatrist.

Reply Date: 2004/03/01

More Info

When experiencing breathing difficulties, it is crucial to consult the appropriate medical specialty to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Based on your description of symptoms, including shortness of breath and a feeling of tightness in the chest, it is advisable to start with a visit to a pulmonologist, a specialist in respiratory issues.
Pulmonologists are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions affecting the lungs and respiratory system, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and interstitial lung diseases. They can perform various diagnostic tests, such as pulmonary function tests, chest X-rays, and CT scans, to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. Given your history of feeling short of breath during a previous hospitalization, it is essential to rule out any potential lung-related issues.

In addition to a pulmonologist, if your symptoms persist or if you experience anxiety related to your breathing difficulties, it may also be beneficial to consult a psychiatrist or psychologist. Anxiety can manifest physically, leading to sensations of breathlessness or chest tightness, which may not be due to a primary respiratory condition. A mental health professional can help address any psychological factors contributing to your symptoms, providing strategies to manage anxiety and improve your overall well-being.

If you have a history of gastrointestinal issues, as you mentioned being hospitalized for a stomach condition, it may also be worth consulting a gastroenterologist. Sometimes, gastrointestinal problems can lead to referred pain or discomfort in the chest area, which can mimic respiratory issues. Conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause symptoms like chest tightness and shortness of breath.

In summary, the best course of action is to first see a pulmonologist to evaluate your respiratory symptoms. They can conduct the necessary tests to determine if there is a lung-related issue that needs to be addressed. If your symptoms are found to be related to anxiety or if you feel that psychological factors are at play, seeking help from a mental health professional would be beneficial. Additionally, if there are concerns about gastrointestinal issues, a gastroenterologist may provide further insights.

It is essential to take your symptoms seriously, especially if they are recurrent or worsening. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes, so do not hesitate to seek medical attention. Remember to communicate openly with your healthcare providers about all your symptoms and concerns, as this will help them provide the best possible care tailored to your needs.

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