Finding the Right Specialist for Chest Pain and Blood in Saliva - Pulmonology

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When dealing with symptoms such as chest pain and blood in saliva, it is crucial to approach the situation methodically to identify the underlying cause. Based on your description, it seems you have already consulted several specialists, including a pulmonologist, an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor, and a dentist, but have not yet found a definitive answer.
1. Understanding Your Symptoms: The presence of blood in your saliva, especially when combined with chest pain, can be indicative of several conditions. These can range from relatively benign issues, such as a throat infection or dental problems, to more serious conditions like pulmonary issues or gastrointestinal bleeding. The intermittent nature of your chest pain, which resolves quickly, could suggest a non-cardiac origin, but it still warrants thorough investigation.

2. Recommended Specialists: Given the complexity of your symptoms, it may be beneficial to consult a few additional specialists:
- Gastroenterologist: Since you mentioned the possibility of gastrointestinal issues, a gastroenterologist can evaluate for conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophageal varices, or other digestive tract problems that might cause blood to appear in saliva.

- Pulmonologist: If you haven’t already, a pulmonologist can perform more specialized tests, such as a CT scan of the chest or bronchoscopy, to rule out lung-related issues, including infections, tumors, or other pulmonary conditions.

- Cardiologist: Although your pain is brief, it may still be wise to consult a cardiologist to rule out any cardiac-related causes, especially if you have risk factors such as a family history of heart disease.

3. Next Steps:
- Diagnostic Tests: You may want to request further diagnostic tests. For example, a CT scan of the chest can provide more detailed images than an X-ray. Additionally, a bronchoscopy can allow direct visualization of the airways and possibly identify any lesions or sources of bleeding.

- Blood Tests: Comprehensive blood tests can help identify infections, anemia, or other systemic issues that might contribute to your symptoms.

- Dental Follow-Up: Since you have dental issues, ensure that any remaining cavities are treated, as dental infections can sometimes lead to systemic symptoms, including bleeding.

4. Symptom Management: While you are seeking a diagnosis, managing your symptoms is also important. Over-the-counter medications such as NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) can help alleviate pain, but be cautious with their use, especially if there is any concern about gastrointestinal bleeding.
5. Documentation: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, including when they occur, their duration, and any associated factors (like eating or physical activity). This information can be invaluable to your healthcare providers in diagnosing your condition.

In conclusion, while you have already seen several specialists, it may be beneficial to consult a gastroenterologist and possibly a cardiologist for a more comprehensive evaluation. Make sure to communicate all your symptoms clearly and advocate for further testing if necessary. Your health is paramount, and finding the right specialist can make a significant difference in diagnosing and treating your condition effectively.