Cough, Chest Tightness, and Anxiety: A Guide for Patients

Q: Cough, Chest Tightness, and Anxiety: A Guide for Patients

Hello, regarding your questions, here is a brief summary： 1. <br>A scratchy throat and cough, especially when others do not have similar symptoms, is not considered normal. <br>It is advisable to have a medical professional evaluate for any significant organ abnormalities. <br>2.

Itchy throat, cough, and chest tightness?

Hello Dr.
Yang, I would like to ask you the following questions:
1.
I have been experiencing intermittent dry cough at night for the past couple of days.
When I take deep breaths or exhale forcefully, I feel a tightness in my chest and an itchy sensation that makes me want to cough.
Is this normal?
2.
My temperature, measured with an ear thermometer, is around 37 to 37.5 degrees Celsius.
Is this considered a high temperature? Is there anything I should pay attention to or any specific tests I should undergo? (I have heard that lung cancer patients may have elevated temperatures?)
3.
Yesterday, I visited a smoking cessation clinic and mentioned to the doctor that I have been experiencing occasional throat irritation, coughing, and chest tightness.
Is it possible to get an X-ray? The doctor listened to my lungs and said that it is not necessary at this time and that it is likely due to sensitivity to changes in the weather.
Is that really the case?
4.
I actually have some anxiety, health anxiety, or psychosomatic symptoms, and I am afraid that I might have lung cancer, but I can't seem to quit smoking (I smoke about a pack every two days and have been smoking for ten years).
What should I do? Please help me, doctor...

Xiao Ke, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/11/26

Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology

Hello, regarding your questions, here is a brief summary: 1.
A scratchy throat and cough, especially when others do not have similar symptoms, is not considered normal.
It is advisable to have a medical professional evaluate for any significant organ abnormalities.
2.
A persistently elevated body temperature is also not normal; please seek evaluation from a professional.
Your age makes it less likely for lung cancer to be a concern.
3.
Medical professionals suggest that if symptoms persist for a longer duration, a doctor may agree to order a chest X-ray to confirm that you have successfully quit smoking (as smoking is indeed related to coughing).
4.
By combining smoking cessation medications with lifestyle changes such as hydration and exercise, more people are successfully quitting smoking recently.
Keep it up!

Reply Date: 2013/11/26

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns. It sounds like you are experiencing a combination of physical symptoms and anxiety, which can be quite distressing. Let’s address your questions one by one.

1. Coughing and Chest Tightness: It’s not uncommon for individuals to experience coughing and a sensation of tightness in the chest, especially when they are anxious or under stress. This can be exacerbated by deep breathing or forceful exhalation, which may trigger a cough reflex. Anxiety can lead to hyperventilation, where you breathe too quickly or deeply, causing a feeling of tightness or discomfort in the chest. If these symptoms persist or worsen, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

2. Body Temperature: A body temperature of 37 to 37.5 degrees Celsius (98.6 to 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit) is generally considered to be within the normal range, although it is on the higher end. It’s important to note that slight variations can occur due to various factors, including the time of day, physical activity, and even stress. While elevated body temperature can be associated with infections or other medical conditions, it is not a definitive sign of lung cancer. If you have persistent concerns about your temperature or other symptoms, further investigation may be warranted.

3. Need for Chest X-ray: Your doctor’s assessment that an X-ray is not currently necessary may be based on the absence of alarming symptoms such as significant shortness of breath, fever, or abnormal lung sounds. Weather changes can indeed affect individuals with respiratory sensitivities, leading to symptoms like coughing or chest discomfort. However, if your symptoms do not improve or if you develop new symptoms, it would be prudent to seek a second opinion or request further imaging.

4. Anxiety and Smoking Cessation: It’s understandable to feel anxious about your health, especially with a history of smoking and concerns about lung cancer. The fear of illness can sometimes lead to a cycle of anxiety that exacerbates physical symptoms. It’s crucial to address both your smoking habit and your anxiety. Consider seeking support from a mental health professional who can help you with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which has been shown to be effective for anxiety and health-related fears. Additionally, smoking cessation programs can provide you with the tools and support needed to quit smoking, which is vital for your lung health.

In summary, while your symptoms may be linked to anxiety and respiratory sensitivity, it’s essential to monitor them closely. If you find that your anxiety is overwhelming or if your physical symptoms persist, please do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation. Remember, you are not alone in this, and there are effective treatments available for both anxiety and smoking cessation.
Take care, and I wish you the best on your journey to better health.

Sincerely,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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