Chest Discomfort: When to See a Specialist

Q: Chest Discomfort: When to See a Specialist

Dear Mr. <br>Hsu： I apologize for the late response to your question. <br>The possible causes of gynecomastia in males include congenital familial inheritance, hormonal imbalances, tumors, liver cirrhosis, unhealthy dietary habits, and environmental hormone influences. <br>Additi

Chest tightness, chest pain, loss of appetite?

Hello Director Huang: Recently, I have been experiencing increasingly noticeable symptoms of chest tightness, chest pain, and loss of appetite.
The frequency of chest tightness has also been increasing.
A few months ago, I was diagnosed with gynecomastia at Taipei A-Yuan Hospital, and I stopped taking my nutritional supplements at that time, but I did not undergo any treatment.
Recently, I have been busy with work and under a lot of stress.
What could this situation be? Which department should I consult? Pulmonology or Cardiology?

Mr. Hsu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2014/06/23

Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology

Dear Mr.
Hsu: I apologize for the late response to your question.
The possible causes of gynecomastia in males include congenital familial inheritance, hormonal imbalances, tumors, liver cirrhosis, unhealthy dietary habits, and environmental hormone influences.
Additionally, medications such as antihypertensives, cardiac glycosides, and other blood pressure medications may also lead to the development of gynecomastia.
Therefore, the first step is to consult a metabolic specialist, followed by a visit to a breast surgeon, with other specialties determined based on the situation.
I hope this answers your question.

Reply Date: 2014/06/23

More Info

Chest discomfort, including symptoms like chest tightness, pain, and loss of appetite, can be concerning and warrants careful evaluation. Given your recent diagnosis of gynecomastia and the increase in your symptoms, it is essential to approach this situation with caution.
Firstly, it's important to understand that chest discomfort can arise from various causes, some of which may be benign while others could indicate serious health issues. Common causes of chest pain include musculoskeletal issues, gastrointestinal problems (like acid reflux), anxiety, and cardiovascular conditions. Given your symptoms of chest tightness and pain, along with loss of appetite, it is crucial to consider the possibility of a cardiac issue, especially since you mentioned increased stress and a busy work schedule.

The fact that you have been experiencing these symptoms more frequently and that they have become more pronounced is a red flag. Stress can exacerbate many conditions, including those related to the heart. Therefore, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly.
In terms of which specialist to consult, both a cardiologist and a pulmonologist (chest specialist) could be appropriate, depending on the nature of your symptoms. Since you are experiencing chest pain and discomfort, starting with a cardiologist would be prudent. They can perform necessary evaluations, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, or stress tests, to assess your heart's health. If they determine that your heart is functioning well, they may refer you to a pulmonologist or another specialist if needed.

Additionally, if you have any accompanying symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, or radiating pain to the arms, neck, or jaw, you should seek immediate medical attention, as these could be signs of a heart attack or other serious conditions.

Moreover, it is essential to communicate your full medical history to your healthcare provider, including your gynecomastia diagnosis and any medications or supplements you have been taking. This information will help them understand your overall health and tailor their evaluation accordingly.

In summary, given your symptoms of chest discomfort, it is advisable to see a cardiologist first. They will be able to assess your condition and determine if further investigations or referrals to other specialists are necessary. Remember, it is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to chest pain and discomfort. Your health is paramount, and timely intervention can make a significant difference.

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