Shortness of breath
December 14, 2010 | 15,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Ralf Berg
Dear Doctor,
I occasionally experience shortness of breath in the winter, which seems to happen more frequently. I went to a pulmonologist who didn't find anything, then I had an allergy test which revealed that I have a dust mite allergy, although this may not necessarily be the cause. I was given a spray that never helped! I ended up in the hospital once because of shortness of breath, but they didn't find anything and said that my blood was getting enough oxygen, although they did find abnormal thyroid levels.
I then had my thyroid examined and they found small nodules on my neck, but no underactive or overactive thyroid. I have been taking iodine tablets for 6 months now and can say it has improved a bit. However, I still sometimes experience shortness of breath, especially now in the winter. When I have this shortness of breath and touch my neck and press, my neck cracks and when I lie down in bed, I usually breathe better and have no complaints. I also can't exercise properly anymore because I get this strange feeling in my neck.
I had the symptoms less frequently in the summer. It's really strange and frustrating to experience this shortness of breath and strange feeling in my neck every time. I would like to hear your opinion on what else I can be examined for. I definitely want to do something about it.
Sincerely.
Dear inquirer,
if I were in your place, I would definitely want to take action against it, as this must be a really bad feeling for you. According to your description, it can be assumed that your complaints have nothing to do with the thyroid and also nothing to do with the lungs. Cold and exertion seem to be the triggers. The "cracking" in the throat could be the key symptom of your illness. Try to see if you can trigger this by touching your neck and if shortness of breath occurs.
I could imagine that your sudden shortness of breath is caused by a partial blockage of the upper airways. The ENT doctor has the possibility to observe this area with his mirror optics. Ideally, it would be great if you could trigger your shortness of breath at that time. Then there would be a chance to see if cartilage components in your larynx or soft tissues in your throat shift in such a way (in the cold) that the air can no longer flow freely.
If this examination does not provide any further information, as a last resort, an MRI or CT scan of the neck can be arranged to look for anatomical or other peculiarities. So off to the ENT doctor and possibly further to the radiologist.
PS: If you would like, please do let me know if anything was found with you, as these complaints are indeed very unusual. With best wishes and many greetings, Dr. R. Berg
