Suggest Treatment For Shortness Of Breath And Nasal Congestion

Posted on Tue, 12 Jul 2016

Question: Hi, I've been experiencing shortness of breath for quite a while now. I also have a couple of bizzarre symptoms that are beginning to add up and I wonder if I should start worrying. It started with nasal congestion (maybe 4 years ago), then everytime I swallow I hear a 'clok' in both ears. I also have a small painfull bump under my right cheekbone. About 2 weeks ago I also started to feel numbness on the tip of my tongue. Then I have this sensation of fatigue plus the difficulty to fall asleep. Another weird symptom, I have liquid coming out of my breasts, on both sides. (sorry for my english french is my 1st language)

Thanks for your help!

Answered by Dr. Ahmad Nazzal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Chronic sinusitis. Hormonal check up refer to endocrinologist.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,

Thank you for trusting us in HCM with your question. I will make sure to answer your question to the best of my knowledge.

The constellation of symptoms you described can be divided into two medical issues, one is the sinuses problem and it causes the nasal congestion, the sound in ears when you swallow and the painful feeling on the right cheekbone. Chronic sinusitis, a sinus inflammation as long as you have, is sometimes hard to treat. It is important therefore for you to visit an ENT specialist to clean the sinuses, give you antibiotics and make sure you do not have any anatomical obstructions leading to the sinuses congestion and problem.

The second medical issue relates to your shortness of breath feeling, fatigue, difficulty to sleep and the liquid coming out of your breast as you described.
Is the liquid white in color? Do you happen to also have menstrual cycle abnormalities? Did your weight change lately?
These symptoms can be due to hormonal imbalance caused by a gland called the pituitary gland. Therefore, it is crucial that you visit an endocrinology specialist.

I would recommend that you first start by visiting the endocrinology doctor, before the ENT.

They will ask you to do a blood test, which among many things will focus on horomonal profile. Brain MRI might be needed to asses size of the gland, and determine if it is enlarged. Please feel free to send me back the results in case you need a second opinion.

In case you have any more questions, please feel free to ask.

Best regards,
Dr. Nazzal

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng