Q:
“I am 18, 5’11”, Korean American, and have a normal heart except when I expel air forcibly. (longer tones and higher pitches) The cough feels like an itch in my chest, rather than my throat, and cough drops do not help. The chest movements are the biggest source of concern, as a doctor has told me that the heart sounds are no danger, but I’d appreciate a second opinion. I do not have insurance, and I need my full vocal and physical capabilities as soon as possible. Thank you for your time
A:
Some questions to you:
1): What does this mean, “I need my full vocal and physical capabilities as soon as possible”?
2): What do you mean, hiccup, belch, cough, sing, talk? Is it productive (sputum etc.)?
3): Do you have any trouble breathing, and if so, when?
4): Is it worse when you take a deep breath?
5): Where is this itch, is it new, how long has this been going on?
Coughing is a natural, sudden reflex to clear the large breathing passages from secretions, irritants, foreign particles etc. Suppressing your cough reflex might have deleterious effects, especially if the cough is productive.
You can look for causes of chest pains here:
http://www.cardiac-risk-assessment.com/ca-blog/chest-pain/
http://www.cardiac-risk-assessment.com/ca-blog/new-chest-pains/
This requires an evaluation by a doctor, although I suspect nothing much is going on.
Hope this helps,
Dr T
http://www.cardiac-risk-assessment.com/