Did you know you had an infection in your throat when you went to the ENT? How could this cause your shortness of breath? I was just curious b/c I have the same probs and I think it may be ENT relatd.

Thanks for your reply,

Serena

Hello dinhtran,

Yes, strange as it may sound. But this can happen. My ENT doctor told me that. He said that there are 5 sinus passages that are linked together. If they get choked (as in my case), one cannot take in air properly for breathing. This sometimes causes our body to react and produce a reflex which can include fast heartbeat, shortness of breath and restlessness.

Since our lungs are designed to take air through a steady supply of air that nostrils provide, breathing through the mouth alone cannot fulfil the hunger.

I didn't know that I had an infection in the throat until a chest specialist asked me to do a ENT checkup because he was quite sure that my problem was not related to the lungs / heart.

In my case, I had a sinus blockage which caused a severe infection in the throat, nose and one of the ears. The doctor also pointed out that increase in temperature will make things further difficult as sinus passages are very sensitive to moisture and heat.

It's been a week since I'm taking medicine (antibiotics, steroids nasal spray and anti-allergy tablets). I can say that I really am feeling better. That air-hunger problem is still there, but certainly not as bad as before.

Go get yourself checked by ENT specialist. I pray that it will be worthwhile.

If you have anything to ask, do let me know.

Regards,

Kamran

[This message has been edited by ki007 (edited 07-05-2003).]