Strange sound....

[miguelthepilot]

I was practicing some breath hold diving in the pool the other day and noticed a short high pitched “whistle-chirp” when I exhaled completely. It sounds a lot like when people’s nose whistle as they breathe out… it’s not from my nose, it sounds like coming from my throat...I had my mask on when I first heard it. It only happens when I breathe out a certain way, it has to be a very shallow, slow, gentle breath almost if I was just moving air in the "dead air space" and it only chirps when I am close to full expiration. It’s only perceptible when it’s really quiet and can't (at least when I listen) be appreciated with auscultation the chest, but can be heard when removing the stethoscope from my ears.

I had a very thorough physical a few month ago (work related) that included chest x-rays, spirometry, lab panel, urinalysis, the works. All tests came negative… I’m in good health.

I have never had an asthma attack nor been diagnosed. I am an ex smoker. I don’t have shortness of breath. I work out 3-5 times a week with no issues. I did have a funky head cold the week before last that has lingered as post nasal drip. I can equalize no problems…

Should I go see a doc before getting back in the water?

 

[cutlass]

Anytime you're bothered by a condition, then you should go to your doctor.

Such squeaks are often associated with obstruction or constriction the smaller air passages; for example, the mucus secretions and inflammatory swelling of asthma and bronchitis. Your history of smoking and recent head cold/nasal drip can produce the same effect. Other disorders are possible but what's encouraging is no mention of the condition worsening, other coincidental problems, and your recent clean physical exam.