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Respiratory Problems Questions

Query Regarding Antibiotics and Steroids for Upper Respiratory Infection

I’m a 29-year-old female, weighing approximately 56 kg and standing 170 cm tall, currently residing in Australia. Over the weekend, I developed swelling in my throat accompanied by an uncomfortable dry cough, which subsequently escalated into pinkeye for the first time last night. I’ve been struggling with my voice as it has diminished to a whisper due to persistent coughing. Earlier today, I took a 500 mg paracetamol capsule and my temperature was measured at a normal 36.6°C, without any fever present. My biggest discomfort stems from the lack of quality sleep I've gotten over the past few nights. The constant muscle fatigue from daytime coughing and frequent coughing episodes while lying down has made it challenging to rest adequately. Worried about the new symptom affecting my eye, I scheduled a telehealth consultation at around midnight. During the appointment, the doctor prescribed: 1. Cefalexin capsules (500mg, 20 capsules, to be taken four times daily); 2. Panafcort tablets (25 mg, three tablets, with one to be taken every morning with food for three days). The doctor instructed that if I experience fever or pain, I should stick to paracetamol, as I have never taken ibuprofen due to concerns about its effects on my stomach. Throughout Saturday and Sunday, I was taking about four paracetamol capsules daily for pain, but thankfully, that has lessened now. As far as my current state goes, my symptoms haven't deteriorated since last night. The coughing has lessened (a friend provided me with some over-the-counter Benadryl), and after rinsing my eyes this morning, they have remained relatively clear until the afternoon, with only minimal discharge. Having done a bit of research on the antibiotic, I found that nausea is a potential side effect, which worries me as someone who is naturally anxious about vomiting, especially when I’m already coping with dry coughs. Despite this, my appetite has remained stable since Friday; I’ve been staying hydrated with warm water and consuming a variety of fruits, protein shakes, and bread to maintain my energy levels. There have been no gastrointestinal disturbances. Would it be reasonable for me to continue using my over-the-counter medications tomorrow and observe whether my cough improves before initiating the antibiotic and steroid treatments? If my condition improves and seems manageable without the prescribed medications, is it acceptable for me to forgo them entirely? Should I consider seeking a second opinion regarding alternatives with fewer gastrointestinal side effects, such as antibiotic eye drops? I am cognizant of the risks associated with not completing an antibiotic course, as it could lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, so I am looking for additional advice to help evaluate my risk and benefits while minimizing stress on my already fatigued body and mind. I have already secured a medical certificate to take the upcoming week off work, giving me plenty of time to recuperate. Additionally, I am currently taking isotretinoin 10 mg on weekdays for acne and do not have any known drug allergies. I typically avoid prescription medications, and to my knowledge, I have never previously taken the antibiotic prescribed to me. Thank you for your patience with this lengthy post, and I appreciate any insights from those who can offer help! I’m also happy to clarify any points if needed.

BronchitisENTSore Throat
Male • 25-34
2 days ago

Struggling with PVCs: A Constant Battle

Age: 35, Male For quite some time now, I have been grappling with premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), and lately, it has become overwhelming. An ablation procedure is on the horizon, yet I find myself uncertain about what lies ahead. Some days, I experience a sense of normalcy, only to be suddenly bombarded by relentless heart skips and that dreadful trigeminy rhythm that dominates my entire experience. It’s so erratic; I can’t pinpoint any triggers or patterns. It feels as though my body arbitrarily decides to fall apart at the worst possible moments. What truly frustrates me is that these episodes tend to strike when I’m attempting to unwind. I can manage errands, go for runs, and feel perfectly fine, but the minute I try to relax or settle in for sleep, it all begins. There's the heavy pounding, the erratic beats, and that trigeminy sensation where a third beat feels entirely off. Along with it comes a flushed sensation in my chest and face, almost as if I'm overheating. My hands become sweaty, and an overwhelming feeling of nausea and panic engulfs me before anything even occurs. It’s as if I can predict an impending bad day before it even starts. I feel like I’ve exhausted every remedy I can think of. Electrolytes, taurine, magnesium—I even resorted to drinking BodyArmor, hoping it would remedy some obscure deficiency. Interestingly, when I do indulge occasionally in alcohol, the PVCs and trigeminy vanish for a short period. For a few hours, I’m granted a glimpse of what feels normal. However, the following day is always a harsh reminder. Even the mildest hangover sends my heart into a frenzy of racing and skipping beats, trapping me in a cycle of anxiety that seems inescapable. There have been times I considered heading to the emergency room just to feel validated in my struggle, but I already know the outcome: typical blood tests, a normal EKG, and ultimately, no concrete explanation for what I experience. Walking out, I often feel worse than before my visit. I’m exhausted from pretending that I’m okay. I’m frustrated by the lack of clarity and yearning for answers. If anyone else has faced trigeminy or similar sensations, your advice would be greatly appreciated. I feel like I’m barely holding it all together.

BronchitisAllergy & ImmunologyPulmonology
Male • 25-34
2 days ago

Prolonged Respiratory Illness After a Month

At 33 years old, I usually enjoy excellent health and fitness. It's uncommon for me to fall ill, with perhaps one cold each year during the respiratory season. However, this winter, I caught a cold from my partner, which I recovered from after a few weeks. A little over a month ago, I fell ill again with another respiratory infection. I initially assumed it was just another cold, characterized by a cough and nasal congestion, so I decided to let it pass naturally. I conducted a Covid test, which came back negative. Despite feeling under the weather, I continued my training for an upcoming cycling race, managing to squeeze in several long rides of 40 to 60 miles at times. For a spell, I believed I was on the mend, feeling optimistic about my recovery. Unfortunately, my condition worsened shortly after. My cough became persistent, accompanied by a sensation of mucus forming deep in my lungs. The severity of my cough sometimes led to gagging. A week ago, I visited urgent care where a healthcare provider examined my lungs and detected abnormal breath sounds. She diagnosed me with bacterial bronchitis and prescribed a week’s course of doxycycline. After a few days into the antibiotic treatment, I attempted a brief bike ride but had to turn back just a couple of miles in due to a stinging pain in my lungs with each inhalation. Later that evening, I experienced a severe coughing episode that left my lungs feeling terrible, along with mild chills and body aches. I took some Advil which provided some relief, and I felt better the following day. Now, on my seventh day of doxycycline, I still experience a productive cough and occasional wheezing during exhalation. My nasal congestion persists, requiring me to blow my nose multiple times daily, and the mucus is clear. I’m returning to urgent care this afternoon, hoping to get further assistance. It's disheartening to feel helpless after being sick and coughing for a month, especially given my generally robust health. I’m seeking insights into what might be wrong and any advice would be greatly appreciated. My situation feels quite overwhelming. Help!

Sinus CongestionBronchitisPulmonology
Male • 25-34
2 days ago

Is Spitting Blood-tinged Mucus After an Infection Alarming? Seeking Your Insights

I'm reaching out for a second opinion, as English is not my first language. I utilized chatGPT to assist with grammar and clarity. I'll provide a picture in the comments since I couldn't upload it directly to this post. **Profile:** 29-year-old male with the following medical background: - Childhood tonsillectomy - Chronic post-nasal drip - Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) treated with pantoprazole - Previous bronchitis episodes **Current Medications:** Pantoprazole, Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid (875mg/125mg) **Primary Concern:** For the last five days, I have been expelling bloody mucus about 2–3 times daily. This does not stem from deep coughing; instead, these clots seem to appear in my mouth when I'm reclining. Occasionally, the mucus is mixed with green or brown streaks. Throughout this period, I haven't experienced any daytime nosebleeds or noticed visible injuries in my mouth or throat. This situation occurred following a ten-day illness resembling a cold or flu, which developed into what appears to be a bacterial throat infection for which I was prescribed antibiotics. My symptoms have shown only slight improvement over the past five days. My general practitioner has reassured me that it's merely my body undergoing a cleansing process. However, I am anxious about the continuous occurrence of blood. It feels like there might be ongoing bleeding somewhere in my respiratory tract. The situation appears to be worsening; while I experienced this once in the first two days, today alone it happened three times. I do have a chest X-ray and pulmonary assessment scheduled, but that could take weeks (I haven't received a specific appointment yet). **My Inquiry:** Is such persistent blood-tinged mucus typical following throat or sinus infections? Or might this indicate a more severe issue, such as an involvement of the lower respiratory system or chronic sinus conditions? Is my GP’s assessment valid? Thank you for any insights you can provide!

Sinus CongestionBronchitisPulmonology
Male • 25-34
2 days ago

Thyroid Test Results at Age 24

Greetings, I’m a 24-year-old woman who has been diagnosed with an 11 mm pituitary cyst. As I begin to receive my blood test results, I’m curious about whether these figures are typical or concerning. Recently, I’ve been dealing with several symptoms including fatigue, weight loss, acne, excessive thirst, and an intolerance to heat. I am still awaiting the results for my prolactin levels. (These tests weren’t performed during a stimulation test, but I had them done fasting before 9 AM.) Here are my findings: - T3 Total: 99 - Free T4: 1.3 - TSH: 1.59 (previously recorded at 2.24 on March 13) - Morning Cortisol: 14.1 - Plasma ACTH: 30

BronchitisENTAllergy & Immunology
Male • 25-34
3 days ago

Increased Sleep Respiratory Rate Concerns

A 40-year-old woman who smokes is seeking advice. Despite her desire to quit, she finds it difficult to do so since she lives in a camper with her father, who smokes inside. This situation makes quitting seem pointless, as she continues to be exposed to secondhand smoke. Recently, her Apple Watch has been alerting her that her respiratory rate during sleep averages approximately 22.6 breaths per minute. She wonders whether this is alarming and if it requires urgent attention. Thanks in advance for any guidance on this matter.

Shortness of BreathAsthmaPulmonology
Male • 25-34
3 days ago

Seeking Guidance on Hyperthyroidism Management

My girlfriend, who is 21 years old, has recently received a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. Her current test results indicate a level of 5.48 lvo. While we have a scheduled consultation tomorrow, I would greatly appreciate any insights on the seriousness of her condition. Is this something that can be managed effectively? Additionally, I would like to know which foods she should steer clear of and what lifestyle adjustments could potentially enhance her health.

ENTAllergy & ImmunologyPulmonology
Male • 25-34
3 days ago

Exploring Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation: Is It Beneficial?

I am a generally healthy individual from Afab, Germany, with a normal weight. My first experience with air travel happened in 1993, and it was for an international flight. Unfortunately, I caught a cold just before my return journey, which made equalizing the pressure in my ears during the landing incredibly painful. Fortunately, after a few days, I felt fine again and decided to head to my local swimming pool to try my skills from the 5-meter diving board. Not my smartest move! I lost all sense of direction under the water at nearly 6 meters deep, but thankfully, I remembered to blow out and eventually surfaced. I wouldn’t recommend that experience to anyone. For years afterward, I've faced ongoing issues with my ears. About eight years ago, I discovered I could manage to equalize one ear somewhat, but the other ear still poses challenges. I find myself on around three to six flights each year, and I have a keen interest in learning how to dive as well. Back in 1993, doctors examined my ears and reassured me that everything appeared normal. They advised me to take a decongestant before flying or diving, but that suggestion didn’t yield any results. Recently, I took to the internet to investigate possible solutions and came across the concept of eustachian tube balloon dilation. Could this be a potential remedy for me? My next step would involve locating an ENT specialist who performs this procedure, but, unfortunately, there aren’t any in my city. If it’s a procedure with significant risks, it may not be worth pursuing at all. What are your thoughts on this?

Sinus CongestionENTAllergy & Immunology
Male • 25-34
4 days ago

Concerns About My Father's Respiratory Health

At 43, my father has expressed significant discomfort in his lungs, along with persistent headaches that have been troubling him for the last four days. Additionally, he shared an alarming incident from six weeks ago when he coughed up blood, which he attributed to excessive phlegm. He previously had a smoking habit, consuming about 10 cigarettes daily over a period of 15 years, but he quit five years ago. I'm quite anxious about his health, so please advise on the steps we should take to address this situation.

CoughBronchitisPneumonia
Male • 25-34
4 days ago

Longstanding Breathing Concerns in My Adult Years

I am a 26-year-old male, standing at 5'9" and weighing 175 pounds, with a body fat percentage between 20-22%. I generally maintain a healthy lifestyle, yet I've faced a troubling breathing issue for nearly eight years. My journey has taken me through numerous consultations with various medical professionals, including general practitioners, specialists, and physical therapists. I have sought advice from experts in gastroenterology, pulmonology, three physical therapists, two chiropractors, and both spinal and cardiovascular specialists. Comprehensive imaging of my spine and neck has been conducted. Any insights or suggestions would be immensely appreciated, as my aim is simply to achieve a sense of well-being. A summary of my condition compiled for specialist review includes the following: **Main Issue:** - Persistent difficulty in taking a complete and satisfactory breath - Duration of approximately eight years, first arising during gym sessions - Symptoms have progressively intensified over time **Key Symptoms:** - Incomplete breaths, particularly noticeable during attempts at diaphragmatic breathing - Occasionally finds relief when leaning forward or lying on my side - Experienced a brief period of full relief (lasting 5-10 minutes) only once, after performing stretches combined with chin tucks - Shaky feeling while engaging in core workouts, indicating possible issues with core stability - Persistent acid reflux, challenges in burping, and issues with gas retention - Gas seems to pass more easily in a side-lying position - A sensation of tightness in the pelvic floor area - Delay in ejaculation - Frequent bouts of hiccups triggered by throat clearing or minor grunting - Hiccups can persist multiple times throughout the day, typically for about 15 minutes each time **Imaging and Tests Conducted:** - An endoscopy revealed no significant abnormalities, effectively ruling out issues such as hiatal hernia or other visible gastrointestinal blockages - X-ray and MRI results display the following: - Presence of a syrinx located in the mid-to-upper section of the thoracic spine (estimated T4-T7) - Mild separation observed between vertebrae L1 and S5 **Probable Underlying Cause:** - There may be a neural disruption linked to the thoracic syrinx that affects: - Control of the diaphragm - Regulation of the autonomic nervous system (with respect to reflux, hiccups, and ejaculation) - Engagement of the core muscles and postural stability - Position-related symptoms imply a possible neuromechanical or compressive factor contributing to my condition - Temporary relief experienced through spinal decompression-style positions points toward the transient alleviation of neural or fascial tension **Recommendations for Further Assessment:** - Comprehensive neurological evaluation to examine the effects of the thoracic syrinx on autonomic and motor/sensory functions - Consultation with a functional physical therapist or osteopathic physician, focusing on: - Diaphragmatic functionality and mobility of the ribcage - Tension within the phrenic and vagus nerves - Rehabilitation efforts concerning the pelvic floor and core stability - Explore dynamic spinal imaging, autonomic function testing, or ultrasound of the diaphragm In addition, I underwent an MRI of my thoracic spine with the following findings: **MRI Examination Results:** - History includes chest pain during deep breaths, pain located in the lower and mid thoracic regions that has been worsening. - The MRI procedure involved sagittal views with and without fat suppression, paired with axial images; no intravenous contrast was used. - Comparison made with X-rays from August 30, 2022, showed no scoliosis. There is a hemangioma located at T9. - A syrinx was identified in the thoracic spinal cord extending from about T4-5 to the T9-10 disc space, measuring up to 1.3 mm in anterior-posterior dimension. - Degenerative changes were observed at T1-2. - The surrounding paraspinal tissues appeared unremarkable. - No hardware detected. - Additional findings included a disc herniation at T1-2 indenting the thecal sac without central or peripheral stenosis. Other segments from T2-3 to T11-12 showed no significant herniation or stenosis, although there was some bulging at T12-L1. - Summary: Documented disc desiccation with central herniation at T1-2 but no stenosis present. The syrinx at T4-5 and T9-10 requires monitoring, with a follow-up suggested in six months to ensure no changes occur.

BronchitisCOPDPulmonology
Male • 25-34
4 days ago
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