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Respiratory Problems Questions

Could This Be Pneumonia? Am I Worrying for No Reason? (Serious Inquiry)

Hello everyone, I’m a 28-year-old man who has generally enjoyed good health throughout my life. Recently, however, I began feeling unwell about a month ago, and I’m unsure whether I’m simply overreacting or if there is a real concern at play. It all began with an itch in my throat and a notably runny nose, but thankfully, I didn’t experience a sore throat, fever, chills, or cough during that initial week-long phase, which eventually subsided. Unfortunately, for the past three weeks, I’ve been troubled by a nagging cough that refuses to go away. Occasionally, there’s a small amount of phlegm, though it’s mostly dry and unproductive. While I haven’t had a fever, I’m feeling a slight increase in difficulty when it comes to breathing. My wife believes it’s nothing to worry about and thinks I might be overanalyzing the situation, but since I rarely fall ill, this persistent cough and the shortness of breath are causing me some anxiety. I’ve heard cautionary tales of individuals not recognizing they had pneumonia or serious respiratory conditions until it was too late, and I don’t want to overlook a potential health issue that may require attention. Has anyone else encountered something like this? Should I take this seriously or simply wait it out? Thank you for your input.

Shortness of BreathPneumoniaENT
Male • 25-34
11 hours ago

Navigating My Experience with Pulmonary Embolism

Hello everyone! I have a quick inquiry to share... not long ago, I was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism (PE) shortly after being informed about two deep vein thromboses (DVTs) in my left leg. I was prescribed Xarelto, but unfortunately, it didn't agree with me at all. The rapid loss of blood left me nearly in need of a transfusion by the time I arrived at the hospital for my PE. While I immediately sensed that I was experiencing a PE, I was still able to breathe adequately; it was more of an unusual discomfort I felt. I was then switched to Eliquis for my treatment. I've come across a plethora of information regarding the development of DVTs, yet I find myself seeking more clarity on the progression of pulmonary embolisms. I am aware that with proper management, the risks are minimized, but I remain curious, especially since I'm still experiencing symptoms. I’m looking for concrete scientific insights and statistics, as there seems to be limited information available about why small blood clots in the lungs can still be life-threatening. I have identified small clots in both of my lungs, and based on what I understand, they are minor and likely carry a lower risk. Thank you for your help!

BronchitisCOPDPulmonology
Male • 25-34
14 hours ago

Urgent Health Crisis for 78-Year-Old Woman with Respiratory Issues

A 78-year-old female, approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing around 170 pounds, presents a complex medical history. She is Caucasian and has previously battled breast cancer, but does not engage in alcohol consumption or smoking. Details regarding her current medication regimen remain unclear. Since losing her husband last October, my mother’s health has steadily declined. In January 2022, she was diagnosed with Stage IB breast cancer, leading to a mastectomy followed by chemotherapy and radiation treatment. While she maintained a relatively stable condition initially, a significant fall in December 2024 marked the beginning of her health deteriorating. In April, she underwent a hysterectomy after cancerous cells were detected in her uterus, a situation unrelated to her previous breast cancer but indicative of ovarian cancer. Since then, her hospitalizations have become frequent, with her condition worsening and doctors struggling to diagnose her issues. Below is a chronological account of her recent medical complications: - She abruptly began experiencing urinary tract infections, resulting in severe brain fog and memory problems. This led to two emergency room visits where she was given antibiotics. - Following a fall where she was unable to get up, she sought medical attention the following day. A CT scan of her abdomen revealed a cyst pressing against her bladder, which was identified as the cause of her urinary infections. The cyst had occupied the space where her uterus had been, and doctors successfully drained 2 liters of non-bacterial fluid from it. She was then prescribed a 14-day course of cephalexin. - Subsequently, she was moved to a rehabilitation center to regain strength lost after surgery and prior emergency visits. Unfortunately, her oxygen levels began to decline, dropping to as low as 88% while she was on 3 liters of oxygen at a concentration of 60%. Experiencing respiratory distress, she was once again taken to the emergency room. Currently, she is in the intensive care unit. A chest CT scan has shown the presence of fluid in her lungs, which may be the result of pulmonary bronchitis. Her oxygen requirements have escalated dramatically, now at 30 liters of oxygen at full concentration. Due to the rapid increase in her needs, medical staff are concerned about sedating her without the risk of necessitating a ventilator. Alarmingly, her oxygen saturation levels fell to 60% even while attempting to stand to use the restroom. What could be the underlying cause of this alarming situation?

BronchitisCOPDENT
Male • 25-34
19 hours ago

Understanding Secondary Polycythemia and Sleep Apnea

A 30-year-old woman has undergone blood testing, revealing elevated levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit, with consistent results upon retesting. A sleep apnea evaluation was subsequently conducted, which classified her condition as moderate, leading to a referral to a specialist in pulmonary medicine. To better prepare for the upcoming appointment, here are some questions to consider: - Is the main objective of my visit to get fitted for a CPAP machine, or will there be additional assessments? - Could my sleep apnea be responsible for the increased hemoglobin and hematocrit, or might secondary polycythemia play a role? If so, would therapeutic phlebotomy be beneficial in my case? Additionally, it would be wise to think about other inquiries that might arise during the consultation with the pulmonary doctor. It's worth noting that I am not currently on any medication and do not have any other health concerns apart from this issue.

COPDENTPulmonology
Male • 25-34
19 hours ago

Persistent Breathlessness and Difficulty Breathing

As a 27-year-old female living with asthma, anemia, and anxiety, I’ve been experiencing some concerns regarding my breathing. My sister and I frequently exchange audio messages, and today she remarked that my breath appears labored, suggesting I seem to be gasping for air more often than before. Although this sensation isn’t constant throughout the day and I lack other significant symptoms, it is noticeable enough to raise concerns. Additionally, my living environment features dry air, which tends to irritate my nasal passages. Occasionally, I experience heart palpitations, but these occurrences are infrequent. The last time I underwent blood tests was in February of this year, and the results were normal. While I understand that conditions can change over time, I am uncertain about what might be contributing to my current state. I do acknowledge that this issue has intensified gradually over the years, yet overall, I consider myself to be in good health aside from the frequent need to take deeper breaths compared to others. Currently, I do not have an inhaler on hand but plan to retrieve mine from the pharmacy shortly.

Shortness of BreathAsthmaBronchitis
Male • 25-34
1 day ago

Guidance on Self-Catheterization

**Patient Profile:** Male, 36 years old, height: 5'11" **Conditions Diagnosed:** Overactive bladder, urinary retention, urinary tract infection (UTI) **Current Medications:** Botox (100 units prescribed for overactive bladder) and Macrobid (just started today after previous treatment with Cephalexin). **Inquiry:** Am I using self-catheterization too often? According to my doctor’s assistant, it’s excessive to perform this procedure more than once or twice daily. While that might hold true in certain situations, I wonder if it applies in my case. Given my inability to urinate and ongoing infection, should I be attempting to prevent urine from accumulating to a painful extent? I only resort to self-catheterization after spending 15-20 minutes attempting to void, both while seated and standing. My goal is to minimize any additional strain on my urethra and bladder, yet I also need to relieve myself. What are your thoughts on this matter? **Relevant Medical Timeline:** - **May 27:** Received Botox injections to address overactive bladder. - **May 31:** Visited the emergency room for urinary retention; a Foley catheter was inserted. - **June 10:** Foley catheter removed during a doctor’s visit; successfully passed the post-void residual (PVR) test. - **June 10 (evening):** Experienced pain and difficulty while attempting to urinate. - **June 11:** Went to the ER early in the morning. Urine was initially cloudy with sediment and later turned bloody. I was in significant pain (rated at 8/10), felt nauseated, and generally unwell. Managed to void 180 ml, yet retained 393 ml. A Foley catheter was reinserted, and urinalysis indicated a UTI, leading to a prescription for Cephalexin. - **June 12:** Foley was extracted at the doctor's office. I was instructed on self-catheterization with a recommendation not to exceed three times a day, including at least one instance before bedtime. Faced some challenges with urination that evening. - **June 13:** Awoke at 5 AM unable to urinate after a 15-20 minute attempt. Used self-catheterization and successfully voided. Managed some urination later that morning, though retention persisted. Self-cathed again at noon when I received a call from the hospital regarding updated urinalysis results, prompting a switch from Cephalexin to Macrobid for treatment.

BronchitisAllergy & ImmunologyPulmonology
Male • 25-34
1 day ago

Concerns Regarding Chest CT Scan

I am a 45-year-old female, weighing 116 lbs and standing at 5 feet 5.5 inches tall. My alcohol consumption is limited to about three drinks per month, and I have never smoked or used recreational drugs. Currently, I am facing some significant health issues, including an unexplained weight loss of 56 lbs over the past year and a bit. I find myself becoming easily fatigued, especially when climbing stairs, and I’ve noticed my voice is weaker than usual. Additionally, I experience an intermittent cough which I suspect may be related to allergies, alongside a slight tightness in my chest. Last summer, I underwent a comprehensive medical evaluation that involved several tests, including a colonoscopy and both contrast and non-contrast CT scans of my abdomen and pelvis, along with various lab work. I also had a CT of my neck and sinuses due to an unrelated jaw issue. I have concerns regarding my previous exposure to ionizing radiation given my medical history. To date, I have had four abdominal and pelvic scans—most of which included contrast—along with these examinations: one for weight loss evaluation, one for past appendicitis, another for a kidney stone, and one to investigate abdominal pain connected to an ovarian cyst. Furthermore, I have had head and neck scans, including a CT following an old injury and a CTA once. My primary care physician has suggested that I undergo a chest CT to further investigate my respiratory symptoms relative to the ongoing weight loss, despite my normal eating habits. I proposed either a plain X-ray or a low-dose CT, but my doctor believes these options would not adequately address his concerns. Given that my symptoms have persisted for 14 months, I wonder if any serious underlying condition would likely have become evident by now. What additional risk would a chest CT pose to me? I recently came across a study in JAMA that raised some concerns about radiation, though I understand there might have been flaws in its methodology. I also remember reading about findings from a few years back suggesting that exposure up to 100 mSv might not present significant risk, and perhaps even 200 mSv would be relatively safe. Would it be unreasonable to consider a plain film or low-dose CT as alternatives? Thank you for your assistance!

CoughWheezingSore Throat
Male • 25-34
1 day ago

Understanding My HRCT Scan Results

Greetings everyone! I'm a 33-year-old who does not smoke. Recently, I've been experiencing issues with my breathing along with sporadic chest discomfort. After consulting a doctor, I was recommended to undergo an HRCT scan. The findings indicated "ill-defined reticular opacities in the bilateral lower lobes, suggestive of pneumonitis." Despite this, my doctor assured me that the results are normal and prescribed vitamin D and E supplements. Additionally, my lung function tests returned normal results as well. Is there anything I might be overlooking or should I be concerned about?

COPDPneumoniaPulmonology
Male • 25-34
2 days ago

Concerns Regarding Lung Pain

I’m a 30-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 75 kg. Since December 2024, I've experienced intermittent pain in my right lung. The discomfort isn’t constant, but when it occurs, it manifests as a sharp yet somewhat dull ache. After undergoing a chest X-ray, I was informed that the results were normal. However, while looking at the image, I noticed a particularly bright spot on my right lung. The nurse practitioner assured me this was typical and related to airflow or a similar issue. Despite this reassurance, the pain persists. Just yesterday, I was diagnosed with pleurisy, yet I am plagued by fears that it could be cancer. The doctor evaluated my condition through a series of questions, but since I do not display other symptoms aside from the pain, they have decided against further investigations for cancer. However, I am aware that cancer can sometimes present with few or no symptoms, which has heightened my anxiety. Having recently gotten married, my desire is to relish life without the shadow of illness hanging over me.

BronchitisCOPDPulmonology
Male • 25-34
2 days ago

Managing Mucus With Asthma: My Experience

Today, I visited the clinic due to my oral infection. As someone who suffers from asthma, I received some medication during the appointment. However, I've been experiencing thick mucus and I’m uncertain about how to handle it. Being an overthinker, I often find myself worrying about these symptoms. What steps should I take to manage this situation?

AsthmaSinus CongestionBronchitis
Male • 25-34
2 days ago
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