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Respiratory Problems Questions

Respiratory Concerns After Cold in Hong Kong

A couple of days ago, I experienced flu-like symptoms, but my condition has improved significantly. Now, I only have a sore throat. However, while trying to clear mucus from my throat, I unexpectedly coughed up two unusual, flesh-like substances. I am seeking advice on what this could mean and if I should be concerned.

CoughBronchitisSore Throat
Male • 25-34
23 hours ago

Concerns About Blood Pressure and Heart Rate: Seeking Advice

I am a 25-year-old female, and as of my last weigh-in on Friday, I am 122.8 lbs. My current medications include: - Lamotrigine/Lamictal at a dosage of 150mg daily - Quetiapine Fumarate/Seroquel at 50mg, administered twice daily (one dose around 8:30 PM and another right before sleep, totaling 100mg each day). These medications are aimed at addressing mental health challenges, specifically bipolar disorder type II, with some potential indications of borderline personality disorder and anxiety. The quetiapine also assists with sleep. Aside from my mental health, I have been diagnosed with patellofemoral malalignment syndrome following an ankle fracture. Fortunately, I have not experienced any major injuries aside from that and a few minor stitches. There have been no surgeries or additional health issues to report. I intend to visit a healthcare provider once my insurance becomes active, but in the meantime, I seek some guidance regarding my symptoms to determine if they warrant serious concern. Lately, I've found myself experiencing dizziness, particularly when I stand up quickly, and this has become more frequent and intense. At times, I notice spots in my vision when I rise. Just this past Thursday, I experienced a particularly severe episode, feeling lightheaded and dizzy for the rest of the day. Some friends, whose acquaintances have Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), recommended that I monitor my blood pressure and heart rate, so I purchased an Omron blood pressure monitor, noted for its clinical reliability. When seated, my blood pressure usually hovers around 100/70 in the morning, with my heart rate in the high 90s to low 100s. By evening, my blood pressure typically drops to approximately 90/65, while my heart rate decreases to the 80s. According to my Samsung Watch5 Pro, my resting heart rate generally falls between 60 and 80 beats per minute. Curious about my symptoms, I decided to conduct the NASA lean test at home a few times. On each occasion, my blood pressure elevated into the hypertension range, reaching a peak systolic reading of 130/83 and a diastolic high of 121/86. Every time I completed the test, I experienced significant dizziness and lightheadedness upon standing, along with a pronounced sensation of my heart racing. There was a noticeable increase in my heart rate, typically fluctuating by 15 to 20 beats per minute from lying down to standing. By the seven-minute mark, I usually felt nauseous, but I’m relieved to say I have not fainted during any tests. Could this be classified as normal bodily reactions, or are these signals—dizziness, lightheadedness, visual disturbances, and nausea—indicative of an underlying issue? Should I consider this enough of a concern to seek urgent care, or is it something I can simply mention in my upcoming appointment with my general practitioner? Thank you for any insights you can provide!

BronchitisENTAllergy & Immunology
Male • 25-34
1 day ago

Respiratory Concerns

Hi there, I’m an 18-year-old male and I recently fell ill quite suddenly. I was at work when I started experiencing a mild cough, which I initially brushed off as nothing serious. However, just two hours later, I found myself vomiting and struggling to breathe. At present, I’m dealing with a slightly congested nose, swollen tonsils, a mild cough, chills, a warm forehead, and primarily, issues with my breathing. Inhaling feels like my lungs are barely functioning, while exhaling produces an unusual sound, making it challenging to expel air from my lungs. I suspect it might just be a common illness, but I've never experienced such a significant lack of breath before. I’m wondering if I might need an inhaler. Also, I do smoke and vape, but it’s been less than a year. Should I head to the emergency room, or is it better to wait it out?

CoughShortness of BreathBronchitis
Male • 25-34
1 day ago

Is It Time to See a Doctor for Suspected Bronchitis?

Weight: 135 lbs; Age: 25; Greetings! I've been under the weather for approximately five days. Unfortunately, my symptoms have not improved, and now I’m experiencing a persistent cough and significant shortness of breath. Should I return to the physician or try to ride it out? Is there potentially any treatment they could offer me?

CoughShortness of BreathBronchitis
Male • 25-34
1 day ago

Could It Be a Lung Infection?

I've been experiencing persistent coughing on some mornings and have been dealing with sinus problems for an extended period. Although I seek treatment at walk-in clinics, my concerns seem to go unanswered. Is this a situation I need to be alarmed about?

CoughSinus CongestionBronchitis
Male • 25-34
1 day ago

Seeking Guidance for Persistent Otitis Media Despite Antibiotic Treatment

I'm a 26-year-old woman from the UK, weighing around 65kg and standing at 5'4", with no other health issues or ongoing medications. About a week ago, I began experiencing severe pain in my right ear that made me feel as though it could rupture at any moment. The discomfort was overwhelming, accompanied by dizziness and nausea. I visited urgent care, where the attending nurse informed me that my eardrum was bulging significantly, close to bursting. I was prescribed 500mg of Amoxicillin taken three times daily for five days; unfortunately, it did not alleviate my condition. Throughout that period, pressure would build in my ear to the point of near-explosion, rendering me unable to walk due to dizziness; it would then slightly drain through my Eustachian tubes, providing temporary relief before the cycle repeated. After the course of Amoxicillin, with no improvement, I returned to my doctor. He examined my ear and confirmed it still showed signs of infection, prescribing 100mg of Doxycycline. The first day involved taking it twice, followed by once daily for a duration of a week. As I finish day three of this new course, my symptoms remain unchanged, with ongoing fullness in my ear and persistent dizziness. This situation is incredibly distressing, as my ability to work is severely affected, and I'm starting to feel hopeless about my recovery. Could it be too soon to expect any alterations with the new antibiotics? I am also using NSAIDs, but they don’t seem to offer any relief. I would greatly appreciate any insights or suggestions, as I'm becoming increasingly worried that this might linger indefinitely.

Sinus CongestionENTSore Throat
Male • 25-34
1 day ago

Concerns About a Urinalysis Result and Antibiotic Prescription

As a 54-year-old woman, I recently visited my doctor for a routine lab test, feeling perfectly healthy. While preparing to provide a urine sample, I realized that I was not only short on urine but also urgently needed to use the bathroom. In an attempt to fill the cup as best as I could while holding back the urge to poop, I managed to produce a small amount of urine. I noticed that I was quite close to an accident but ultimately succeeded in filling the cup before rushing to the toilet to relieve myself. After the sample collection, I didn’t observe any fecal matter on the cup or anything concerning. Fast forward four days, and I received a call informing me that antibiotics had been prescribed for a urinary tract infection (UTI). Although I am no stranger to UTIs from two decades ago, I am currently asymptomatic. When I questioned the medical staff about the necessity of taking antibiotics given my lack of symptoms, they firmly asserted that it was essential. I felt hesitant to discuss the potential contamination of my sample with feces, especially since it was Friday afternoon, right before the weekend. Now, I'm left contemplating whether I should proceed with the antibiotics or if this diagnosis might be a result of the sample’s possible contamination.

Sinus CongestionBronchitisAllergy & Immunology
Male • 25-34
2 days ago

Is It Necessary to Visit the Emergency Room?

I have a four-year-old son who weighs 39 pounds, although his height is yet to be determined. Recently, he developed symptoms indicating an upper respiratory infection. Given the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in our locality over the past fortnight, I am concerned that he may have contracted the virus. To alleviate his symptoms, I have administered an all-natural cough and cold remedy, which seems to have effectively alleviated his nasal congestion. Additionally, he has taken guaifenesin and Tylenol. The Tylenol is solely for his comfort while he sleeps, as I have some concerns regarding the potential for febrile seizures during his slumber. At this moment, he is resting, and it has been less than 24 hours since the onset of his symptoms. Currently, he is experiencing a fever, a persistent cough, a severe runny nose, and a general sense of fatigue. My significant concern revolves around his respiratory and heart rates, as he is breathing approximately 30 to 32 times a minute, and his heart rate is around 120 beats per minute while he sleeps. His oxygen saturation is stable at 97 or 98, but I am uncertain whether his elevated breathing and heart rates warrant a trip to the emergency room or not.

CoughWheezingSinus Congestion
Male • 25-34
2 days ago

Potential Lung Issues?

I’m a 17-year-old with a brief history of smoking, and I’m currently not on any medications, having stopped Accutane around two months ago. For about 7-8 months, I have been intermittently vaping nicotine. Prior to that, I would occasionally use THC vapes on weekends or smoke a joint. Lately, I’ve noticed some troubling symptoms: a persistent cough, difficulty breathing, a feeling of tightness in my chest, occasional chest pain, and at times an unusual “crunching” sensation when inhaling. Additionally, deep breaths often trigger a cough. Should I consider seeing a doctor about these symptoms? My vaping sessions are typically about three times a week, during which I take anywhere from 3 to 20 puffs. Whenever I attempt to take a break and refrain from vaping for a week, my symptoms almost completely improve. However, I find it challenging to quit entirely, especially since many of my friends and coworkers vape as well. I’m in dire need of some guidance!

CoughShortness of BreathBronchitis
Male • 25-34
3 days ago

Dealing with a 6 mm Stone in My Submandibular Salivary Gland: Seeking Guidance

Hello everyone, I am hoping to get some insights from the medical professionals here regarding a health concern of mine. I have had a stone measuring approximately 5-6 mm situated in my left submandibular salivary gland for over 33 years now (it may have been smaller during my teenage years). At the age of 16, I experienced symptoms such as swelling, difficulty opening my jaw, and pain. A visit to the doctor led to an X-ray that confirmed the presence of the stone. The recommendation was to remove my entire salivary gland, but as a young teenager in Belgium, this daunting procedure—with its risks including facial nerve damage and a significant 5 cm neck scar—terrified me. Consequently, I chose to leave the stone untreated and, over time, the discomfort significantly decreased, allowing me to live with it for over three decades without issue. However, I am now experiencing a range of health problems related to (peri)menopause at 49 years old. Just last year, I had to have my gallbladder removed, which was particularly troublesome after years of dealing with sludge. Following the onset of perimenopause at 45, previous health issues resurfaced with severe pain. Additionally, for nearly two years, I’ve been struggling with dry mouth, a white-coated tongue, swollen mucous membranes, and pain in the area beneath my jaw where the stone resides. I recently consulted with a doctor at a university hospital but was once again told that removal of the gland was the best course of action. I have come across information suggesting that a less invasive procedure called sialendoscopy could be an alternative for removing the stone. However, one doctor I consulted believes that no saliva is excreted from my gland when pressure is applied, claiming it is deeply embedded, essentially rendering the gland "dead" and a potential breeding ground for bacteria, thus necessitating removal. Is this perspective accurate? It seems there are no facilities in Belgium equipped with the necessary sialendoscopy tools and specialists, which means they still resort to complete gland removal. If I manage to locate a center that performs this procedure, whether in Germany, France, or potentially in Belgium, would they first attempt sialendoscopy to assess the situation? Considering that my stone is only 6 mm, I wonder if they might be able to break it into smaller pieces and remove it endoscopically, thereby allowing me to retain my gland. I am quite apprehensive about undergoing yet another surgery that involves a 5 cm scar, the risk of facial nerve damage (even if temporary), a hospital stay of two nights, difficulties with tongue mobility, challenges in eating for several days, and the resulting scar. I truly appreciate any advice or knowledge you can provide! Thank you very much for your help!!!

BronchitisENTAllergy & Immunology
Male • 25-34
3 days ago
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