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Respiratory Problems Questions

I'm Experiencing Coughing Fits and Breathing Difficulty—Should I Be Concerned?

I am a 20-year-old female, standing 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 120 pounds. I take Zoloft, I do not smoke, and I have no previous health concerns. For the past week, I’ve been unwell, and I suspect it might be Covid-19, although I haven't undergone testing. Initially, I experienced a severely sore throat, making it painful to swallow, which has since subsided. Currently, however, I'm dealing with significant nasal congestion. Since yesterday, I’ve found it challenging to take a deep breath without triggering a coughing fit, and this constant coughing has resulted in a persistent headache. It has dawned on me that having difficulty breathing might indicate a serious issue. Should I be concerned and seek medical advice?

CoughShortness of BreathSinus Congestion

Male • 25-34

16 hours ago

Concern Over Potential Amputation Due to Tophi-Induced Infection

**Patient Overview:** - **Age**: 64 - **Sex**: Male - **Medical History**: - Hypertension - Diabetes Mellitus - Kidney Dysfunction - Elevated Uric Acid and Creatinine Levels The patient has consistently reported mysterious aches in both feet. Recent blood tests indicate low CBC counts, while creatinine levels have surged alarmingly. At present, he is hospitalized, but the surgeon is unavailable during weekends. My father has undergone a recent debridement procedure; however, there is a concerning clot present on his foot. Could this signify an infection? Might this ultimately necessitate an amputation? Are we facing a critical situation?

BronchitisPneumoniaSore Throat

Male • 25-34

16 hours ago

Experiencing Breathing Difficulties

Hello! I’m a 22-year-old woman and I’ve been using vape products for approximately 5 to 6 years. Recently, I’ve been troubled by a persistent sensation of mucus lodged in my throat, which has lasted for weeks. Despite my efforts to cough it up, nothing seems to emerge, and I’m struggling to breathe properly. I visited my allergist yesterday who diagnosed me with asthmatic bronchitis. He prescribed two different inhalers, along with prednisone and amoxicillin. Currently, I am utilizing the albuterol inhaler three times daily and adhering to the prescribed prednisone and amoxicillin regimen. However, I am still experiencing significant shortness of breath. To manage my anxiety during this time, I’ve also been taking medication for anxiety relief. Yet, I’m uncertain whether my breathing difficulties are related to anxiety or if there’s a legitimate respiratory issue at play. Interestingly, I haven’t been experiencing any coughing at all, which adds to my confusion about my condition.

Shortness of BreathAsthmaBronchitis

Male • 25-34

17 hours ago

Concerns Surrounding Breathing with Myasthenia Gravis

A 33-year-old female, suspected of having Myasthenia Gravis (MG), began a trial of Mestinon at a dosage of 30mg nearly a week ago due to an increase in weakness, particularly in her neck, following even minor physical exertion. Apart from these symptoms, everything else aligns with typical presentations of MG. There has been a noticeable improvement in her facial weakness while on Mestinon; however, she experiences a return of weakness once the medication's effects diminish. Additionally, she has encountered intermittent episodes of severe shortness of breath, which she previously attributed to costochondritis, a condition also complicated by her rheumatoid arthritis. Recently, these breathing difficulties have escalated, occurring almost every evening, particularly following physically demanding days. She describes the sensation as a severe, constricting pain in the chest and rib area, making it challenging to breathe comfortably, especially when in an upright position. Is this a common experience, or should she consider consulting her neurologist about these symptoms?

Shortness of BreathAsthmaPulmonology

Male • 25-34

1 day ago

Discomfort in the Eye Socket

I'm a 38-year-old female experiencing discomfort around the inner area of my left eye socket. I have a scheduled appointment for next Wednesday, yet I’m curious to know if this situation warrants immediate attention. I do not experience any pain while moving my gaze in different directions; however, occasionally I feel a dull ache, particularly when I touch or rub my eye. There is no noticeable redness. I should also mention that I have astigmatism in that eye and have previously encountered difficulties with my vision clarity. Does anyone have suggestions regarding what might be causing these symptoms?

ENTAllergy & ImmunologySore Throat

Male • 25-34

3 days ago

Emergency Room vs. Urgent Care for Lung Problems

A 25-year-old woman dealing with chronic lung infections, hypoxia, chronic pancreatitis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and asthma shares her experience. Having undergone numerous long hospital stays, I've developed a form of trauma, feeling trapped during admissions. Consequently, I tend to postpone visits until absolutely necessary. For the last couple of days, I’ve been feeling extremely unwell. I suspect a possible lung infection, although I'm uncertain. My history includes several similar incidents along with episodes of hypoxia, which leads me to avoid the emergency room unless my oxygen level drops to 88 or below. However, over the last two days, my oxygen saturation has declined from the usual 97-98 down to around 90, occasionally slipping to 89, mainly fluctuating between 90 and 92. The sensation I’m experiencing this time is peculiar and unfamiliar. I tested my oxygen reader on my boyfriend, and it seems to be functioning well. Additionally, I'm suffering from severe back pain, ranking it a 10 on a scale of 1 to 10, located right between my shoulder blades. I’m struggling with wheezing, my heart rate remains over 90, and I'm becoming increasingly short of breath. Weakness envelops my entire body, paired with headaches and chills, although I don't have a fever. I genuinely hesitate to burden the emergency department staff unnecessarily. Given these symptoms, should I seek evaluation at the emergency room, or would it be more appropriate to visit urgent care? My concern is that urgent care might just advise me to go to the ER anyway, with a bit of irony involved.

Shortness of BreathAsthmaWheezing

Male • 25-34

3 days ago

Significant Increase in TSH Levels with Goiter Presentation

Summary: Initial TSH recorded on 11/19 was 0.997, followed by an 8.161 measurement on 12/5 accompanied by an enlarged thyroid. Currently taking levothyroxine. What could be the underlying cause? I am a 27-year-old woman with a medical history notable for hypothyroidism stemming from Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Additional health concerns include hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, idiopathic epilepsy, anxiety, depression, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), inappropriate sinus tachycardia, as well as chronic migraines and insomnia. My levothyroxine medication has been part of my treatment for as long as I can recall. During my childhood, I was under the care of a pediatric endocrinologist until I turned 22, after which my primary care physician (PCP) took over my management. Until recently, I had maintained a steady dose for nearly ten years. However, following an episode of COVID in August 2023, my health significantly deteriorated and necessitated adjustments to all my medications, as nothing was effectively managed. Since that time, we have been modifying my levothyroxine dosage and closely monitoring my TSH levels. Remarkably, by the summer, I was able to revert to my original dosage. During a follow-up appointment on November 19, my TSH was recorded at 0.997. But at a routine gynecological visit on December 5, my gynecologist noted swelling in my thyroid, prompting her to request an ultrasound and additional blood tests. Although the ultrasound is still pending, I just received a call stating my TSH has now surged to 8.161. She has forwarded these results to my PCP, and I've requested a referral to return to endocrinology for further evaluation. This spike in TSH is unprecedented for me; I'd appreciate any insights on potential reasons for this sudden increase. Thank you for your help!

ENTAllergy & ImmunologyPulmonology

Male • 25-34

3 days ago

Is Post-Workout Sternum Discomfort Always a Sign of Heart Issues?

Greetings, everyone, I'm a 28-year-old man. Just a month ago, I underwent a comprehensive cardiac evaluation, including an ECG, blood tests, and troponin testing; all results were normal. Additionally, I recently completed a sleep study, and no significant concerns arose from that either. However, one thought continues to linger in my mind: A few days ago, I sprinted at my maximum speed for one minute (this is a strategy I use, given my health anxiety, to find reassurance). While I was running, I felt completely fine. But, 1-2 minutes post-run, as I walked, I suddenly experienced a sharp, pinpoint pain in the center of my sternum, akin to a stabbing sensation, accompanied by a brief warm flush. This pain lasted only a second or two and has not recurred since. Subsequently, I have run multiple times without experiencing any pain either during or after my runs. I understand that anxiety can manifest as strange physical sensations, yet I can’t shake off the following concerns: 9 If the discomfort occurred after exertion, 9 And is localized in the sternum, Does it necessarily imply a heart problem? I don't experience chest pressure, radiating pain, or shortness of breath when exerting myself, and I am capable of running without any symptoms. Still, that one intense pain has me quite alarmed. My inquiry is: 👉 Is a fleeting, sharp pain in the sternum after physical activity potentially indicative of a serious condition or related to cardiac issues? Alternatively, could it stem from muscular, esophageal, or anxiety-related origins despite occurring post-exercise? I'm simply seeking clarification to help ease my worries. Thank you very much!

ENTAllergy & ImmunologyPulmonology

Male • 25-34

4 days ago

Understanding Pneumothorax

As a 19-year-old male, I recently learned that I have pneumothorax, commonly referred to as a collapsed lung. Fortunately, my situation is not critical, which means that I won’t require any medical procedures or a hospital stay. However, I’ve been advised to refrain from strenuous activities and smoking for a period of time. I’m curious to know how long I should stay away from sports, as the medical team didn’t provide me with details on this, and I’m quite an active person. I appreciate any guidance you can offer!

BronchitisPneumoniaPulmonology

Male • 25-34

5 days ago

Seeking Guidance on Recent Sleep Issues

I’m a 19-year-old female, 5’4”, and I have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and idiopathic hypersomnia. My current medications include lithium, Effexor XR, armodafinil, omeprazole, and medroxyprogesterone. Just two nights ago, on Saturday around 11 PM, I went to bed with my BiPAP machine and soon found myself engulfed in incredibly intense and vivid dreams where I was seriously injured. Due to my conditions, I typically sleep for extended periods, and waking up can be quite challenging due to sleep inertia. I was finally roused at approximately 7:30 PM on Sunday, only to discover I was in severe pain and soon began vomiting while still lying down. Struggling to maintain my balance, I managed to leap out of bed and sought help downstairs, where my parents rushed to my side. I was apparently screaming, crying hysterically, and retching up bile and acid. My memory of that moment is fuzzy, though I recall my speech being slurred and I couldn’t properly taste or smell anything. I could feel sensations, like pressure on my skin, but everything felt muted, almost as if my body were trembling. Throughout this ordeal, confusion enveloped me, and I was overwhelmed by a profound sense of impending doom. By about 1 AM on Monday, now at 2:50 AM as I write this, I’m starting to feel slightly more coherent, though I still don’t feel completely back to normal, and my thoughts seem sluggish. Daily, I face sleep inertia, but this time it was far more intense, which is unusual for me. Typically, I can perform routine tasks, like speaking (I once mistakenly referred to my 'eyelobes' instead of 'eyeballs'), or eating, although sometimes I miss my mouth altogether. However, I’ve never experienced sleep inertia this severe for over four hours without returning to my usual self. While there’s been a slight improvement, I still don’t feel quite right. I apologize if my explanation is unclear; I’m still feeling a bit out of sorts. I have an upcoming appointment with my pulmonologist, who manages my sleep issues, scheduled for December 16th. Given the recent incident, do you think it’s advisable to seek an earlier appointment? Has anyone else encountered something similar before? I appreciate any insight.