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Respiratory Problems Questions

Struggling to Breathe

I’m experiencing significant difficulty in taking deep breaths. There's a persistent wheezing sound, and my chest feels constricted. Additionally, I lack energy and feel exhausted. For the past day, I’ve also been battling a cold, characterized by relentless sneezing, a sore throat, and a bothersome cough that’s deep in my chest. This isn’t the first time I've faced such an issue; it has occurred approximately six times over the past 18 months. The situation tends to worsen during the night, and by morning, I often feel a bit better, although I’m left feeling utterly fatigued from lack of sleep. I’ve noticed that I’m inhaling approximately every six seconds for around three seconds each time, and my heart seems to be racing more than usual. Is it possible this could be related to COVID-19? What might be causing my susceptibility to it? I am a 35-year-old female, 5'3" tall, weighing 60 kg. I do not smoke or consume alcohol or drugs and have no known allergies or current medications. I reside in the UK. In my childhood, I had asthma but haven’t required an inhaler for decades. I also had croup, with my last episode occurring when I was about seven or eight years old.

Shortness of BreathWheezingSore Throat
Male • 25-34
53 minutes ago

Experiencing Mild Perihilar Pulmonary Congestion?

Greetings, everyone. I am a 27-year-old man who neither smokes nor vapes, and my only regular medication is low-dose naltrexone (LDN). Recently, I completed a five-day round of antibiotics and am due to start a five-day regimen of prednisone at a dosage of 20 mg, although I haven’t begun that treatment yet. My health background includes persistent issues related to long COVID and heart troubles, specifically myopericarditis, which I faced three years ago. In addition, I've dealt with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), enduring various fluctuations in my symptoms. Thankfully, I have reached a point where I'm able to take regular walks and pursue nursing school full-time. A few months back, I experienced pneumonia and suffered from shortness of breath until an emergency room visit led to a diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics; my doctor suggested it might have been lingering effects of the pneumonia that required attention. After the treatment, my condition improved, but four weeks ago, I began experiencing unusual shortness of breath that occurs when I lie down, persisting throughout the day. Following another visit to the ER, various heart tests and an X-ray were conducted, both of which indicated that everything appeared normal. During a subsequent doctor's appointment, I reviewed the X-ray results that stated my lungs were clear, with no signs of pleural effusion and a normal cardiomediastinal silhouette. However, they noted mild peripheral pulmonary congestion. This has caused me a considerable amount of distress, as I am worried that it might relate to heart issues, potentially indicating pulmonary edema. After completing the five-day antibiotic course, I felt slightly better, went for a lengthy day at SeaWorld, and even returned to the gym for a light walk on the treadmill, but shortly after, the symptoms resurfaced. I have the prednisone on hand for my treatment. Now I find myself anxious about whether this could be a heart-related issue or if it’s purely a lung problem. I’m overwhelmed with worry regarding this situation! Am I overthinking things? Has anyone else faced a similar experience?

Shortness of BreathCOPDPulmonology
Male • 25-34
3 hours ago

Struggling with Coughing After COVID?

I’m a 44-year-old woman who smokes and has type 2 diabetes, managed with metformin. Approximately ten days ago, I contracted COVID-19, initially presenting with a painful sore throat, fever, and cough. Although the fever and sore throat have subsided, I’m now experiencing persistent coughing fits that result in the production of thick, almost chunky phlegm, which is tinged with yellow and white. During these episodes, I feel dizzy, and my abdominal muscles ache from the relentless coughing. Furthermore, I haven’t smoked in the past six days, and for the last couple of days, I’ve noticed a complete loss of appetite. Is this likely to resolve on its own, or would it be wise to consult a healthcare provider?

CoughBronchitisPneumonia
Male • 25-34
22 hours ago

Experiencing Pressure Around the Eyes and Forehead

For the past six months, I have been intermittently feeling a peculiar pressure located behind my eyes and along the bridge of my nose. While some may attribute this discomfort to sinus-related issues, I have explored various remedies aimed at relieving sinus pressure, and unfortunately, none have provided any relief. To give you a better understanding of my background: - Height: 157 cm - Weight: 53 kg - Gender: Female - Currently recovering from Atypical Anorexia - Previously experienced hypothalamic amenorrhea The sensation I’m facing is pressure rather than pain. It feels as if there’s a heavy weight pushing directly behind my eyes (not within the eyelids) or along my nose bridge, with occasional feelings of pressure in my forehead. At times, the intensity increases, bringing forth sensations akin to the onset of a headache at the back of my head, yet it never fully develops into one. This overwhelming feeling leads to a sense of overstimulation, making it hard for me to concentrate on tasks such as reading, writing, or even viewing videos online. I often feel a sense of restlessness, and I find that the only temporary relief comes from engaging in social media or indulging in unhealthy snacks, both of which I try to limit knowing they only serve as fleeting distractions. Falling asleep has become notably challenging since this pressure does not subside when my eyes are shut. Interestingly, caffeine seems to offer a brief respite, but it eventually exacerbates the issue. The pressure appears somewhat sporadically throughout the month, but I’ve observed that it intensifies during my luteal phase. While I sometimes experience it during ovulation, it tends to dissipate by my luteal phase and return once menstruation concludes. This observation is significant, as I have a history of not having periods, with six months of amenorrhea prior to regaining my cycle in January. However, it disappeared again in February due to resuming dieting too quickly. Strangely enough, this pressure also manifested in February and was far more intense than what I experience now. Since having my period return, the pressure remains, and I have begun taking magnesium supplements. While they appeared to help reduce stress and stabilize my heart rate variability (which was notably low), they did not alleviate the pressure at all. I have undergone blood tests to check for potential nutritional deficiencies as well as thyroid hormone levels. I am truly perplexed by this issue and am seeking any guidance or insights you might have regarding what could be causing these sensations. Thank you for your assistance.

Sinus CongestionBronchitisAllergy & Immunology
Male • 25-34
1 day ago

23F Passing Out During Blood Draws: Seeking Understanding

***Additional Medical Details Provided Below*** **Summary**: I experience fainting spells exclusively when I’m sitting upright during blood draws. However, when I lie down, I remain conscious and alert. I have no fear of needles, blood, or the procedure itself. In fact, as a diabetic, I administer insulin daily without issue, and my body is covered in tattoos and piercings. Therefore, I'm accustomed to needles and the sight of blood. I have been diagnosed with POTS and suspect it may play a role, but I'd like insights into the bodily mechanisms behind this phenomenon. **Detailed Account of the Experience** My curiosity surrounding this issue began the first time I fainted after a blood draw. It happened while I was seated in one of those specialized chairs for drawing blood. After the procedure, as I attempted to stand up and leave, I simply took a few steps, mentioned feeling unwell, and then I collapsed into my phlebotomist — certainly not the ideal outcome for either of us! Fortunately, she was there to catch me, saving me from hitting the floor, but they recommended that I always lie down for future blood draws. I've adhered to this advice ever since and haven’t had any further incidents. Fast forward to my recent appointment—facing another blood draw, I thought I might try sitting upright this time, assuming it would be fine. The room was cramped, leaving no space to recline, and I didn’t want to inconvenience anyone by making them rearrange things for me. To my surprise, I still faced a challenging situation (though not a total blackout this time). My vision started to darken, I experienced tinnitus, was drenched in perspiration, and trembled—all clear signs I was close to fainting again. Thankfully, recognizing the onset of these symptoms helped me avert a full collapse. I quickly laid my head down, stabilizing myself until it passed. So, I'm left pondering the question: **what is causing this reaction**? Every time I research, the common explanations mention a response to the sight of blood or needles. Yet I’m entirely comfortable with needles and blood. As a diabetic, I inject myself with insulin every day without qualms. What's more, I don't faint when I’m lying down, which seems to indicate that the presence of blood or needles is not the underlying issue. I'm curious about the connection between my experience and my diagnosis of POTS, although I'm uncertain. My interest lies in the scientific aspects, so I'm hoping to obtain an in-depth explanation of the biological processes occurring that lead to this response. What physiological changes happen in my body and brain that trigger this reaction? And what exactly is this reaction? **Additional Medical Information** **Age**: 23 **Gender**: Female **Height**: 5'4" **Weight**: 185 lbs **Medical Conditions**: Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Chronic Anemia (cause unidentified), Genetic Enamel Hypoplasia, Migraine Disorder, Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD) **Current Medications**: Tizanidine, Zoloft, Seroquel, Nadolol, Zyrtec, Vitamin D, Vitamin B Complex, Famotidine

BronchitisENTAllergy & Immunology
Male • 25-34
1 day ago

Understanding the Role of Dialysis in Lung Fluid Management

A 72-year-old man weighing 140 pounds is experiencing complications from kidney failure, particularly involving fluid accumulation in the lungs rather than around them. He is dealing with low oxygen levels and a decreased heart rate, and has a history of open heart surgery from the previous year. Additionally, he regularly undergoes dialysis as part of his treatment for kidney failure; however, missing dialysis sessions has contributed to the fluid build-up in his lungs. I would appreciate straightforward insights on this issue, rather than just optimistic hopes. Thank you for your assistance.

Shortness of BreathSinus CongestionPneumonia
Male • 25-34
2 days ago

Kidney Infection Concern

Hello everyone! I'm reaching out for some guidance since I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed and don't have a lot of support right now. I could really use any tips or insights you might have. So, last week on Monday (July 21), I visited my primary care physician due to experiencing intense burning sensations while urinating. After testing my urine, they diagnosed me with a urinary tract infection—something I had never encountered before. They prescribed me an antibiotic; however, I can't remember its name. I started taking it that very day and continued through Tuesday. Come Wednesday (July 23), I woke up with an awful pain in my lower back, along with nausea and a slight fever. Given the severe discomfort I was in, I contacted my doctor, who suggested I go to the emergency room. In the ER, they conducted blood tests, a urinalysis, and provided fluids through an IV. A CT scan was performed, revealing no kidney stones, but it confirmed that the infection had spread to my kidneys. I was discharged on Levofloxacin 750 mg, but rather than improving, I felt worse than before. I endured nausea, vomiting, and extreme fatigue until Sunday (July 27), when I sought help at an urgent care clinic. They tested my urine and informed me that neither of the two antibiotics I had taken were effective against the infection, which explained my ongoing symptoms. They then switched my medication to Macrobid 100 mg to be taken twice daily. It's now Tuesday, and I've been on the new medication since Sunday. Unfortunately, I still feel the same. Each morning, I wake up feeling nauseous to the point of vomiting. I also have significant stomach pain and have been dealing with constipation since last Tuesday, which I suspect may be related to the medications—but I'm unsure. To top it off, my lower back pain has returned, and I'm feeling quite lost about what to do next. Has anyone else experienced something similar? It feels as if nothing is working effectively. Should I consider going to see a doctor again? Am I being too impatient with the Macrobid? I would really appreciate any advice or support during this frustrating time!

BronchitisPneumoniaSore Throat
Male • 25-34
2 days ago

Inquiry Regarding Lung Supplements for Ex-Smokers

I am a 20-year-old female, weighing 165 pounds and standing at 5 feet 4 inches tall, with no known health issues. After having vaped for just over two years (I realize that wasn't the best choice, but I've since stopped), I've come across various online discussions about Mullein as a supplement or tea purported to aid in purifying the lungs. I'm curious if anyone has information on its effectiveness and whether it's considered beneficial for individuals like me who have previously vaped. In addition to this, I would appreciate suggestions on other practices or supplements that could assist in lung recovery as much as possible. Thank you!

COPDAllergy & ImmunologyPulmonology
Male • 25-34
2 days ago

Concerns About Air Quality and Respiratory Challenges

I am a 32-year-old female, weighing 250 pounds and standing at 5 feet 5 inches. I do not smoke and have pre-diabetes, for which I take metformin and escitalopram. Currently, I reside in a part of Canada that is facing the consequences of nearby wildfires. Although the flames are fairly distant, the conditions have caused the smoke to drift down into my city, where it is not only visible but also emits a strong odor. Recently, while camping over the weekend, I woke up in the night to a smell reminiscent of burnt barbecue. We had gone to sleep under clear skies, but upon awakening, the air was filled with smoke. Since that night, I've been struggling with a persistent sore throat, a dry nasal passage, and some mild shortness of breath. I've decided to start wearing a mask whenever the air quality deteriorates. I would like to know if my doctor can provide any prescriptions to help alleviate these respiratory issues, perhaps a puffer or a nasal spray. I’m interested in hearing your recommendations on what I could discuss with my physician. Thank you for your input and, on a side note: the impact of climate change is truly disheartening.

Shortness of BreathSinus CongestionSore Throat
Male • 25-34
2 days ago

Struggling with Prolonged Cough: Seeking Guidance

I am a 21-year-old female experiencing a troublesome cough that has persisted for over a month, sometimes accompanied by blood, yet without any other noticeable symptoms. This troubling episode began while I was primarily at home focused on studying for exams. My complete blood count (CBC) has consistently shown normal values; however, my C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) have been slightly elevated. A high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan indicated potential organizing pneumonia. Considering the overall clinical picture, the medical team recommended a treatment plan involving inhaled steroids for a duration of two weeks, explaining that the chest X-ray findings might not immediately align with the clinical progress. Further investigations revealed: - Tuberculosis sputum test: negative - Tuberculin skin test (TST): negative - COVID-19 PCR test: negative - Legionella urine antigen test: positive - Echocardiogram: normal - Bilateral crackling in the lungs when listened to with a stethoscope Initially, inflammation was detected in the left lung near the heart, which subsided after about five days. Subsequently, inflammation emerged in the lower right lung, which was the most persistent issue. After completing the two-week regimen of inhaled steroids, there was noticeable improvement in the lower right lung; however, this was soon followed by the appearance of another inflamed area in a separate part of the right lung. My latest laboratory results indicated an exceedingly high total immunoglobulin E (IgE) level. I continue to experience coughing and have a limited ability to engage in physical activities. This situation has considerably worried me, as symptoms have been ongoing since June 4th without any clear resolution. Moreover, I do not smoke, which adds to my concerns. 😢😢

CoughBronchitisPneumonia
Male • 25-34
2 days ago
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