A Year of Unanswered Questions: Seeking Help for Persistent Symptoms
I am a 25-year-old female desperate for assistance. For more than a year now, I have been grappling with perplexing health issues. It all began back in January 2024 while I was consuming a protein bar, a brand I regularly enjoy. Suddenly, I experienced the alarming sensation that my throat was closing. After a visit to the emergency room where I received steroids, the tingling in my tongue subsided, and I returned home feeling temporarily relieved. However, shortly thereafter, I noticed what seemed like an enlarged lymph node on the left side of my throat, close to where the salivary glands are situated. In March, I consulted an ENT specialist who performed an examination of my throat but found no concerning signs. I was prescribed antibiotics, but my condition did not improve. In May, I saw my allergist. I am diagnosed with oral allergy syndrome and have a multitude of allergies, including most trees, bushes, and grass. My skin tests revealed allergies to several substances, including soy, which I consume regularly, while tree nuts are off-limits due to my sister's severe allergy. The allergist conducted a blood test but was unable to determine whether I was allergic to the tree nuts’ protein or their pollen, prescribing an epi pen and concluding our visit without further solutions. Despite these consultations, I continued to experience discomfort in my throat and subsequently underwent an ultrasound, which yielded no results. Symptoms subsided for a while, but reappeared in January 2025. In March of this year, I found myself in the emergency department once again, fearing another allergic reaction. After receiving intravenous steroids and undergoing a CT scan, I was told there was no evidence of inflammation. Currently, I have a coated tongue, described by my dentist as a thin green layer, which they advised scrubbing and not to fret over. I often feel a tightness in my throat, a persistent lump on the left side, and during meals, I experience episodes where it feels like my throat is constricting. This is often accompanied by severe diarrhea, chills, and palpitations. I feel increasingly frustrated as each doctor seems to refer me to the next without a resolution. Routine blood tests, including CBC and metabolic panels, have returned normal findings. For context, I have taken Lexapro and Wellbutrin for anxiety since I was 16, rely on Zyrtec daily for seasonal allergies, and use colchicine for periodic fever syndrome diagnosed when I was an infant. I have lived with anxiety for much of my life, engaging in therapy and being well aware of its indicators. Furthermore, I have been vegan since age 13, and I abstain from smoking and drug use. I am pleading for help—any insights or guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)
3/18/2025, 12:51:04 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear about the difficulties you've been experiencing with your health. It sounds very frustrating and confusing to deal with such persistent symptoms, especially when you've sought help from multiple specialists. Here’s a breakdown of your situation and some potential steps you can take moving forward.
Main Points
- Persistent throat symptoms, allergic history, and anxiety: Your symptoms appear multifaceted, involving throat discomfort, allergies, and anxiety.
- Multiple consultations without resolution: It can be disheartening to see various specialists with little improvement in your condition.
Explanation
You have experienced a series of symptoms that seem to point towards several potential underlying issues, including:
- Oral Allergy Syndrome: This can cause immediate reactions to certain foods and is often linked to environmental allergies.
- Anxiety and Sensory Symptoms: Anxiety can manifest physically, leading to sensations of tightness in the throat and the feeling of a lump.
- Nutritional Factors: As a vegan, it’s vital to ensure you're getting adequate nutrients which can sometimes contribute to physical symptoms. A coated tongue can sometimes indicate nutritional deficiencies or dehydration.
While your tests like the ultrasound and CT scan did not show concerning results, ongoing symptoms suggest a more complex interplay of factors that may not be solely medical.
Next Steps
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Track Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, noting when they occur, what you were eating, your stress levels, and any other changes in routine. This can help pinpoint potential triggers.
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Consider Dietary Adjustments: Re-evaluate your diet to ensure you're meeting all nutritional needs (e.g., vitamin B12, iron, and protein). You may benefit from a consultation with a nutritionist familiar with vegan diets to ensure optimal health.
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Practice Stress Management: Since anxiety may be contributing to your throat sensations, continue with therapy and explore techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or yoga which have helped many with anxiety symptoms.
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Follow Up on Allergies: Revisit your allergist for further clarification on your allergies and explore if avoiding specific foods (like soy or others you suspect) for a few weeks improves symptoms. This could help clarify your triggers.
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Seek a Multidisciplinary Approach: Given the complexity of your symptoms, consider a consultation with a specialist in integrative medicine or a functional medicine practitioner who can evaluate your health holistically.
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Review Medications: Evaluate the impact of your current medications (Lexapro and Wellbutrin) with your healthcare provider, as they could be influencing your physical symptoms.
Reassurance
Your experience is valid, and while navigating these persistent symptoms can be overwhelming, taking structured steps will hopefully lead you closer to finding relief. It’s important to remain proactive and advocate for yourself within the healthcare system. You are not alone in this, and there is help available. If you continue to feel distressed or your symptoms worsen, don’t hesitate to seek immediate support.
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