Unexpected Breathing Difficulties: A Personal Experience
I am a 37-year-old male, weighing 170 pounds and standing at 6 feet tall. This morning, I began to experience unusual sensations while breathing, and now, at 6 p.m., I find it quite painful to inhale more than halfway. There is a noticeable tightness in my chest, along with an odd sensation in my throat; however, I don't see any visible bruising or injuries on either the front or back of my body. When I attempt to bend down, significant difficulty arises around the waist level—more than a 45-degree angle becomes quite painful, limiting my ability to bend further without distress. At that angle, I can feel pressure beneath my Adam's apple and at the upper spine, specifically between my neck and mid-back. Coughing does not seem to exacerbate my discomfort; it primarily hurts while I remain in a seated position. I experience some relief when leaning my head back, but the area around the brachiocephalic trunk—just beneath my Adam's apple—experiences pressure and pain if I tilt my neck back too far. My blood pressure readings have varied: 118/83, with a pulse of 101; another reading was 100/76 with a pulse of 97; and a subsequent one was 124/83 with a pulse of 194. For several months, I have endured significant pain along both sides of my mid-back, specifically near the scapulas. I suspect this could be linked to trigger points and prior injuries sustained during my time in the army, particularly due to the repetitive strain and lack of recovery from wearing heavy packs, which has led to persistent discomfort. Currently, the pain in the back registers around a 6-7, while the front sternum discomfort is higher, at an 8, and has been worsening throughout the day. About two months ago, I received trigger point injections and had previously undergone acupuncture treatment. As an Army veteran, I have been diagnosed with myofascial pain syndrome, experience PTSD from my service in Iraq, and have ADHD. Additionally, I have been living with severe pulsatile tinnitus in my left ear since June 2023, which has resulted in pressure and pain in the area, along with an overwhelming sound that syncs with my heartbeat. I am currently awaiting an appointment with an ENT specialist and a neurologist, but the delays with Veterans Affairs have been frustrating. My current medication regimen includes 1 mg/.5 mg of Suboxone taken both morning and night, 30 mg of methylphenidate daily—having taken it for four months without any notable side effects—10 mg cyclobenzaprine at night for muscle relaxation, and 3-4 mg of liquid doxepin before sleep. Yesterday, I consumed some sweet peppers that turned out to be spoiled, leading to a single incident of vomiting around 6 p.m., after which I felt a bit better. It's possible that this episode contributed to my current condition. The nearest V.A. hospital is two hours away, while the closest general hospital is about 30 minutes from my location in Washington State. I have healthcare coverage through both the V.A. and Medicaid.
Answers (1)
3/25/2025, 2:31:01 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's important to address your symptoms of breathing difficulty, chest tightness, and pain, especially as they have escalated throughout the day. Given the intensity of your discomfort and the potential link to your recent vomiting, it’s crucial to approach this situation carefully.
Overview of Your Situation
- You are experiencing significant pain and tightness while breathing.
- There is discomfort that seems to worsen with certain movements and postures.
- You have a history of back pain and underlying health conditions that complicate your situation.
Possible Causes
Your symptoms may stem from several considerations, including:
- Musculoskeletal issues: Your history of back pain and prior injuries may be contributing to chest and breathing discomfort.
- Gastroesophageal reflux or irritation: Given your recent vomiting episode, irritation or acid reflux could be causing some of your chest discomfort.
- Anxiety or panic responses: With your PTSD background, stress or anxiety could play a role in your physical sensations.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Sit Up Straight: Maintain an upright posture, supported by a chair that allows your back to be straight, which can help alleviate some tightness.
- Pursed Lip Breathing: Practice deep, controlled breaths by inhaling through your nose for two counts and exhaling slowly through pursed lips for four counts. Do this several times to help relieve some breathing discomfort.
- Avoid Strain: Limit activities that exacerbate your symptoms. Avoid bending over and engaging in physical exertion until your symptoms improve.
- Warm Compress: If your back pain continues, apply a warm compress to the affected area to help relax those muscles.
Monitoring Symptoms
- Watch for Red Flags: If you develop any new symptoms like severe shortness of breath, chest pain radiating to the arm or jaw, or lightheadedness, seek immediate help.
- Keep a Symptom Journal: Track your symptoms, noting intensity and any triggers. This information will be helpful for both your upcoming visits to specialists.
Plan
Since you have a long wait for your ENT and neurologist appointments:
- Consider visiting a local urgent care or hospital if your symptoms worsen or if there’s no improvement.
- Safely manage your medications and continue to monitor your reactions to them, especially since you're adjusting with a new treatment regimen.
Please remember, it's always best to err on the side of caution when you’re experiencing troubling symptoms. Your health and well-being are paramount, and proactive management will support your journey towards feeling better. If you have further questions or need support, feel free to ask.
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