OpenHealth Q&A

Navigating My Blood Test Results and Overall Health

Personal Details: I’m a 29-year-old female, measuring 5.58 feet and weighing 154 pounds, of Asian descent. For four years, I have maintained a fitness routine that includes weight training and jogging at least three times a week. I have been diagnosed with cough-variant asthma. For nearly a year, I’ve been working as a tutor, providing in-person and small-class instruction after a period of exclusively online teaching. My daily routine involves sleeping around 10:30 PM and waking up naturally between 6:00 and 6:30 AM. I prioritize hydration, consuming over 2 liters of water daily, and maintain a balanced diet devoid of alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, and dietary supplements, including vitamins or medications. Generally, my mood remains positive and I feel energized throughout my day. Reason for Hospital Visit: Given my asthma, I monitor my breathing closely. Recently, I noticed an increase in yawning at unusual times—for instance, at 5 PM while socializing with friends in a busy café. By evening, around 8 PM, fatigue set in, accompanied by frequent yawning. I observed that these episodes intensified within poorly ventilated spaces, like the small homes of my students, where air conditioning was inadequate and windows were closed, making the environment crowded and stifling. Over the past month, with rising temperatures prompting heavier use of air conditioning, additional symptoms emerged. Students pointed out that my complexion seemed unusually flushed. Recurrent symptoms included slight fever, intermittent dizziness, a stiff forehead, mild nausea, numbness in my hands, feet, and face (specifically my lips and ears), tingling sensations, sporadic heart discomfort, and an overwhelming desire to sleep in front of my students. Remarkably, stepping outside to lie down alleviated many of these symptoms. I documented these experiences across five tutoring sessions, all exhibiting similar patterns, with timestamps recorded (with student consent). My students noted I appeared less expressive, which signaled to me a depletion of my usual vitality. Initial Thoughts from the Chest Specialist: When I consulted the internist—a man in his mid to late 40s—he initially speculated my symptoms might be anxiety-related or a result of over-breathing, yet he recommended a comprehensive blood test. Ironically, the cramped and poorly air-conditioned setting of his clinic exacerbated my discomfort. I felt faint, and the doctor even called in a colleague to discuss my case after I experienced a moment of reduced consciousness, though I can’t recall the specifics. Prior to my follow-up appointment, I sought a mental health evaluation from a psychiatrist. After an hour of assessment, she indicated that anxiety was unlikely to be the root cause of my symptoms. Blood Test Results: The majority of my blood markers were normal, including P, Na, K, Mg, TSH, Free T4, Ca++(ionized), MONO, LYMPH, EOSIN, BASO, WBC, RDW-CV, RBC, PLT, MCV, MCHC, MCH, HCT, HGB, RAfactor, ANA, SBC (v), NEUT, and Normobl. The oxygen and carbon dioxide metrics were as follows: pO2(v)= 13.7, pH(v)= 7.384 (normal), pCO2(v)= 46.1, TCO2(v)= 28.4, HCO3(v)= 26.9, SvO2c= 15.8. Responses from Medical Team: At my follow-up, three chest specialists reviewed my results. They pointed out that pO2, TCO2, and SvO2c were highlighted but downplayed their importance, citing that venous results fluctuate significantly and do not indicate acute conditions. They emphasized the importance of arterial reference ranges instead, dismissing those observed in my test. They mentioned that under extreme circumstances, SvO2c could drop to zero. After further discussion, they suggested I might consider returning to online teaching or taking a break from in-person sessions. Seeking a second opinion at a separate clinic yielded similar insights; however, the attending physician suggested that using a portable oxygen tank might be beneficial. During a recent train journey—something I seldom do—I brought along an oxygen tank. While it seemed to partially alleviate my symptoms, the pattern of discomfort persisted, albeit at a slower rate of onset. In my search for information, I discovered on Reddit that SvO2 could signify something significant in Western medical discussions. Hence, I am turning to this subreddit for further clarity and advice on how to manage my situation. Currently, I’ve reverted to online teaching, which alleviates the urgency of my situation. Thank you for your assistance!

Answers (1)

3/30/2025, 2:10:43 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you are experiencing a range of concerning symptoms related to your asthma and the environments in which you teach. Your detailed account helps clarify your situation, and it's important to address your concerns regarding your symptoms, particularly in relation to your recent blood test results and experiences in various settings.

Key Points:

1. Your symptoms, especially in poorly ventilated spaces, are concerning and may relate to your asthma or environmental factors.
2. Some blood markers were within normal ranges, but the response to your oxygen and carbon dioxide levels indicates that there may be underlying issues to explore further.
3. Changes in your environment or workload, such as returning to online teaching, have had a positive impact on your symptoms.

Explanation: Your experiences of excessive yawning, fatigue, and feeling faint suggest that your body is reacting to stressors, possibly including environmental conditions like air quality, as well as the physical demands of teaching. As asthma can cause breathing difficulties, staying in crowded or poorly ventilated places may worsen your symptoms. The fact that you feel better outside indicates that fresh air likely helps your breathing, which is crucial for managing asthma.

The suggestions made by the medical professionals, including considering a return to online teaching or using supplemental oxygen, reflect the need to alleviate strain on your respiratory system. It's worth noting that though some blood markers were deemed normal, the stability and context of your overall health are essential to monitor closely.

Next Steps:

1. Environmental Changes: Continue to prioritize well-ventilated and open spaces when teaching. If you have to work in confined areas, consider using a portable air purifier, ensuring proper ventilation, or advocating for better classroom conditions.

2. Monitor Symptoms: Maintain a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting specific triggers related to environments, times of day, and activities. This will help you and any healthcare providers identify patterns or changes.

3. Supplemental Oxygen Use: Since you found relief with the oxygen tank, discuss ongoing use with your medical team. While it may not be a permanent solution, it can provide temporary relief during episodes of discomfort.

4. Physical Activity: Although returning to online teaching might help reduce fatigue, it's still essential to engage in physical activities that support your fitness and respiratory health. Continue your exercise routine as tolerated, but be mindful of how your body responds, especially in varied environments.

5. Regular Follow-Ups: Keep in touch with your healthcare providers, particularly regarding the follow-up of your blood test results and any persistent symptoms. Seek further evaluations if symptoms worsen or do not improve.

6. Self-Care Practices: Incorporate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or yoga, which can help manage anxiety and improve respiratory function.

In summary, it’s crucial to adjust your teaching environments to better support your respiratory needs and monitor any changes in your well-being closely. Continue prioritizing self-care and constructive communication with your healthcare team regarding the management of your symptoms and overall health. If there's more specific advice or support you need, feel free to ask!