Could This Be Asthma? Examining Unusual Symptoms
I’m a 28-year-old female, standing at 5'2" and weighing 99 pounds, with a medical history that includes ulcerative colitis, for which I underwent total colectomy and ileoanal anastomosis back in 2012. Currently, I’m experiencing a flare-up of rectal cuffitis that has persisted for roughly a year. I’m on Stelara injections every eight weeks, but unfortunately, my symptoms have not improved. Additionally, I was diagnosed with POTS in 2020 and I continue to encounter episodes of non-postural tachycardia, for which I am not on medication. Hello everyone, For the past two weeks, I’ve noticed some breathing difficulties along with a sense of tightness in my chest. Initially, I thought it was just anxiety when I felt unable to take a deep breath, but the sensation has worsened. Now, I am also experiencing tightness in between my chest and throat area, accompanied by a burning or tingling sensation. However, I am not experiencing any gasping, wheezing, coughing, or typical upper respiratory infection symptoms. During these episodes, my vitals appear normal for me, with blood pressure around 95/65, a heart rate fluctuating between 70 and 100 bpm, standard body temperature, and an oxygen saturation of 100%. My complete blood count, metabolic panel, and electrolytes are all within normal limits. Additionally, a chest X-ray and ECG also came back normal, and a CT scan of my chest conducted approximately six months ago yielded normal results. I have attempted to use antacids, but they did not alleviate my symptoms. I also tried omeprazole, which seemed to exacerbate the issue. Pulmonary function tests have been ordered, but I am currently waiting on insurance approval for those. Today, I purchased a digital peak flow meter from Walgreens, and my readings are averaging around 290. I’m uncertain whether to take this measurement seriously and consider the possibility of needing asthma treatment promptly, or if I should regard it as just a measurement from a basic store device and wait for comprehensive diagnostic results. Thank you in advance for any insights you may have!
Answers (1)
4/3/2025, 8:10:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
Summary: You’re experiencing breathing difficulties, chest tightness, and sensations that could indicate asthma or other issues, especially given your medical background. It’s important to monitor your symptoms closely and get the pulmonary function tests done as soon as possible.
Explanation: Your history with ulcerative colitis and POTS complicates the situation, especially since your symptoms do not align with typical asthma indicators like coughing or wheezing. However, the tightness in your chest and difficulty taking a deep breath can be related to various conditions, including asthma or anxiety, among others. Your normal vitals are reassuring, but continuous symptoms deserve attention.
Next Steps:
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Use Your Peak Flow Meter: Continue measuring your peak flow rate consistently at the same times each day. Record these numbers and look for patterns. A reading of 290 l/min may suggest some level of airflow limitation, but it’s essential to compare it to predicted values based on your age and height.
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Monitor Symptoms Closely: Keep a daily journal of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their intensity, and any associated factors (like physical activity, stress levels, or dietary triggers). This will be valuable information for your healthcare provider.
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Follow Up on Pulmonary Function Tests: Stay in touch with your insurance and healthcare provider about getting the pulmonary function tests approved. These tests can provide critical insight into lung function to help determine whether your breathing difficulties are due to asthma or another condition.
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Consider the Role of Anxiety: As you mentioned, some symptoms may stem from anxiety. Explore stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises to help manage feelings of tightness and discomfort.
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Avoid Self-Diagnosis but Stay Informed: While waiting for medical evaluation, do not jump to conclusions about needing asthma treatment based on store-bought peak flow readings alone. Use this information in conjunction with your blood work and tests for a complete view of your health.
If at any time you experience worsening symptoms, such as increased difficulty breathing or any acute changes, seek medical attention promptly.
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