Concern Over Breathing Difficulties and Potential Tetanus Diagnosis
Hello everyone. Although I'm aware that Reddit may not be the most reliable source for medical advice, I'm reaching out in hopes that someone with medical knowledge might offer some insights into my situation. I apologize in advance for the lengthy explanation; however, I've included a brief summary at the end for those who prefer a quick read. **Summary:** After accidentally striking my wrist on a metal railing that was not rusty, I experienced unusual trembling in my arms and calves nine days later. This was followed by respiratory issues that worsened over the course of a month. While my doctor indicated I do not have asthma and prescribed an inhaler that provided little relief, x-rays of my neck and chest showed no significant problems. Currently, my breathing difficulties have escalated, leading me to worry that I might be facing cognitive impacts due to insufficient oxygen. On May 3rd, I went boating with my father and some friends, and during the trip, I bumped my wrist against the metal railing. I don't recall it being rusty, but it might have been slightly dirty. The mark left was minute, only noticeable upon close inspection, and I wasn't certain if it constituted an 'open wound' since it appeared red but lacked open bleeding. The injury happened on the wrist, specifically on the back side of my hand. While I cannot guarantee that this is the exact spot of impact, I hadn't noticed that redness prior to the incident. Nine days later, on May 12th, I observed involuntary tremors in my arms and calves that caused me some concern. They weren't extreme or frequent, but given my worry about tetanus, it was unsettling. This tremoring has since subsided over the past few weeks. Despite experiencing mild breathing issues over the last two months, my respiratory problems escalated towards the end of May, prompting a visit to the doctor. Regrettably, I neglected to mention the wrist injury due to time constraints during my appointment. The doctor assessed me and concluded that I do not have asthma, providing me with an inhaler and ordering x-rays of both my neck and chest to investigate further. After the images were taken, a few days later, a nurse informed me that the results were normal, and no surgical intervention was necessary. Unfortunately, in recent days, my breathing has deteriorated significantly. I tried using the inhaler for the first time; however, it only offered brief relief—and at times, it was ineffective. My breathing varies throughout the day; there are instances when I feel fine, yet others when I struggle to take in air. Notably, my fingernails have started to exhibit a purplish hue, which I believe indicates a possible oxygen deficiency in my bloodstream. Furthermore, I've been experiencing slight forgetfulness in the past couple of days, raising further concerns about reduced oxygen to my brain. Earlier this year, I had concerns about possibly having tetanus, but now I believe this could be more serious. I did some reading on tetanus symptoms, which include muscle spasms, breathing difficulties, excessive sweating, lockjaw, seizures, and others. Thankfully, I do not appear to be experiencing those, aside from difficulty breathing and perhaps some muscle spasms. Do you all think I might have tetanus? What steps should I consider from here?
Answers (1)
6/16/2025, 2:01:41 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing significant respiratory challenges and some concerning symptoms following a recent wrist injury. It's understandable to be worried about the possibility of tetanus or other serious conditions. Let's break down your situation and focus on what steps you can take to help manage your symptoms and reassess any potential concerns.
Main Points:
- Tetanus is unlikely based on your description and symptoms.
- Your breathing difficulties and purplish fingernails are concerning and may indicate a need for urgent reassessment of your condition.
- Monitoring your symptoms closely and seeking immediate medical advice is recommended.
Explanation:
Tetanus is a rare but serious infection caused by a bacterial toxin. It often occurs through deep puncture wounds or contaminated injuries. Given your account of a minor wrist injury with a lack of deep puncture and no significant contamination, and considering that your symptoms such as muscle spasms haven't been severe, the likelihood of tetanus is low. However, respiratory issues, along with changes in your fingernail color (cyanosis), suggest a potential lack of oxygen reaching your body, which needs to be taken seriously. Cognitive changes like forgetfulness could also be linked to inadequate oxygen supply.
Next Steps:
-
Seek Immediate Medical Attention:
- Given the worsening breathing difficulties and symptoms like cyanosis, contact a healthcare provider or go to an urgent care facility or emergency room. Do not wait for an appointment, as these symptoms could signify a condition that requires prompt evaluation.
-
Prepare for Your Visit:
- Compile a brief history of your symptoms, including the timeline of your wrist injury, the progression of your breathing issues, and any changes in your physical condition (like the purplish nails).
- Mention all your symptoms, including the trembling and forgetfulness, so that the medical team can fully assess your health.
-
Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep a log of when your breathing difficulties occur, any activities that trigger them, and how long they last. This information can help healthcare providers make informed decisions about your care.
-
Avoid Irritants:
- Stay away from smoke, dust, strong odors, or anything that might irritate your lungs as you wait for medical evaluation.
-
Stay Calm:
- While it’s natural to feel anxious about your symptoms, try to focus on taking one step at a time. Deep, steady breaths can help you manage anxiety as you seek care.
Remember, your health and safety are the priority, so please follow through with seeking immediate care. Letting a healthcare professional evaluate these symptoms ensures you receive the necessary attention and appropriate treatment. Take care, and I hope you find relief soon!
Related Questions
16-Year-Old Dealing with Scoliosis and Breathing Issues: Seeking Advice
As a 16-year-old male, I’m currently coping with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), while also having been diagnosed with an S-shaped type of scoliosis. During my latest spinal evaluation in 2023, the findings revealed: - Thoracic curve: 25°, bending towards the right - Lumbar curve: 45°, bending towards the left For many years—long before my scoliosis diagnosis—I have been experiencing sporadic shortness of breath, approximately once a month or even less frequently. In June, I visited a clinic because I was suffering from a persistent cough following a viral infection. The attending physician conducted an X-ray and subsequently referred me to the emergency room after she suspected I might have a pleural effusion. Upon arriving at the ER, a CT scan was performed, revealing that the curvature of my spine was exerting pressure on my left lung. Initially, my oxygen saturation level was recorded at 88%. However, due to my shaky hands, the physician questioned the accuracy of this reading. Upon retaking the measurement, my oxygen saturation stabilized between 94% and 99%, and arterial blood gases indicated normal levels. Later on, I consulted a senior pulmonologist who recommended that I prioritize appointments with spine specialists rather than pulmonary care providers, and proceeded to order a spirometry assessment. I chose to delay this test due to frequent panic attacks, fearing these might negatively impact the results. However, I am now set to undergo the spirometry test in three weeks and would like to know if anyone else has experienced a comparable situation. I’m also feeling anxious about the potential for pulmonary hypertension. To provide further context, in April, I underwent two echocardiograms: - The first one, carried out by a junior doctor, indicated an estimated pulmonary artery pressure (EPASP) of 48 mmHg. - The second one, just two days later, was performed by a more experienced cardiologist and showed an EPASP of 30 mmHg alongside a tricuspid regurgitant velocity (TRV) of 2.64 m/s. Additionally, I have concerns about possibly having a pectus deformity, or conditions like Swyer-James-MacLeod syndrome, even though these have not been formally diagnosed. Given all of this, how concerning do my lung conditions appear? Can scoliosis by itself account for these symptoms? Moreover, does this situation escalate potential concerns regarding pectus deformity or Swyer-James-MacLeod syndrome?
Mother's Breathing Difficulties After Tree Dust Encounter on Cruise
My mother, a 53-year-old woman living in Australia without known health issues but with a 25-year history of heavy smoking, recently embarked on a cruise through the Pacific islands. During a guided tour on one of the islands, the tour guide struck a tree to convey traditional knowledge, which caused dust to billow into the air, and my mother inadvertently inhaled it. She described the sensation of the dust entering her throat and lungs, and shortly after, she developed severe cold-like symptoms and a cough that became so intense it made breathing difficult. Now, less than a week back from the trip, she's still battling a persistent and harsh cough. This evening, while attempting to vacuum, she mentioned having trouble breathing. Despite my concerns, her stubborn nature means she plans to wait a week before consulting a doctor—but I believe immediate action is necessary. Smoking approximately 15 cigarettes daily, she has struggled with a chronic smoker's cough for several years; however, the intensity of her current cough is unprecedented. During our phone conversation, she could not speak for more than 10 seconds without breaking into coughs. I worry that she might have contracted a respiratory infection or pneumonia. Her partner caught a milder version of her cold and has since recovered, leaving her condition looking increasingly severe. Regrettably, I cannot recall the name of the island or the specific tree involved in this incident. Given the alarming symptoms, does this seem indicative of a respiratory infection or pneumonia? For years, I have fretted over the possibilities of emphysema and lung cancer, but she is resistant to seeking medical help, fearing that it would lead to advice about quitting smoking—something she reacts to like a rebellious teenager. We are also trying to persuade her partner to urge her to visit a doctor as soon as possible.
Seeking Relief: Ongoing Ear and Facial Discomfort After Two Weeks of Respiratory Illness
I am currently experiencing day 14 of a lingering respiratory illness, the origins of which remain unclear. It initially presented with relentless sneezing and a persistent runny nose, accompanied by a low-grade fever ranging from 99 to 100 degrees. Additionally, I have suffered from facial and sinus pain, conjunctivitis, intense headaches, fatigue, and general body aches. After visiting urgent care, I underwent tests for COVID-19, influenza types A and B, and RSV, all returning negative results. The doctor provided me with azelastine; however, he indicated that no further interventions were necessary at that time. While the sneezing and excessive nasal discharge subsided within a few days, I continue to endure headaches, congestion, generalized aches, and overwhelming fatigue at this two-week mark. Moreover, I've recently started experiencing pain in my left ear, with persistent sinus discomfort on that same side. Occasionally, I find myself running a fever of around 99 degrees. Unfortunately, I am unable to make an appointment with my primary care physician for another couple of weeks. I am contemplating whether another visit to urgent care would be worthwhile. Is there any potential relief available for my ear pain? Due to my allergy to aspirin and NSAIDs, I can only use Tylenol, which hasn't alleviated the discomfort. I suspect that I may simply need to ride out this troublesome illness, but could the symptoms indicate a bacterial infection that warrants an antibiotic treatment? Additional Information: - Age: 60 - Gender: Female - Height: 5'2" - Weight: 120 lbs - Ethnicity: White/Asian - Duration of symptoms: 14 days - Pain location: Left ear and left side of the face - Relevant medical history: MCAS, POTS, hEDS, one adrenal gland - Current medications: loratadine, famotidine, fluticasone, prescription potassium, metoprolol, montelukast, azelastine
Struggling with Frequent Respiratory Infections
Hello! Since 2020, I have been falling ill with one of four conditions: COVID-19, pneumonia, bronchitis, or tonsillitis, experiencing two bouts of pneumonia in just the last half year. Throughout my life, I have managed asthma while playing sports at a collegiate level, seldom relying on my inhaler. Generally, I consider myself to be in good health. At the age of 28, as a woman, I am quite active and not prone to frequent illness. However, since the wildfires in Los Angeles, I feel like I'm becoming ill more frequently. I consulted with a pulmonologist last December who suggested a CAT scan, which ultimately revealed no significant abnormalities. I also have routine lab work done every six months, and those results do not indicate any issues either. At this point, I find myself feeling increasingly frustrated and uncertain about what steps to take next. If anyone has thoughts, guidance, or recommendations, I would greatly appreciate your input!
Breathing Difficulties
Hello everyone. I’m a 25-year-old male, standing at 1.80 meters and weighing 110 kilograms. I take 75 mg of Sertraline daily and have never been a smoker. Recently, I’ve experienced some unusual symptoms and seek your advice. Approximately a week and a half ago, I noticed what felt like a weakness or fatigue on the right side of my face. I didn’t think much of it at first. However, the following day, I began to sense a change in my breathing. Although I could still manage to take deeper breaths, I felt a peculiar pressure in my chest, particularly after eating. This made me more mindful of my breathing patterns. While this pressure subsided somewhat on its own, this morning I experienced something concerning. After using the restroom, I instinctively tried to take a deep breath, but my body seemed to cancel it, only allowing a small intake of air. When I forced myself to take a deeper breath, I was able to, but the volume of air I could inhale felt reduced compared to before. The difference is slight but noticeable. Additionally, after attempting several deep breaths in quick succession, I've developed a persistent urge to breathe deeply every few seconds, and this sensation has not abated for the last 20 to 30 minutes.