Unraveling My Health Concerns
Hello, I’m a 22-year-old female, and I’ve been dealing with various health problems for quite some time. I would appreciate any insights or advice from others who might have experienced similar issues. Gastrointestinal Problems - For the past five years, I’ve been experiencing nausea and vomiting. It was particularly intense initially but has diminished over time, though it remains frequent. My first doctor suspected it was acid reflux and prescribed omeprazole (20 mg) for a month, which did not improve my condition. I continued to visit my general practitioner, but finding a solution felt increasingly hopeless. Although my symptoms would occasionally improve, I’ve recently begun vomiting again. An endoscopy revealed gastritis in 2025, and I’m currently on lansoprazole (30 mg). Background - I have struggled with Raynaud’s phenomenon since childhood, which primarily affects my fingers and toes, causing them to swell. I have never brought this up with a doctor. Additionally, my family has a history of diabetes, and my grandfather suffered from kidney failure and blood cancer. Random Symptoms - I often have a persistent cough that flares up intermittently but intensified last year (2024). This worsening has led to breathing difficulties, vomiting, and feelings of lightheadedness. The symptoms were quite severe, prompting my doctor to prescribe a pink inhaler for what was suspected to be asthma. Despite my lung function tests returning normal results, my cough did improve with the inhaler. Late in December, I began experiencing throat irritation and excessive mucus production after meals, which required constant clearing. Although nausea occasionally follows, it hasn’t resulted in vomiting for several months. Recently, I’ve noticed bruising on my legs and once on my arm, alongside itchy skin, fatigue, a lack of appetite, and an overall feeling of weakness that drains my energy to the point where going out becomes a challenge. My doctor prescribed a nasal spray with steroids, but the blood tests came back largely normal except for a lymphocyte count of 4.0. Since the nasal spray wasn’t effective, it was discontinued, and I underwent an endoscopy. Currently - Over the past year, my weight has fluctuated; I was around 57 kg, briefly 60 kg, and now I’m down to 49 or 50 kg. I also experience random leg and muscle pain at night, which isn’t severe. Other issues include itching, persistent lightheadedness, constant fatigue, and an inexplicable sense of weakness, among other things I can’t quite recall.
Answers (1)
7/14/2025, 10:10:43 AM
OpenHealth AI
You've shared multiple health challenges that have understandably been very concerning for you. From your description, it seems you are dealing with ongoing gastrointestinal issues, respiratory symptoms, and other general health problems that are affecting your quality of life. It is commendable that you are seeking insights and support while navigating this complex situation.
Main Points:
- Persistent gastrointestinal symptoms and poor weight management.
- Respiratory issues with an intermittent cough and breathing difficulty.
- General fatigue, lightheadedness, and unexplained bruising.
Explanation:
Your history of nausea and vomiting, along with the diagnosis of gastritis and treatment with proton pump inhibitors like lansoprazole, suggests that your stomach concerns need careful attention. Weight loss and fluctuating appetite can further exacerbate your condition by affecting your body's ability to heal and maintain energy levels. Your cough and breathing difficulties may also indicate underlying issues that could be related to both gastrointestinal reflux and potential respiratory problems. The bruising, itching, and persistent fatigue are symptoms that merit further evaluation, especially considering your family history of serious health conditions.
Next Steps:
-
Track Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your gastrointestinal symptoms, cough, and any other significant changes in your health. Note when symptoms occur, their severity, and any triggers (such as certain foods or activities). This information can be invaluable in addressing your issues effectively.
-
Evaluate Diet: Focus on eating small, balanced meals that are less likely to irritate your stomach. Keep a food diary to identify any foods that worsen your symptoms, and consider incorporating bland foods (like bananas, rice, and toast) while avoiding spicy, fatty, or highly acidic foods.
-
Hydration and Rest: Ensure you are staying well-hydrated and getting enough rest. Fatigue can be exacerbated by dehydration and stress, so when possible, prioritize rest and relaxation techniques such as gentle stretching or mindfulness exercises to help manage stress.
-
Follow Up with Healthcare Providers: Given the complexity and duration of your symptoms, consider seeking a gastroenterology consultation if you haven't already. Discuss your full range of symptoms, including the bruising and the changes in your skin and fatigue. It may be necessary to explore additional tests, such as blood tests to assess for nutritional deficiencies or a review of your medication.
-
Monitor the Cough: Since your cough improves with an inhaler, it may be beneficial to discuss your respiratory symptoms' management further with your doctor, especially since the cough is impacted by various factors.
These steps are aimed at giving you a clearer path to explore your health challenges. Remember, you deserve the support and care that addresses both your physical symptoms and any emotional distress they may cause. Please take note of your body's signals and stay proactive in communicating with healthcare professionals about your experience.
Related Questions
My Relationship with Milk Consumption
For nearly two decades, I have predominantly relied on milk as my primary source of hydration, consuming around five liters daily. Although I recognize that this reliance might not be the healthiest choice, my low appetite has perpetually left me underweight. In the past, I attempted to transition to drinking water; however, I noticed a concerning drop in weight along with persistent fatigue. My inquiry is whether there exists a more nutritious method to obtain calories without resorting to solid foods, and ideally, without incurring high costs?
When Can I Expect to Drive Again?
I’m a 35-year-old who suffered a spiral fracture in my right leg affecting both the fibula and tibia. Five weeks post-surgery, I've begun my rehabilitation journey, having undergone physical therapy for three weeks now. I’ve noticed that my leg is beginning to regain sensation, with improved control over my ankle and feeling returning to the sole of my foot. Given this progress, what is a realistic timeframe for when I might be able to drive safely once more?
Seeking Help for Ongoing Health Issues
I am reaching out in desperation for assistance! I'm wondering if anyone else has encountered similar health concerns or could recommend medications or specialists I should consider consulting. I'm truly at a loss and need guidance. As a 23-year-old male vegetarian weighing around 48 kg and standing at 5’4”, I have struggled with being underweight since my childhood. This condition has left me feeling utterly drained and overwhelmed. I’m eager to make a change but feel lost regarding where to begin or which healthcare professional to consult. In my youth, I was diagnosed with asthma, which has significantly improved; however, I continue to deal with low immunity, as I frequently catch colds and coughs from minor exposure to cold environments. Additionally, I’ve noticed that for the past few years, my body temperature feels abnormally high compared to those around me. I experience heat more acutely than my peers. Previously, I was quite active and could walk 4–5 kilometers daily without difficulty. Nowadays, even a short walk of 1–2 kilometers or climbing a few flights of stairs leaves me out of breath and exhausted. Even on days of little physical exertion, I feel weak and lethargic, as though all my vitality has been drained. My appetite has always been low, despite my efforts to increase it. I struggle to consume what would be considered an average meal for someone my age. Just two chapatis or a small bowl of rice or lentils fills me up completely, and attempting to eat more causes discomfort. I often find it perplexing how others manage to eat such larger portions. Dining out has become a challenge for me since even half a plate feels overwhelmingly full. Being extremely slender has made it difficult to find clothing that fits well and has adversely impacted my confidence over the years. For around 15 years, I have hesitated to take photographs of myself. Social and professional circles often regard me as younger than I am, sometimes even as a child, which has contributed to my feelings of invisibility and insecurity. My sensitivity to heat has intensified over the last few years. In seemingly normal room temperatures, I start sweating profusely while those around me remain comfortable. During cold weather, even in temperatures as low as 8°C, I don’t wear warm clothing, as I sweat excessively and feel anxious about overheating. The discomfort can escalate to a point where I feel faint from the heat. In my workplace, where the air conditioning is set at a standard temperature, I find it challenging. I begin to sweat visibly, leaving my clothes damp and prompting coworkers to inquire about my wellbeing. I often feel breathless and anxious that I might collapse if I remain there too long. This makes it very difficult to stay at the office or use public transportation, as even air-conditioned buses can feel uncomfortably warm to me. Over the past year, my situation has deteriorated further. I can no longer tolerate hot or even mildly spiced home-cooked meals, which I used to enjoy without issues. Now, even mildly spiced foods lead to excessive sweating, reddening of my face, and an intense burning sensation in my mouth, akin to consuming overly spicy dishes. As a result, my food intake has diminished even more. I often face ridicule for my dietary limitations, and I’m growing weary of trying to explain my condition, especially when my own family doesn't fully grasp the depth of my struggles, which adds to my distress. I am sharing my story because I truly need help. I wish to identify the underlying issues with my health and seek proper medical attention. If anyone has experienced similar problems or can recommend a suitable type of medical professional to consult, I would greatly appreciate your guidance and support during this challenging time. Thank you. 😭
Is an 85-pound Weight Healthy for a Woman Who is 5’1"?
A friend of mine stands at 5 feet 1 inch tall and has a delicate frame, tipping the scales at 85 pounds. At first glance, her weight seemed surprisingly low, but I realized she doesn’t appear overly thin. Naturally, I became a bit worried as I believed her weight might be below the healthy range; however, she insists that she feels perfectly fine. She maintains an active lifestyle, exercising regularly and following a nutritious diet, yet she doesn't overindulge. This leaves me pondering whether her health is indeed in check.
Interpretation Request for Recent Spinal NM Bone Scan
Hello, doctors. I'm reaching out for your insights regarding a recent NM bone scan of my spine. I've previously undergone a similar scan in 2022, and I'd like to compare the two. To provide context, I am a 29-year-old female weighing 100 kg, and I've been diagnosed with conditions including endplate sclerosis, spinal stenosis, cervical bone spurs, degenerative disc disease (DDD), and mild scoliosis. My medication regimen consists of several prescriptions. Unfortunately, my next appointment with my general practitioner is still a few weeks away, so I would appreciate your assessments on how the latest scan compares to the previous one. Thank you in advance for your help!