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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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