Ongoing Asthma Challenges for Four Months
Greetings! Allow me to introduce myself: I'm a 33-year-old female, weighing 250 lbs, and standing 5'6" tall. Here’s a summary of my current medical condition and prescribed treatments: - I have been diagnosed with ADHD, for which I take 30mg of Adderall. - I also experience depression and anxiety that have led to agoraphobia – likely linked to my ADHD, as I noticed these issues improved once I started treatment. This mental health struggle contributed to a weight gain of around 75 lbs. My medications for these conditions include 300mg of Wellbutrin and 60mg of Cymbalta. - For asthma and respiratory concerns, I am on Trelegy, Singulair, Albuterol inhalers, and I am currently tapering off prednisone. As a vegetarian, I maintain a healthy diet, primarily consuming tea, water, and bubbly water. I don’t smoke or drink heavily, opting for an occasional glass of wine. I am also free from recreational drug use. Beginning around the age of 30, I experienced worsening allergies, leading to a slight cough and nasal congestion when I spent too much time outdoors. Four months ago, I unexpectedly developed a persistent dry cough along with breathing difficulties, allergy-related congestion, and wheezing. My doctor diagnosed me with asthma, attributing its onset to my allergies. After being prescribed prednisone, I noticed significant improvement; however, my symptoms resurfaced just a few days after stopping the medication. I am now on my fourth course of prednisone. My doctor expressed concern over the persistence of my asthma symptoms—my blood oxygen levels have been dropping, and I find myself breathless even from minimal exertion, such as walking across the room. Consequently, I have been referred to a pulmonologist but am currently on a waiting list for an appointment in mid-October. To further evaluate my condition, my doctor ordered blood tests; both my complete blood count (CBC) and metabolic panels returned normal results. Additionally, a chest x-ray showed clear findings. However, my recent d-dimer test came back positive at 0.810. Due to my ongoing shortness of breath, I was sent for a urgent CT scan, which revealed no blood clots, but it did show multiple enlarged lymph nodes. My heart appeared normal. Here are the details from the CT scan results: - Right hilar lymph nodes measuring 1.2 cm, with another 1.2 cm more inferior. - Bilateral axillary lymph nodes: right side up to 1.8 cm and left side measuring 1.6 cm. - Mild atelectasis or scarring in the inferior lingula and right middle lobe, with no focal infiltrate, and a 5 mm non-calcified solid nodule in the lingula. - Enlarged lymph nodes in the upper abdomen, including a superior peripancreatic lymph node measuring 1.5 cm and a portacaval lymph node measuring 1.4 cm. My doctor plans to consult with another colleague in the practice before deciding on next steps, likely leading to a biopsy. I am attempting to manage my anxiety amidst this situation, but the uncertainty is quite stressful. Generally, I’m a level-headed person; however, I have never faced significant health issues before.
Answers (1)
8/7/2025, 12:41:03 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a complex and concerning health situation, especially with persistent asthma symptoms and the additional findings from your imaging tests. The fact that you are experiencing ongoing shortness of breath and coughing, coupled with the large lymph nodes identified, understandably creates anxiety and uncertainty. Let's address your immediate concerns and provide clarity on what steps you can take while awaiting further evaluation.
Key Points:
- Your asthma symptoms have been persistent and are affecting your quality of life.
- Imaging results show enlarged lymph nodes and mild lung changes, leading to a request for further evaluation, likely a biopsy.
- Managing anxiety and monitoring your symptoms are crucial at this time.
Explanation:
Asthma can be exacerbated by various factors, including allergies and infections. While it's good that you've had improvement on prednisone, the recurrence of symptoms indicates a need for better management strategies and possibly further investigation due to the findings of enlarged lymph nodes.
The lymph nodes may suggest an underlying inflammatory or infectious process, but they are also not uncommon in certain conditions. Your medical team is likely considering potential causes and appropriate next steps, which could involve a biopsy to rule out more serious conditions.
Next Steps:
-
Symptom Monitoring: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting any changes, triggers (like pollen or cold air), and your response to medications. This information will be valuable for your pulmonologist.
-
Medication Adherence: Continue taking your prescribed asthma medications (Trelegy, Singulair, and Albuterol) as directed. Ensure your technique with inhalers is correct to maximize their effectiveness. If you notice increased wheezing or severity of asthma symptoms, use your rescue inhaler (Albuterol) as needed.
-
Anxiety Management: Engage in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or gentle yoga to help manage anxiety. Consider discussing therapy options or support groups with your doctor if anxiety becomes overwhelming. These can provide emotional support during this uncertain time.
-
Diet and Lifestyle: Maintain your vegetarian diet, focusing on balanced nutrition to support your overall health. Staying hydrated is also important, as it helps with respiratory health. Continue avoiding tobacco, excessive alcohol, and other irritants.
-
Follow-Up Care: Be sure to keep track of your upcoming appointment with the pulmonologist. If your symptoms worsen significantly (increased shortness of breath, chest pain), seek immediate medical attention.
-
Staying Informed: Educate yourself about asthma management and what your imaging results may indicate. Understand that many conditions can cause enlarged lymph nodes and not all are serious; remaining informed can help reduce anxiety.
Your health is a priority, and seeking proactive, thoughtful approaches to your situation will empower you in managing both your physical and mental well-being. Please keep me updated on your situation or reach out if you have any further questions.
Related Questions
28-Year-Old Male Experiencing Scalp Sensations Post-Amitriptyline Treatment
I am a 28-year-old man in generally good health, without any cardiac concerns. Approximately a month ago, I encountered intense pain localized to one side of my head, which was unresponsive to paracetamol. However, a single dose of a migraine treatment provided substantial relief. Following that, I began a regimen of amitriptyline, starting at a nightly dose of 10 to 25 mg. While my head pain has diminished significantly—by about 90 to 95%—I now experience occasional uncomfortable sensations on my scalp. These feelings include pins and needles, a cooling sensation, and some crawling feelings near my hairline and ears. There are fleeting moments where I feel brief throbs lasting a second, but I do not have any persistent headaches. To clarify, I do not experience any of the following: - Nausea - Weakness in my limbs - Numbness - Changes in my vision - Coordination difficulties - Seizures The symptoms I have are transient, shifting around and often intensifying when I become conscious of them or as the day progresses. I would like to know: Is it common to experience these sensations during the recovery stage following episodes of neuralgia or migraine-like discomfort? Additionally, could the amitriptyline potentially be causing these temporary paresthetic sensations? I am seeking some reassurance or advice on what is typically observed during this healing process. Thank you.
Battling Chronic Nausea and Vomiting for Over Two Years
For the past two years, I (age 26, female) have been enduring an incredibly challenging health situation. I experience intense nausea daily and find myself vomiting numerous times, with almost nothing providing relief. To provide some background, I’m from West Texas and I currently weigh around 190 pounds, standing at 5’7”. Initially, my weight was about 211 pounds when these symptoms began, and it fluctuates frequently between 190 and 225 pounds. I engage in vaping and consume THC. Previously diagnosed with hypothyroidism, my condition seemingly resolved, according to my healthcare providers. Additionally, I have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). I have consistently faced irregular bowel movements, with stools that are loose and sometimes appear to have mucus. Compounding my struggles, I've also suffered from migraines. I have had an IUD for over five years, experiencing two insertions of the Kyleena device. In December 2022, my battle with health took a severe turn when I was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, requiring chemotherapy treatment, specifically AVBD (Apologies for not recalling the exact medication names). By July 2023, I had fortunately achieved remission. However, after reaching remission, my vomiting worsened, transforming from primarily white foam to a mixture of 80% bile, any food I attempt to consume, and still white foam. This intense vomiting, accompanied by significant pain in my upper back, escalated to more than eight episodes daily by November 2023. At that time, THC seemed to be the only avenue for me to retain any food. During this tumultuous period, I consulted various doctors who, after confirming I wasn’t pregnant, attributed my symptoms to Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). Immediately, I ceased THC consumption for over six months, yet the vomiting continued unabated. Each time, doctors would prescribe ondansetron, regardless of my claims that it provided no relief. I experimented with various diets recommended by medical professionals, but there were no improvements in my condition. Eventually, I obtained a referral to a gastroenterologist who intended to perform an endoscopy. However, the procedure was prohibitively expensive even with insurance, and thus was never conducted. This doctor also ordered blood tests to rule out several gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and gluten sensitivity, but all results came back normal. Afterward, I had another appointment with a different gastroenterologist, but the doctor failed to meet with me. Instead, a nurse informed me that the doctor had merely recommended promethazine without conducting any tests or scheduling further visits. When I mentioned the possibility of gallbladder issues, the doctor laughed dismissively at my suggestion. Discussing my situation with my oncologist, he suggested that my heightened sensitivity to food odors stemmed from my chemotherapy experiences while I was working in fast food. While food smells indeed affect me, I'm primarily triggered by medical scents such as rubbing alcohol and cleaning agents. This ongoing ordeal has been overwhelmingly distressing. I now experience episodes of vomiting accompanied by bright red blood, presumably due to a throat tear. When I first encountered this troubling symptom, I consulted a doctor who appeared unfazed and prescribed a promethazine suppository, which does help but makes me extremely drowsy. My nausea persists nearly around the clock, often feeling as if there’s a heaviness in the upper part of my abdomen. I frequent urgent care facilities when my symptoms intensify, only to be met with minimal assistance since this is a chronic issue. Currently, I lack a primary care physician. Whenever I sought one, I encountered skepticism regarding my condition, with some healthcare professionals implying that I was exaggerating my symptoms. Though many physicians who do take my situation seriously seem baffled, I've lost count of the diverse medical experts I've consulted about these ongoing issues. If anyone has insight or suggestions, I would genuinely appreciate it. I can share my latest bloodwork results if that would be helpful—just let me know!
Strange Stomach Sensation Leading to Waking Up
Greetings. I'm a 36-year-old male, standing at 172 centimeters and weighing 90 kilograms. I don't take any medications, nor do I smoke. I've been living with diastasis recti for several years now, and I may also have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Additionally, I deal with fatty liver and kidney stones, though I assume these last two conditions are not related to my current concern. Occasionally, I experience a peculiar sensation that jolts me awake; it feels like a quick pulsing in my stomach. I’ve noticed it tends to affect the left side when I’m lying on my left side and the right side when on my right. Remarkably, it can occur even when I’m on my back. This strange feeling often escalates into a surge that fully rouses me. Alongside this, I sometimes feel prickling sensations throughout my body and fleeting lightheadedness. When this sensation disturbs my sleep while I’m turned to my side, shifting onto my back or the opposite side might alleviate it, but not always. In instances where I awaken while lying on my back, I discovered that gently pressing my hands on either side of my stomach can help, as can rising to a sitting or standing position. However, during my last two episodes—one a couple of weeks ago and another tonight—those techniques weren’t effective right away, which made me feel a bit anxious, prompting me to seek advice. Does anyone have insight into what might be going on? By the way, I’ve undergone routine ultrasound examinations of my abdomen by two different physicians during check-ups, both of whom assured me that everything appears normal, including my abdominal aorta and internal organs. They didn’t identify any issues at that time.
Swelling Beneath My Chin Near the Jawline
18-Year-Old Male: I'm reaching out to any medical professionals who might provide insights into my situation. I've been using marijuana since I was 14, but now, at 17, I'm making an effort to stop and have been clean for 18 days. Recently, I've discovered an unusual swelling located just beneath my chin, behind my jaw. It causes some discomfort when I move, yet it doesn’t feel painful continuously. I'm somewhat anxious that this could be indicative of a more serious issue, especially considering it's positioned near my chin's lymph nodes. Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated as it might help alleviate my worry.
Seeking Insights: My Journey with Undiagnosed Neurological Symptoms
Hello everyone, I'm a 34-year-old female grappling with neurological symptoms that first appeared in October, and I’m eager to hear from anyone who might have faced similar challenges. My journey began with unexpected migraines, blurred vision, and an ongoing sensation of being off-balance or intoxicated. Gradually, I began experiencing mainly sensory-related symptoms, such as tingling and burning sensations, feelings of extreme heat and cold, sharp pains radiating in my arms and back, as well as discomfort in my hands and toes, alongside intermittent numbness. I also endure varying degrees of weakness and heaviness in my right side, specifically my arm and leg, although I haven’t suffered complete functional loss. The nature of my symptoms is erratic; they fluctuate rather than consistently deteriorate. An MRI revealed mild, scattered lesions in the white matter, which were deemed nonspecific. Further tests from a lumbar puncture returned normal results, showing no markers of inflammation, and the oligoclonal bands were not present. A thorough range of lab tests yielded no significant findings. After evaluating my case, the neurology team suggested a possible diagnosis of MS and administered a three-day course of intravenous steroids. While I noticed a slight improvement in some sensory pain, my symptoms persist and continue to vary day by day. I still experience headaches and pressure in my head along with episodes of blurred vision, but there have been no new deficits since treatment. I am reaching out to connect with others who have had similar experiences. I would like to learn about the insights or diagnoses you encountered and what treatments proved beneficial (such as those related to migraine disorders, dysautonomia, or sensory neuropathy, for example). If you have navigated a similar path, I would greatly appreciate your sharing your story. Thank you!