Should I Go to the Emergency Room?
At 18 years old and male, I have a background that includes both asthma and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome in my family. I am currently on a daily regimen of Abilify at 5 mg and Sertraline at 50 mg, which I have been taking for nearly three years. For the past two weeks, I’ve been experiencing chest discomfort and bouts of dizziness, coupled with sensitivity around my chest area. Occasionally, I find myself struggling to breathe, particularly during active moments, and I’ve been coughing quite a bit. The air quality in Canada has been poor lately, yet my chest pain manifested abruptly, prior to any respiratory concerns, which I suspect may have been aggravated by the smoke. Coughing and wheezing have intensified in the last week. After a consultation, my doctor suggested that my symptoms might be due to costochondritis and simply recommended taking some Advil. My mother believes that the issue could stem from asthma irritation and suggested using her inhaler since she's managing fine. While the inhaler does provide some relief for my breathing issues and I find that Aleve (naproxen) alleviates some of the pain, it doesn’t significantly reduce it—there’s still a persistent discomfort. I’m left wondering if it would be worthwhile to face the potential fuss from my mother to take me to the emergency room.
Answers (1)
8/10/2025, 12:02:32 AM
OpenHealth AI
Your symptoms of chest discomfort, dizziness, and breathing difficulties, especially with your background in asthma and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, warrant careful consideration. It’s great that you have consulted with a doctor, but given the persistence and nature of your symptoms, seeking further evaluation may be necessary.
Explanation
Asthma can lead to increased sensitivity in your airways, and combination with poor air quality can exacerbate breathing difficulties and chest discomfort. Costochondritis can cause localized chest pain but does not typically give rise to breathing issues. Your experience of increased coughing and wheezing, especially with a history of asthma, signals that your lung condition may be acting up. Additionally, dizziness can result from various issues, including inadequate oxygen flow due to breathing difficulties.
Next Steps
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Immediate Observation: If your breathing worsens (e.g., difficulty speaking, severe shortness of breath) or if the chest discomfort increases significantly, seek emergency care right away.
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Inhaler Use: Continue to use the inhaler when you feel breathless, but monitor how you feel afterward. If it’s providing relief, that’s a positive sign, but if symptoms continue or worsen, it’s urgent to get help.
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Pain Management: While the NSAIDs (Advil or Aleve) may help with discomfort, report persistent pain to a healthcare provider for further assessment.
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Environmental Management: Try to stay indoors and avoid strenuous activities, especially given the poor air quality. Using an air purifier can help, if available.
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Track your symptoms, focusing on the frequency and severity of your breathing difficulties, chest pain, and any additional symptoms. This can be useful information for your healthcare provider.
If you have questions about your symptoms or if they worsen, don't hesitate to seek medical advice or go to the emergency room for a thorough evaluation. Your health and well-being are the most important priorities.
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