Experiencing Chest Discomfort and Occasional Eye Irregularities
Hello everyone, To begin with, I want to apologize for my English; I don’t use it frequently, so there may be some errors here. (I didn’t use the em dash because, well, I’m ChatGPT, and it feels a bit showy to me, haha.) For approximately the past year or two, I’ve been struggling with a persistent cough that refuses to subside. A few months ago, I consulted a physician about it. Despite undergoing several tests—lung capacity checks, heart evaluations, listening to my breath—the results returned normal. Consequently, the physician's conclusion was a bit of a mystery: they suggested it might be GERD and prescribed some proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for me to try. I used them for about two weeks, but after a brief period where they seemed to work (likely due to wishful thinking), they failed to alleviate the cough at all. Recently, I’ve been feeling increasingly sore and fatigued after minor activities, like getting out of bed or unloading the dishwasher. This discomfort sometimes comes with a sensation of my chest and lungs feeling weary, almost as if they had been overexerted. I should mention that stress from college projects and job hunting has significantly diminished my physical activity. I’ve never been particularly athletic, but in recent months, my lifestyle has become exceptionally sedentary even by my own relaxed standards. This also includes bouts of stress-induced eating, which I acknowledge is unhealthy and something I need to address. Another aspect that concerns me is the odd occurrence of my right pupil becoming larger than my left one at random times throughout the night. The moment I catch it in the mirror, it usually corrects itself. However, I have observed that when I look downward while tilting my head toward the side of the enlarged pupil, it stays larger for a bit until I adjust my position back to normal. I also feel added pressure in my head in such moments, which I attribute to blood pooling when I look down, and quite honestly, my neck isn’t in the best condition due to my lack of activity. Apologies if this comes off as just a stream of consciousness; it’s quite late, and I’ve never been recognized for my clarity in communication (thanks for reading this far, if you made it!).
Answers (1)
8/15/2025, 1:31:05 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your concerns. It sounds like you are experiencing a combination of symptoms that can be quite distressing. Here’s a summary of the key issues: you have a persistent cough, fatigue related to minor activities, and unusual pupil size with occasional head pressure.
Explanation
-
Persistent Cough: Since you’ve undergone tests and your physician suggested GERD, it’s possible that stomach acid reflux could be causing throat irritation, leading to a chronic cough. However, if PPIs didn’t help, other causes, like stress or sedentary behavior, may also be contributing to your symptoms.
-
Fatigue and Chest Discomfort: Feeling fatigued after minor activities could relate to reduced physical activity levels and increased stress, both of which can impact your overall energy and well-being. When you don’t engage in regular physical activity, your body can start reacting more heavily to everyday tasks.
-
Eye Irregularities: The difference in pupil size can occur for various reasons, ranging from normal physiological variations to more concerning issues. The feelings of pressure in your head during these episodes might be related to your posture or tension related to stress and neck condition.
Next Steps
To address your symptoms, consider the following prioritized actions:
-
Increase Physical Activity: Gradually incorporate physical activities into your routine, even light exercises like walking or stretching. Start with 10-15 minutes a day and increase as you feel comfortable. Physical activity can improve your mood and energy levels.
-
Manage Stress: Explore stress reduction techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or yoga. These practices can help in improving your focus, reducing fatigue, and may positively impact your cough and neck tension.
-
Monitor Cough Symptoms: Keep a symptom diary noting when the cough occurs, any potential triggers (like meals, stress, or specific activities), and how effective your coping strategies are. This diary can be very helpful if you decide to follow up with a healthcare provider about your cough.
-
Posture Awareness: When doing tasks like using your phone or reading, ensure your neck is in a comfortable position. Taking breaks to stretch your neck and shoulders can help relieve tension.
-
Consult an Eye Specialist: Given the occasional irregular pupil size and accompanying head pressure, it's advisable to have an eye specialist evaluate this to rule out any serious conditions, especially since it is a new symptom for you.
-
Evaluate Dietary Habits: If you suspect that stress eating is a concern, consider healthier snack options and try to eat at regular intervals to maintain energy levels. Keeping a food diary might help you identify patterns and make adjustments.
Your concerns are valid, and taking these actionable steps can support both your physical and mental well-being. Please take your time with these adjustments, and reach out if you notice any worsening symptoms or new concerns.
Related Questions
Understanding Limited Finger Mobility and Associated Discomfort
I’ve noticed that my right hand struggles with having individual finger movement. To illustrate this challenge, I recently recorded a brief video showcasing my hand's limitations. Additionally, I’ve been dealing with persistent neck and shoulder pain for several years now. Despite consulting multiple healthcare professionals, I’ve yet to receive any conclusive answers regarding my condition. I’m currently attending physical therapy, but even my therapist seems puzzled by the situation. An MRI of my neck returned results indicating only mild issues, and the same goes for my shoulder, with nothing alarming detected. I would be immensely grateful for any insights or suggestions, particularly since the discomfort has forced me to halt my weightlifting training.
Experiencing Neck Pain for Almost a Week: Is It a Cause for Concern?
I want to be open about my situation, as I've shared my concerns in a few places without much input, so I’m hoping for more engagement here. Last Saturday, January 30, I finished a lengthy car journey and felt completely fine upon returning home. However, on January 31, I woke up to excruciating pain in my neck, particularly at the junction of my cervical and thoracic spine. The discomfort made any movement difficult, and tilting my head back was particularly painful, making it challenging to drink fluids or take medication. On a pain scale, it settled at a constant 6, with episodes rising to 8 or 9. Interestingly, I hadn’t sustained any injury that could explain this sudden pain, nor had I felt discomfort while resting. By the following day, I experienced a slight reduction in pain and regained some range of motion, but the sharpness remained. Any attempt to move my neck beyond its current limits was still extremely painful. I noticed that when I tilted my head side to side and then brought it back to center, I felt additional pressure midway, almost as if my vertebrae were struggling to move over a disc. Currently, I'm still feeling the effects of this issue. The area is stiff and sensitive. While the muscles surrounding it don’t ache, the joint itself is quite painful. Although I can move my neck now, it remains uncomfortable, leaving me uncertain about whether to wait it out or consult a doctor. I have a chiropractor appointment scheduled for this upcoming Tuesday, but I’m hesitant about whether I should allow them to adjust my neck. I plan to inform them about my condition, as I want them to make an informed decision regarding adjustments, but I’m unsure if I should proactively refuse any neck manipulation if it’s suggested. Additionally, I’m concerned about the possibility of a serious issue with my disc. Although I am trying to keep my worries in check, I can’t help but feel anxious about it. Another consideration is that my hips and lower back also feel misaligned, and I haven’t been able to correct that myself. If possible, I would still prefer to go to the chiropractor to address those areas. The only feedback I received from my previous post was advice against any adjustments, and when I inquired about my lower back and hips, I didn’t receive any clarification—just downvotes instead. Any insights or experiences you can share would be greatly appreciated!
Upper Chest Pain Following Car Accident
Greetings, I'm a 41-year-old male. Last week, I was involved in a vehicle collision and received medical evaluation in an ambulance right at the scene. I informed the paramedic that my chest pain was about a 3 on a scale of 1 to 10. They allowed me to return home after the examination. A few hours later, once the initial shock had faded, I noticed that the discomfort had intensified, although it was still tolerable. After some online research, I suspected that I might be dealing with a bruised rib, so I planned to just take it easy. I do have ixprim tablets at home, but they haven't provided significant relief. Now, a week has passed, and there hasn't been any improvement in my condition. I struggle with daily activities, as the pain becomes acute, almost as if my body is warning me to stop exerting myself. Since the incident, I haven't been able to walk my dogs or return to work. I don’t have any visible bruises or cuts, but I do feel discomfort in the central and left side of my upper chest. Movement in that area triggers sharp pain. Could this be indicative of a bruised rib, and is it possible that it's simply taking longer to heal than anticipated? It's Friday evening, and I’m planning to consult with a doctor on Monday if I don’t begin to see any noticeable improvement by then.
Right Flank Discomfort Inquiry
Hello, I am a 28-year-old woman experiencing intermittent mild to moderate discomfort in my right flank for the past two weeks. There are days when I feel perfectly fine, while on other days, the pain is more pronounced. With a long flight lasting 18 hours scheduled for tomorrow, I'm concerned about my ability to travel. Although pain relief medication does help, I fear I might experience sudden severe pain at any moment. What would your course of action be? Unfortunately, there are no urgent care facilities available in my vicinity.
Unraveling the Mystery of My Walking Difficulties After Three Years
At 27 years old and weighing 180 lbs at a height of 5'7", my journey over the past three years has been fraught with challenges related to mobility. Briefly summarizing: I've endured over a decade of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis treated with biologics, along with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, scoliosis, and chronic migraines, both with and without aura. Additionally, I've experienced orthostatic intolerance and have suffered three minor concussions. Lately, I’ve faced persistent numbness, weakness, and pain in my legs, along with increasing incontinence. Consultations with a neurologist, neurosurgeon, rheumatologist, and physical therapist haven't yielded clear answers about my condition. Today is particularly painful; there’s an unbearable ache in my lower back and legs, making it almost impossible to find a comfortable position, which severely hampers my ability to walk. I feel desperate to uncover effective next steps for my situation. In three weeks, I’m scheduled for a repeat EMG, and if the results appear normal, my doctors advise proceeding to a lumbar puncture. I’m eager to explore any additional avenues we might pursue, such as blood tests, a CT scan, or a standing MRI. I welcome your suggestions regarding potential diagnoses or tests I should consider. I’ve attached my symptom notes that have been shared with my healthcare providers. An EMG conducted three years ago indicated only mild C7 radiculopathy. Comprehensive MRIs of my spine have been carried out before and after my symptoms began; the latest imaging was completed just recently. According to the neurosurgeon, my spinal health appears satisfactory. The MRIs confirmed known issues like mild facet arthritis in the lumbar region and mild dextroscoliosis in the thoracic area, alongside some abnormal curvature in my neck attributed to muscle spasms. No changes have been noted in my brain MRIs over the past decade, and there’s been no sign of multiple sclerosis on these scans. Interestingly, I’ve also been experiencing a yellowish fluid seeping from my ears after physical exertion, a decrease in my sense of smell, and noticeable hearing loss since the onset of my symptoms. Over the last few months, I’ve developed sores the size of pimples on my arms, chest, and scalp, which require treatment with antibiotic ointment and regular cleaning with rubbing alcohol to heal satisfactorily. I’ve been tested for diabetes due to suspected reactive hypoglycemia, but results show I am not diabetic. **Details of My Leg Issues:** For three years, I have battled leg numbness that has escalated to include incontinence, episodes of falling, and significant difficulty in walking. The numbness can affect any part of the leg, from toes to hips. It typically surfaces almost instantaneously when lying down with my legs elevated or when seated cross-legged. In contrast, lying on my back, sitting on hard surfaces, or carrying weight gradually intensifies the numbness. Navigating stairs exacerbates my symptoms, causing my legs to feel unusually heavy and leaving me breathless. When one or both legs become entirely numb, they cannot support my weight, resulting in falls. Additionally, I experience groin and saddle area numbness when sitting in a chair or on the toilet, as well as while cross-legged or lying down. Usually, if I have groin numbness, my legs are unaffected and vice versa. This kind of numbness is notably different from the sensation of a leg falling asleep. It is accompanied by a gnawing burning pain, and when the numbness subsides, residual pain often intensifies. Typically, I awaken once each night to use the restroom. If I’m on my back, I may not feel my groin or recognize the need to urinate until awakened by pain. After rising, I may suddenly lose control of my bladder without realizing it until I notice moisture on my leg. Throughout the day, I only recognize the need to urinate when it becomes painful, and often when I stand, I face incontinence at that point. Occasionally, while standing, I get an odd sensation, as if there are bugs crawling on my legs or water splashing against them, particularly when washing dishes. I find substantial relief from my symptoms when using a custom wheelchair with a specialized cushion and have noticed that my legs and back pain respond well to treatment with Journavx. During exacerbations, I typically experience heightened pain in my mid-back, with tenderness in specific areas, and surrounding muscles tightening due to spasms.