Concerns Over Ongoing Symptoms
I am an 18-year-old woman who has been smoking for about a year and a half, using a mix of vapes, tobacco, and cannabis. I also deal with anxiety and have symptoms consistent with ADHD. For the last two months, I’ve been experiencing involuntary twitching in various parts of my body, including my face, limbs, and even my tongue. These sensations feel like a peculiar mix of popping and pulling. Initially, I attributed this twitching to my smoking habits, stress levels, and poor sleep quality. However, as time passes, I find myself increasingly anxious about it. Around the time these twitches began, I noticed a significant dark floater in my right eye. I consulted an optometrist, who assured me that my eye was perfectly healthy. While I have had floaters in the past, this particular one was notably darker and larger. Since I first spotted it, it hasn’t changed in size. I also addressed my twitching during a visit to my general practitioner. He suggested that it was likely related to my anxiety and observed no alarming signs that would indicate a neurological issue based on a few questions he posed to me. I didn’t mention the floater during this appointment, and no further tests were recommended. About a week ago, I began experiencing discomfort on the right side of my throat. I often feel a lump-like sensation, especially while swallowing, and it seems like I am having difficulty letting food and drinks go down on that side. Oddly enough, sometimes it feels as though food is accidentally going down my left side instead. After visiting another GP, she examined my throat and found it to be normal, also noting that my neck showed no signs of any abnormalities. Although I explained the strange swallowing sensation, she stated I had "no dysphagia" and ordered a blood test to check my overall health and thyroid function, which is scheduled for the next couple of days. She mentioned the possibility of these symptoms being linked to acid reflux or post-nasal drip, though I am skeptical since I don’t frequently experience reflux, just the occasional sensation of acid rising. What troubles me most is that this discomfort is localized to only one side. Whenever I think symptoms are improving, the swallowing sensation seems to worsen again. The waiting period for my blood test results is driving me to distraction.
Answers (1)
8/17/2025, 3:51:25 PM
OpenHealth AI
Your concerns about ongoing symptoms, particularly the involuntary twitching, eye floaters, and throat discomfort, are understandable and can understandably cause anxiety. Let's break these issues down to provide clarity and practical steps to help alleviate your worries.
Main Points:
- Twitching: Likely linked to anxiety and stress; lifestyle factors may contribute.
- Eye Floater: Generally benign; monitor changes, and keep eye health in check.
- Throat Discomfort: Possible causes related to anxiety, acid reflux, or post-nasal drip.
Explanation:
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Involuntary twitching often occurs when the body is under stress, lacks sleep, or due to factors like caffeine intake or smoking. Your anxiety could also amplify these sensations, leading to increased awareness and worry about them.
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Dark eye floaters are often harmless but can cause concern when they appear suddenly. Since your optometrist assessed your eye health as fine, this suggests that the floater is not indicative of a serious issue. Monitoring it is essential, as any new changes (like increased size or number) warrant further evaluation.
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Throat discomfort characterized by the lump sensation and swallowing issues can be tied to anxiety, as muscle tension can create physical sensations. The suggestion of acid reflux makes sense, even if it's infrequent. A tight throat feeling can also relate to anxiety or stress, which needs addressing to alleviate those sensations.
Next Steps:
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Focus on Anxiety Management: Engage in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. Regular physical activity may also help reduce anxiety levels and alleviate some of the twitching. Consider setting aside time each day for these activities to help calm your mind.
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a journal of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their intensity, and any potential triggers (like stress levels, food eaten, or sleep quality). This may help you identify patterns and relieve anxiety by clarifying what is happening with your body.
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Diet Considerations: To address potential acid reflux, consider a diet that's lower in acidic, spicy, and fatty foods. Eating smaller, frequent meals rather than larger portions might be helpful. Stay upright for at least an hour after eating to minimize reflux.
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Await Blood Test Results: Since you have a blood test scheduled, try to distract yourself positively until the results are available. Understand that the tests can provide valuable insight into your health and any potential underlying issues.
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Continued Monitoring of Eye Floater: If you notice any changes in the floater or experience new symptoms related to your vision, inform an eye specialist immediately.
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Open Communication with Healthcare Providers: If your symptoms persist or worsen, consider discussing them again with your GP. Mention any concerns you might have regarding anxiety, as this can be part of an overall strategy for managing your physical symptoms.
Remember, it’s important to take care of both your physical and mental health. Stress and anxiety can manifest in various ways, and taking small, consistent steps can help improve your overall well-being. You're not alone in this, and there are strategies to address your symptoms effectively.
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