OpenHealth Q&A

Understanding My Symptoms: Seeking Insight

Around two weeks ago, I began experiencing some unusual physical symptoms. It all started with a sudden bout of sneezing, which left my chest feeling sore after the final sneeze. A few days later, I noticed a tightness in my chest and a dry nose accompanied by clear nasal discharge. Additionally, there was a nagging itch deep within my chest, which eventually faded. However, on the following Monday, that tightness escalated into a sharp pain on the right side of my chest, just behind the breastbone. Breathing became challenging; I found myself gasping for air initially, needing several shallow breaths before I could take a deep one. Over the next few days, the discomfort intensified. By Saturday, I also started to feel pain in my upper right back, coinciding with the onset of my menstrual period. This discomfort persisted into Sunday. Now, a few days later, the pain has shifted to the center and left side of my chest and back, and I’ve noticed that my voice seems slightly off; it’s not hoarse but feels like I continuously need to clear my throat. On the positive side, my breathing has improved today, although I've been running errands that might contribute to this discomfort. To provide some context, I’m a 27-year-old female with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and I take hormonal birth control. Back in April, I visited the emergency room due to abdominal pain, which was attributed to mittelschmerz, despite being on birth control and typically not ovulating. All tests done at that time came back normal. I work as a caregiver, which can be physically demanding. Initially, I thought my symptoms were due to seasonal allergies, fluctuations in weather, and poor air quality. My second suspicion was asthma, a condition I do not have but which runs in my family. Reflecting back on that initial sneezing fit, I wondered if I strained something—could I have pulled a muscle or even ruptured something? Or might this be a case of pneumothorax? Lastly, I considered the possibility of a musculoskeletal issue arising from this. Additionally, I often experience heightened symptoms in the week leading up to my period, which could have worsened my current situation. I haven’t experienced a cough or fever, my appetite remains intact, and there’s no abdominal discomfort or visible swelling. Sleep has been undisturbed. I acknowledge that I should have consulted a doctor about my symptoms; however, managing my caregiving duties leaves little room for appointments, especially when bringing the person I care for along can be exhausting. My local urgent care clinic often refers patients to the ER without conducting thorough tests first. When I requested a chest X-ray, they declined despite having provided them for other cases. The ER staff seems wearied by my visits, as they have yet to find anything significantly wrong. My primary care physician has a hectic schedule and can’t see me promptly. Past evaluations for chest pain resulted in diagnoses like costochondritis, angina, and precordial catch syndrome. I appreciate the advice and support from everyone in this community.

Answers (1)

8/25/2025, 7:51:55 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you've been going through a lot with your recent symptoms, which can indeed be concerning. Your symptoms, including chest pain, tightness, and changes in your voice, can be caused by several factors, including muscle strain, allergies, or even anxiety, especially since you've also mentioned elevated symptoms leading up to your period. Given the complexity of your situation, I'll aim to provide some clarity and actionable steps.

Key Considerations:

1. Possible Causes: Your symptoms could stem from:
   • Musculoskeletal Strain: Following the sneezing fits, it's possible you strained your chest muscles.
   • Allergies or Asthma: Your initial sneezing and nasal discharge could indicate an allergic reaction, which could also exacerbate breathlessness or chest tightness.
   • Costochondritis: This condition involves inflammation of the cartilage near the ribs, which could explain your chest pain.
   • Anxiety: Stress from caregiving duties could contribute to feelings of chest tightness and difficulty breathing.

Next Steps:

1. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, noting when they worsen or improve, and what activities might trigger them. This can help you identify patterns and discuss them later with a healthcare provider.

2. Practice Breathing Exercises: Gentle breathing exercises may help with the tightness you are feeling. Try inhaling deeply through your nose, holding for a few seconds, and then exhaling slowly through your mouth. Repeat this several times, especially during moments of tightness or discomfort.

3. Apply Heat: If you suspect a muscle strain, applying a warm compress or heating pad to the affected area can help alleviate pain and discomfort. Just ensure the heat isn’t too hot to avoid burns.

4. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, as staying hydrated can help thin mucus and keep your respiratory system functioning smoothly.

5. Rest When Possible: As a caregiver, it's essential to take breaks to manage your workload and allow your body some time to recuperate.

6. Consider Dietary Adjustments: If you notice discomfort coinciding with certain foods or drinks, especially during your menstrual period, it might be helpful to keep a food diary. Certain foods can exacerbate inflammation or cause bloating.

7. Plan for Medical Follow-up: When your schedule allows, try to arrange a visit with your primary care physician or a specialist. Given your previous evaluations and ongoing symptoms, a proper assessment, including possibly some tests to rule out respiratory issues, would be beneficial.

When to Seek Immediate Attention:

• If your chest pain worsens significantly or becomes severe, if you experience shortness of breath that doesn't improve, or if you notice symptoms like dizziness, rapid heartbeat, or unusual sweating, seek immediate medical care.

While it's understandable that scheduling an appointment can be challenging, it's crucial for your ongoing health, especially with the symptoms you’re experiencing. Take care, and remember you're not alone in navigating these health concerns.