OpenHealth Q&A

Breathing Difficulties with Unexplained Symptoms

I’m sharing this on behalf of my boyfriend; this is why my previous posts have been centered around female-related topics. **He's a 20-year-old male**, previously in good health until recently when he experienced a sudden onset of troubling symptoms. Before these issues arose, he had a bout of a chronic throat condition, which we suspect might be linked to tonsil stones. We’re seeking suggestions on what to discuss with his doctor: Below are his symptoms and the medical evaluations or treatments he has undergone: - He’s noticed an unusual phenomenon where his hands rapidly lose color and become excessively pruney in a hot shower, possibly indicating low blood pressure. He felt slightly faint, but this improved once he left the shower. - He experiences noticeable shakiness. - There’s a persistent sensation of pressure in the chest and throat, accompanied by a general feeling of unease, which impacts his ability to breathe comfortably. - His hands have been unusually sweaty, almost chronically. - Occasionally, he experiences pain in the lower left portion of his chest, near the bottom of his ribs; this occurs sporadically. - He has undergone soft tissue throat X-rays, chest X-rays, blood tests, and an EKG, all of which returned normal results. - Anxiety may exacerbate these symptoms; while he does tend to be anxious, we believe there is an underlying physical issue. - Since the onset of his symptoms, his blood pressure has generally been high, with a heart rate recorded at 90 today. - Prednisone has not provided relief; in fact, it has elevated his blood pressure. - While antacids seem to offer some benefit, it could be a placebo effect, as symptoms still worsen regardless. - Hydroxyzine, prescribed for anxiety, did not yield any improvement. - Symptoms tend to intensify when he’s lying down. - Occasionally, he experiences random improvements, though symptoms consistently return. Physical activity does not seem to affect his condition uniformly—it has led to both improvement and deterioration. He has a past diagnosis of asthma that he outgrew; inhalers offer limited temporary relief, while nebulizer treatments have proven ineffective. These symptoms began following an unpleasant hospital visit, although it’s likely unrelated. His home environment has issues with black mold and a rodent presence, but symptoms persist even when he’s away from home. His living situation is quite hot (not by choice), and he works in a warm setting, but this does not appear to be a contributing factor. We are not seeking a diagnosis but are eager for suggestions on potential underlying causes for these health concerns to bring to the doctor’s attention.

Answers (1)

8/29/2025, 2:11:54 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like your boyfriend is experiencing a complex set of symptoms that can be quite distressing. Given the various issues you've described, it’s essential to address them comprehensively with his healthcare provider. Here are the main points to consider and discuss during his next medical appointment:

Key Symptoms:

1. Breathing Difficulties & Chest Pressure: His persistent pressure in the chest and throat could relate to various conditions, including anxiety, respiratory issues, or gastrointestinal problems (like GERD).
2. Color Change & Shakiness: His hands losing color and the shakiness could reflect issues related to blood circulation or blood pressure changes.
3. Chest Pain: The sporadic pain on the left side could suggest a range of causes, including musculoskeletal pain or even anxiety-related muscle tension.
4. High Blood Pressure & Heart Rate: These should be monitored, especially in the context of his symptoms.

Explanation:

Considering the recent onset of these symptoms and his past history of asthma, anxiety, and living conditions, it could be worthwhile to explore both physical and psychological assessments. Even though previous tests have returned normal results, conditions can be multifaceted, especially when anxiety plays a role. Environmental factors, like mold exposure and thermal conditions in his home and workplace, should also remain high on the list for investigation due to potential impacts on respiratory health.

Next Steps:

1. Environmental Assessment: Discuss the possibility of a structural evaluation of his living environment, considering mold and rodent presence, to assess any health impacts.
2. Gastroesophageal Evaluation: Since antacids seem to provide partial relief, mentioning a potential gastrointestinal issue like GERD might lead to further evaluation (like an endoscopy).
3. Neurological & Cardiovascular Re-evaluation: Given the color change in hands and episodes of faintness, further cardiovascular testing, including orthostatic blood pressure measurements, might help assess how his body responds to changes in position and temperature.
4. Physical Activity Journal: Keeping a log of symptoms related to physical activity, including intensity and duration, could help the doctor pinpoint any correlations with his symptoms.
5. Mental Health Support: If anxiety persists, consider requesting a referral to a mental health professional for additional strategies in managing anxiety, particularly if it exacerbates his symptoms.

Please encourage him to openly communicate all experiences during his medical visits, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these symptoms. This comprehensive approach can facilitate clearer understanding and management of his health concerns.