28-Year-Old Woman Struggling with Severe Illness Despite Normal CRP Levels
I’m a 28-year-old female dealing with some serious health issues. I have a history of Graves’ disease (currently in remission) and polycystic ovary syndrome, but I do not have asthma. Recently, I have been feeling exceptionally unwell, which is surprising because I've previously survived both COVID-19 and pneumonia. It all began on Wednesday with severe body aches and an uncomfortable sore throat, but I managed to sleep. From Thursday onward, however, sleep became nearly impossible, with only brief intervals lasting 1 to 2 hours, adding up to about 10 hours of rest since then. Thursday also marked the start of a painful cough that aggravated my throat significantly, and I recorded a temperature of 39.5 degrees Celsius at night. By Friday, my shortness of breath became intense. Every slight movement or change in position required wheezing and left me sounding like Darth Vader for several minutes while I tried to recuperate. The struggle to sleep continued. Come Saturday, the situation escalated. My breathing issues intensified to the point of feeling as though I was suffocating with even minor movements. Additionally, my upper back and chest began to ache, particularly when I coughed. In light of the worsening condition, I reached out to Denmark's out-of-hours medical service. Upon evaluation, the doctor assessed my back, pulse (which was elevated), and chest, and administered a CRP test. To my astonishment, my CRP level was only 8, leading him to conclude that there was nothing significant to address, suggesting that the illness was on the mend. Although I'm not a medical professional, this interpretation of CRP levels doesn’t align with my understanding. Consequently, I was sent home with no further assistance, and my throat and oxygen levels weren’t examined. Now, on Sunday morning, my condition has deteriorated further. I find myself struggling to breathe even while seated and have a constant sensation of suffocation. Lying down is impossible, as it triggers feelings of choking. My temperature fluctuates, only reaching what is considered “normal” when I take paracetamol; unfortunately, this does not alleviate my pain.
Answers (1)
2/8/2026, 3:30:32 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling so unwell. Your symptoms of severe body aches, sore throat, intense coughing, shortness of breath, and fluctuating temperature are concerning, especially as they have escalated over a few days. The CRP level being normal (8) can sometimes happen in viral infections or other conditions where inflammation isn't as pronounced, but your symptoms strongly suggest that further evaluation is necessary.
Explanation
Your current symptoms—particularly shortness of breath, cough, and chest pain—could indicate a serious respiratory condition or a complication that the initial assessment may not have fully addressed. Difficulty breathing and the feeling of suffocation are especially critical signs that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Next Steps
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Immediate Evaluation: Seek medical attention as soon as possible, ideally at an urgent care or emergency department. It's essential to express how your symptoms have worsened, emphasizing the breathing difficulties and pain.
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Monitoring Symptoms: While waiting for medical attention, keep track of any new symptoms you experience. Note any changes in breathing, temperature fluctuations, or pain—this information can be vital for your healthcare provider.
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Positioning: Try sitting upright or propping yourself up with pillows when resting; this can sometimes alleviate breathing difficulty. Avoid lying flat, as you've noted this triggers choking sensations.
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Hydration: Stay hydrated by drinking clear fluids, which can help soothe your throat and potentially ease some discomfort.
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Symptom Relief: If you are using paracetamol and it helps with fever but not with pain, you might consider alternating it with ibuprofen (if you have no contraindications), unless otherwise advised by a healthcare professional.
Remember, it’s important to advocate for yourself, especially if you feel your concerns were not acknowledged during your last assessment. Seeking help promptly is the best course of action in your situation. Please take care and reach out for help immediately.
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