[18F] Experiencing dizziness, blurred vision, shakiness, chest tightness, and shortness of breath

What might be happening

Based on the information you provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Orthostatic Hypotension: This is a form of low blood pressure that happens when you stand up from sitting or lying down. It can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded, and you may even faint. Orthostatic hypotension can occur for various reasons, including dehydration, prolonged bed rest, pregnancy, diabetes, heart problems, burns, excessive heat, large varicose veins and certain neurological disorders.

  • A doctor may suggest lifestyle changes, such as drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding alcohol, to manage this condition. In some cases, medication may be necessary.

• Exercise-induced Asthma: This is a narrowing of the airways in the lungs triggered by strenuous exercise. It causes shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and other symptoms during or after exercise. The preferred term for this condition is exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB); 'exercise-induced asthma' is an outdated term but is still frequently used.

  • Treatment typically involves using an inhaler before exercise to prevent the airways from constricting.

• Anxiety Disorders: Anxiety can cause physical symptoms like dizziness, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. It's possible that the physical symptoms are causing distress, which then exacerbates the anxiety, creating a cycle.

  • Treatment can involve a combination of therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication.

What you can do

1. Try to stay hydrated and avoid standing up too quickly to help manage symptoms of orthostatic hypotension.
2. If you notice your symptoms are worse during or after exercise, try warming up before you start and cooling down afterwards. If this doesn't help, you may want to speak to a doctor about the possibility of exercise-induced asthma.
3. If you're feeling anxious, techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can help. If your anxiety continues to be a problem, consider speaking to a mental health professional.

What you should look out for

• If your symptoms worsen or you start to experience additional symptoms, such as fainting, chest pain, or a rapid or irregular heartbeat, seek medical attention immediately.
• If you notice that your symptoms are consistently triggered by exercise, make an appointment to see a doctor. They may want to test for conditions like exercise-induced asthma.

Please remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your personal circumstances. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.