[18F] Experiencing severe headache, difficulty breathing, and heart palpitations

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, some possible conditions that could be causing your symptoms include:

• Viral Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): This is an inflammation of your stomach and intestines caused by a viral infection. Symptoms can include diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, and sometimes muscle aches and fever.

  • Treatment typically involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies to help with symptoms.

• Panic Disorder or Anxiety: These conditions can cause symptoms like racing heart, difficulty breathing, dizziness, and gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and stomach pain. However, these would typically be associated with feelings of intense fear or terror that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks).

  • Treatment can involve cognitive behavioral therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes.

• Hyperthyroidism: This is a condition where your thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, which can speed up your body's metabolism causing rapid or irregular heartbeat, sudden weight loss, and sweating.

  • Treatment can involve medication, radioactive iodine, surgery, or a combination of these.

• Influenza (Flu): This is a common viral infection that can be deadly, especially in high-risk groups. The flu attacks the lungs, nose and throat. Symptoms include body aches, fever, headache, sore throat, congestion, and stomach symptoms like diarrhea.

  • Treatment typically involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies to help with symptoms. Antiviral drugs may also be prescribed.

Please note that these are just possible conditions and you should seek care from a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

What you can do

1. Rest and stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids to replace those lost from diarrhea and fever.
2. Over-the-counter medications may help with symptoms. For example, ibuprofen can help with fever and body aches.
3. If your symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in your chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness or confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough

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