[18F] Experiencing shortness of breath and chest pain

Patient Description

An 18-year-old female has been experiencing shortness of breath and chest pain for a few days, with a severity rating of 6 out of 10 for both symptoms. The shortness of breath has been consistently bad, exacerbated by exercise and stress, and was also present two months prior. The chest pain, initially intermittent and localized, has become constant and diffuse across the chest. Additionally, the patient reports sharp pain on the right side of the chest that worsens with deep breaths or coughs, and leg swelling on one side. The patient has not coughed up blood. Other symptoms include vomiting a few days ago, a severe headache that has since improved, and difficulty concentrating, described as brain fog, which also occurred two months ago and has recently returned. The patient has a history of similar symptoms two months prior, including headaches.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, here are some possible explanations for your symptoms:

  • Anxiety or Panic Disorder: These conditions can cause symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, and feelings of fear or discomfort. The brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of sadness you described could also be related to anxiety or depression.

    • Treatment typically involves cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or benzodiazepines.

  • Asthma: This is a condition that can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing. It's usually triggered by things like exercise, allergens, or stress.

    • Treatment typically involves using inhalers to control symptoms and prevent asthma attacks.

  • Pulmonary Embolism: This is a serious condition where a blood clot gets lodged in an artery in the lungs, causing chest pain and shortness of breath. The fact that you've also been experiencing pain and swelling in one leg could be a sign of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to a pulmonary embolism.

    • Treatment typically involves anticoagulant medications to dissolve the clot and prevent new ones from forming.

Please note that these are just possibilities and not a definitive diagnosis. You should seek immediate medical attention to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

What you can do

  1. Seek immediate medical attention: Given the severity and duration of your symptoms, it's important that you seek immediate medical help. This is especially important if you have a pulmonary embolism, which is a medical emergency.

  2. Try to stay calm: If your symptoms are due to anxiety, try to stay as calm as possible. Deep breathing exercises can help.

  3. Avoid triggers: If your symptoms are due to asthma, try to avoid known triggers, such as exercise or allergens.

What you should look out for

  • If your symptoms get worse or you start to feel faint, call 911 immediately.
  • If you start to cough up blood or your chest pain becomes severe, seek immediate medical attention.
  • If your feelings of sadness continue or get worse, reach out to a mental health professional.

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10 mo ago

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People Also Ask

What are the common symptoms of a pulmonary embolism?

Common symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain that may become worse when you breathe deeply or cough, rapid heart rate, and sometimes coughing up blood. It is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.

How can anxiety or panic disorders cause physical symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath?

Anxiety or panic disorders can cause physical symptoms due to the body's 'fight or flight' response, which can lead to increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and muscle tension, resulting in chest pain and shortness of breath.

What are the typical treatments for asthma and how do they help manage symptoms?

Typical treatments for asthma include inhalers that deliver medication directly to the lungs to reduce inflammation and open airways, helping to control symptoms and prevent asthma attacks. Long-term control medications and quick-relief inhalers are commonly used.

What should I do if I suspect I have a deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

If you suspect you have a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), it is important to seek medical attention immediately. DVT can lead to serious complications like a pulmonary embolism. Treatment often involves anticoagulant medications to prevent the clot from growing and reduce the risk of further clots.

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