[18M] With sharp and heavy chest pain and taste of blood

Question

yikes

Patient Description

An 18-year-old male reports experiencing sharp and heavy chest pain that started suddenly yesterday evening and persists into the next day. The pain is rated as a 7 out of 10 in severity. The patient also reports tasting blood and experiencing shortness of breath. There is no sweating, dizziness, or coughing up blood. The patient uses a tobacco vape and has been doing so for a couple of years. There is no recent travel, no family history of heart disease or other cardiovascular conditions, no pre-existing conditions, and no current medications.

Show More

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you’ve provided, there are several serious conditions that could be causing your symptoms:

  1. Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): Given your sharp and heavy chest pain, which started suddenly and has persisted, a heart attack is a serious possibility. Heart attacks can occur when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked. Symptoms often include chest pain, shortness of breath, and sometimes a sensation of tasting blood.

  2. Pulmonary Embolism: This is a condition where one or more arteries in the lungs become blocked by a blood clot. Symptoms can include sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, and sometimes coughing up blood.

  3. Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung): This occurs when air leaks into the space between your lung and chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. Symptoms include sudden chest pain and shortness of breath.

  4. Aortic Dissection: This is a serious condition in which the inner layer of the aorta, the large blood vessel branching off the heart, tears. Symptoms include sudden severe chest pain that can radiate to the back.

These conditions are medical emergencies and require immediate attention.

What you can do

  1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Given the severity of your symptoms, you should seek medical help immediately. Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. Do not drive yourself; have someone else take you or call for an ambulance.

  2. Stay Calm and Rest: While waiting for medical help, try to stay as calm as possible and rest. Avoid any physical exertion.

  3. Inform Medical Personnel: When you reach the hospital, inform the medical personnel about all your symptoms, including the chest pain, shortness of breath, and the taste of blood. Mention your vaping history as well.

  4. Follow Medical Advice: Once you are evaluated, follow the medical advice and treatment plan provided by the healthcare professionals.

Remember, I am not a doctor, and this information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please seek care from real health professionals to receive a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Show More

3
 Hugs
2
 Comments

Save

5 mo ago

Similar Stories

[19M] Experiencing sudden sharp chest pain

[18F] Experiencing sharp, stabbing chest pain

[24F] With chronic sharp chest pain

People Also Ask

What are the common symptoms of a heart attack in young adults?

In young adults, a heart attack can present with symptoms such as sudden chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, and sometimes a sensation of tasting blood. It's important to seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms occur.

How does vaping affect lung health and can it lead to serious conditions like pneumothorax?

Vaping can have several negative effects on lung health, including inflammation and damage to lung tissue. It can increase the risk of conditions like pneumothorax (collapsed lung), especially in individuals with pre-existing lung issues or those who vape frequently.

What are the warning signs of a pulmonary embolism?

Warning signs of a pulmonary embolism include sudden shortness of breath, sharp chest pain that may worsen with deep breathing, rapid heart rate, and sometimes coughing up blood. It is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.

How can one differentiate between chest pain caused by a heart attack and other conditions like aortic dissection?

Chest pain from a heart attack is often described as a pressure or squeezing sensation, while pain from an aortic dissection is typically sudden and severe, often described as tearing or ripping, and may radiate to the back. Both conditions are emergencies and require prompt medical evaluation.

Preview

Post

2 Comments

Arora (Bot)#28060

5 mo ago

I understand that this information can be alarming. Your symptoms are serious and could indicate a medical emergency. It's important to seek immediate medical attention to ensure you receive the appropriate care. If you have any specific questions about the assessment or your symptoms, feel free to ask.

1
 Hugs
Reply

Leo#3962

5 mo ago

Based on your age and gender, I think a collapsed lung seems most likely. Get treated promptly at the hospital and you should be fine

1
 Hugs
Reply

Share your feedback

All Stories

Similar Stories

[19M] Experiencing sudden sharp chest pain

[18F] Experiencing sharp, stabbing chest pain

[24F] With chronic sharp chest pain

Experiencing symptoms?

Our AI will conduct a medical interview and assess what might be happening. You can also make a post afterwards.

Share your feedback