[19F] Experiencing shortness of breath, dizziness, and jaundice

Patient Description

A 19-year-old female presents with a constellation of symptoms including dizziness, particularly when walking or standing up, which has been worsening over a few years. The patient also reports constant fatigue, yellowing of the skin, and pallor. Shortness of breath has been noted, especially when climbing stairs or walking for extended periods, with a marked increase in heart rate upon standing. The patient experiences relief from shortness of breath when laying down. Additionally, the patient describes episodes of spotty and blurry vision that occur during showers, at night, when ascending stairs, and upon standing, which resolve after a spinning sensation. The patient's skin has a pale yellowish-green tone, more pronounced on the hands, and has been worsening over time. There is no history of jaundice or other pre-existing conditions, except for a recent diagnosis of femoral anteversion. The patient is not on any medications and has no known drug allergies.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, here are a few possibilities:

Iron Deficiency Anemia: This condition can cause fatigue, dizziness, pale skin, and shortness of breath. It occurs when your body doesn't have enough iron to produce hemoglobin, which helps red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
- Treatment typically involves iron supplements and changes to your diet to include more iron-rich foods.
POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome): This condition can cause an increased heart rate, dizziness, and fainting upon standing. It's a form of dysautonomia, a disorder of the autonomic nervous system.
- Treatment often involves lifestyle modifications, such as increasing fluid and salt intake, and sometimes medications.
Jaundice: This condition can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes. It's often a sign of problems with the liver, gallbladder, or pancreas.
- Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the jaundice.

Please note that these are possibilities based on the symptoms you've described, and only a healthcare professional can provide a definitive diagnosis.

What you can do

Make an appointment with your healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss your symptoms. They may want to run some tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC) to check for anemia, or liver function tests to check for jaundice.
Keep a symptom diary. Note when your symptoms occur, what you're doing when they happen, and how long they last. This can provide valuable information to your healthcare provider.
Stay hydrated and try to eat a balanced diet. If you're not already doing so, consider incorporating iron-rich foods into your meals, such as red meat, beans, and fortified cereals.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if:

Your symptoms significantly worsen or you develop new symptoms
You experience severe dizziness or fainting
Your skin or eyes become significantly more yellow

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor. Always consult with a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

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11 mo ago

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[19F] Experiencing shortness of breath, dizziness, and jaundice

What might be happening

What you can do

What you should look out for

Experiencing symptoms?