[19M] Experiencing voice loss, breathing difficulties, cough, and stridor

Patient Description

A 19-year-old male reports a sudden loss of voice and difficulty speaking, which began after yelling while sick 5 days ago. The voice loss is described as hoarse, with difficulty speaking upon waking and intermittently throughout the day, improving slightly with tea consumption. The patient also experiences a very mild difficulty with breathing during exercise, which has been a recurring issue after past illnesses. A cough described as mostly dry with occasional mucus is present, and is moderate in severity, with one instance of sharp pain in the throat following a cough. Additionally, the patient describes a low tone whistling sound when inhaling, initially referred to as wheezing, but clarified as stridor. This has been constant for the past 5 days and is exacerbated by exercise and smoking. There is no fever, chills, severe swallowing difficulty, drooling, chest pain, or respiratory distress. The patient has a history of similar respiratory symptoms following recovery from previous sicknesses.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, here are a few possibilities:

Laryngitis: This is inflammation of the voice box from overuse, irritation, or infection. It can cause voice loss and a sensation of pain in the throat. It can also cause a cough and difficulty breathing, especially during exercise.
- Treatment usually involves rest, hydration, and avoiding irritants such as smoke. In some cases, antibiotics or steroids may be needed.
Bronchitis: This is inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to your lungs. It can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. It's often caused by a viral infection, so it can occur after a cold or flu.
- Treatment usually involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies to manage symptoms. In some cases, antibiotics may be needed.
Asthma: This is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.
- Treatment involves long-term control and quick-relief medications to reduce inflammation and keep your airways open.

What you can do

Rest your voice as much as possible. Avoid speaking or singing too loudly or for too long.
Drink plenty of fluids to help soothe your throat and keep it moist.
Try a humidifier to moisten your nasal, throat, and lung passages.
Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke.
Avoid substances that irritate your throat and lungs, such as aerosol products or air pollution.
Consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if:

Your symptoms worsen or do not improve after a week.
You have difficulty swallowing or breathing.
You cough up blood.
You have a high fever, severe pain, or other worrying symptoms.

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.

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11 mo ago

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