[22M] With chest pain, nausea, and shortness of breath

Patient Description

A 22-year-old male experienced a sudden sharp pain in the center of his chest while working on his car yesterday. A couple of hours later, he began to feel nauseated. Upon waking up this morning, he noticed shortness of breath that has persisted for about 3 hours. The shortness of breath came on suddenly and is rated as a little more than mild but not severe. The patient has not found any relief for this symptom. He has had sharp chest pain off and on since high school, rated as an 8 or 9 in severity when it occurs. The patient also experiences dizziness when he gets nauseated, especially upon movement, describing it as the whole world spinning. There has been no sweating, palpitations, or pain radiating to the arm, neck, jaw, or back, although he has back pain due to scoliosis. He has been tested for Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome in the past but was not diagnosed due to his age. The patient vapes and smokes weed daily for back pain but has not noticed any changes in symptoms or overall health since starting these habits. He does not take any medications and has not had any abnormal results from heart check-ups or tests that he remembers.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, there are a few serious conditions that could be causing your symptoms:

  1. Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): The sharp chest pain, nausea, and shortness of breath are classic symptoms of a heart attack. Given your history of chest pain and the sudden onset of shortness of breath, this is a serious possibility. Immediate medical attention is crucial.

  2. Pulmonary Embolism: This is a condition where a blood clot travels to the lungs, causing sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and dizziness. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.

  3. Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung): Sudden chest pain and shortness of breath can also be caused by a collapsed lung. This condition can be life-threatening and needs urgent medical care.

  4. Severe Anxiety or Panic Attack: While less likely given the severity of your symptoms, anxiety or panic attacks can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness. However, these should not be ruled out without a professional evaluation.

What you can do

  1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Given the severity and sudden onset of your symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention. 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 calm and rest. Avoid any physical exertion that could worsen your symptoms.

  3. Avoid Eating or Drinking: Until you are evaluated by a healthcare professional, avoid eating or drinking anything, as this could complicate potential treatments.

  4. Inform Medical Staff of Your History: When you reach the hospital, inform the medical staff about your history of chest pain, your previous tests for Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and your daily use of vaping and weed.

Remember, I am not a doctor, and this advice is based on the information you provided. It is crucial to get evaluated by a healthcare professional to receive a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Please seek care immediately.

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2 mo ago

People Also Ask

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

Common symptoms of a heart attack in young adults include chest pain or discomfort, which may feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain. Other symptoms can include shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, or discomfort in other areas of the upper body such as the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.

How can vaping and smoking weed affect chest pain and respiratory symptoms?

Vaping and smoking weed can irritate the lungs and airways, potentially worsening respiratory symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain. They can also affect cardiovascular health, which might contribute to chest pain or exacerbate existing conditions.

What is a pneumothorax and what are its symptoms?

A pneumothorax, or collapsed lung, occurs when air leaks into the space between the lung and chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. Symptoms include sudden chest pain and shortness of breath. It can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

Can anxiety or panic attacks cause physical symptoms like chest pain and dizziness?

Yes, anxiety or panic attacks can cause physical symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, and a feeling of the world spinning. These symptoms can mimic those of more serious conditions, so it's important to get a professional evaluation to rule out other causes.

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