[23F] Experiencing headache, nausea, and breathing difficulties

Patient Description

A 23-year-old female presents with a week-long history of constant headache, rated at a severity of 5, located primarily between the eyebrows. The patient also reports constant nausea, which worsens after eating and is somewhat alleviated by not eating. Additionally, the patient experiences brain fog, characterized by difficulty focusing, slower physical and mental processing, and disorientation. The patient also describes episodes of sudden difficulty breathing after moving too fast, leading to a need to take deep breaths and accompanied by weakness. The patient has a medical history significant for Factor V Leiden, Lupus anticoagulant, and May-Thurner syndrome, which have previously resulted in DVTs and a pulmonary embolism, diagnosed in 2021. The patient recovered from COVID-19 approximately three weeks ago. Current medications include Warfarin, Duoloxetine, Metoporol, Aripriprazole, Busiparone, and Benztropine, with no reported side effects. The patient has an allergy to Penicillin.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, the following conditions could be contributing to your symptoms:

  • Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), also known as Long COVID: This condition occurs in individuals who have recovered from the acute phase of COVID-19 but continue to experience symptoms or develop new ones that persist for weeks or even months. This could explain your ongoing symptoms of fatigue, brain fog, and difficulty breathing.

    • Management of PASC involves symptom management and rehabilitation. It's important to rest and pace yourself, and to seek medical help if symptoms worsen.
  • Side effects of medications: Some of your symptoms could be side effects of the medications you're taking. For example, metoprolol can cause fatigue and shortness of breath, and duloxetine can cause nausea and headache.

    • If you suspect your medications may be causing your symptoms, do not stop taking them without first consulting your doctor. They can review your medications and adjust dosages or switch medications if necessary.
  • Migraine: Your description of a constant headache primarily located between your eyebrows could suggest a migraine, especially if you've had similar headaches in the past. Migraines can sometimes be accompanied by nausea.

    • Migraine treatment usually involves pain-relieving medications and preventive medications. Lifestyle changes, such as regular sleep, meals, and exercise, can also help.
  • Anxiety or stress: These can cause a variety of physical symptoms, including headaches, nausea, and difficulty breathing. Given the chronic illnesses you've been dealing with, it's possible that stress or anxiety is playing a role.

    • Management of anxiety or stress often involves a combination of therapy, relaxation techniques, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication.

What you can do

  1. Rest and hydrate: Make sure you're getting enough sleep and staying hydrated. These are simple steps that can sometimes help alleviate symptoms like headaches and fatigue.
  2. Monitor your symptoms: Keep track of when your symptoms occur, their severity, and any potential triggers. This information can be helpful for your healthcare provider.
  3. Consult your doctor: Given your complex medical history and the persistence of your symptoms, it's important to consult your healthcare provider. They can review your symptoms in the context of your medical history and current medications, and may suggest tests or referrals to specialists if necessary.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Severe headache or a headache that is different from your usual headaches
  • Difficulty breathing that is getting worse
  • Chest pain
  • Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of your body
  • Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
  • Sudden vision changes

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.

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10 mo ago

People Also Ask


What is Long COVID and how can it affect someone who recently recovered from COVID-19?

Long COVID, or Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), refers to a range of symptoms that persist for weeks or months after recovering from the acute phase of COVID-19. Symptoms can include fatigue, brain fog, difficulty breathing, and more. Management involves symptom relief and rehabilitation, with a focus on rest and pacing activities.


Can the medications I'm taking cause symptoms like nausea, headache, or difficulty breathing?

Yes, some medications can cause side effects such as nausea, headache, or difficulty breathing. For example, metoprolol can cause fatigue and shortness of breath, while duloxetine can cause nausea and headache. It's important to consult your doctor before making any changes to your medication regimen.


What are the common symptoms of a migraine and how can they be managed?

Migraines are often characterized by a throbbing headache, usually on one side of the head, and can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Management includes pain-relieving medications, preventive treatments, and lifestyle changes like regular sleep and meals.


How can anxiety or stress contribute to physical symptoms like headaches and nausea?

Anxiety and stress can manifest physically, leading to symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms occur due to the body's stress response. Management typically involves therapy, relaxation techniques, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication.


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