[25F] Experiencing shortness of breath, tachycardia, and lower back pain

Patient Description

A 25-year-old female has been experiencing shortness of breath, rated 7/10 in severity, for three days, which worsens with walking and improves when standing up straight. The patient also reports a fast heartbeat that has been occasionally present for three years, attributed to anxiety, and is now occurring about three times daily, especially in the mornings. Additionally, the patient suffers from sharp lower back pain, rated 3/10 in severity, without any recent injuries. The patient experiences sharp chest pains on all sides and sharp headaches behind the right eye, which have been present for three days and a month, respectively. The headache intensity is rated 7/10, and the eye pain is rated 5/10. The patient has a history of vertigo and a family history of asthma. Current medications include Advil, taken once daily at 200mg for headaches, and Benadryl for allergy symptoms triggered by pollen. The patient has not reported any known drug allergies or other chronic illnesses.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, here are some possibilities:

  • Anxiety or Panic Disorder: Anxiety can cause a variety of physical symptoms, including shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, and chest pain. It can also cause headaches and other physical symptoms. However, it's important to rule out physical causes before attributing these symptoms to anxiety.

    • Treatment typically involves a combination of therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication.
  • Asthma: Given your brother's history of asthma and your symptoms of shortness of breath and chest pain, asthma could be a possibility. Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and may produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

    • Treatment typically involves avoiding triggers and using inhalers to control symptoms.
  • Musculoskeletal Pain: Your back pain could be due to a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, such as muscle strain or herniated disc.

    • Treatment typically involves physical therapy, pain relievers, and sometimes surgery.
  • Migraine: Your headaches and eye pain could be due to migraines, which are severe headaches often accompanied by other symptoms such as visual disturbances or nausea.

    • Treatment typically involves medication to relieve symptoms and prevent future attacks.

What you can do

  1. Schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms. They may want to run some tests or refer you to a specialist.
  2. Keep a symptom diary. Note when your symptoms occur, what you're doing at the time, and any potential triggers. This can help your doctor determine what's causing your symptoms.
  3. Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can help manage many health conditions.
  4. If your symptoms worsen or you develop new symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

What you should look out for

  • If your shortness of breath or chest pain worsens, seek immediate medical attention. These could be signs of a serious condition such as a heart attack.
  • If your headaches become more frequent or severe, or are accompanied by other symptoms such as vision changes, weakness, or difficulty speaking, seek immediate medical attention. These could be signs of a serious condition such as a stroke.

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've provided. It's always important to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

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10 mo ago

People Also Ask


Can anxiety cause physical symptoms like shortness of breath and rapid heart rate?

Yes, anxiety can cause a variety of physical symptoms, including shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, and chest pain. These symptoms occur due to the body's 'fight or flight' response. It's important to rule out other physical causes before attributing these symptoms to anxiety.


What are the common symptoms of asthma and how is it diagnosed?

Common symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain, wheezing, and coughing. Asthma is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and tests such as spirometry, which measures lung function.


What could be causing sharp headaches behind the eye and how are they treated?

Sharp headaches behind the eye could be due to migraines or cluster headaches. Treatment typically involves medications to relieve symptoms and prevent future attacks, such as pain relievers, triptans, or preventive medications. It's important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.


How can musculoskeletal pain in the lower back be managed without recent injury?

Musculoskeletal pain in the lower back without recent injury could be due to muscle strain, poor posture, or underlying conditions like a herniated disc. Management includes physical therapy, pain relievers, maintaining good posture, and sometimes lifestyle changes. Consulting a healthcare professional can help determine the best treatment plan.


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