[26F] Experiencing throat fullness with heart palpitations and other symptoms

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, there are a few potential explanations:

1. Anxiety or Stress-Related Symptoms: The feeling of throat fullness, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath can sometimes be linked to anxiety or stress, especially since you mentioned high stress levels. Stress can also exacerbate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), such as nausea and abdominal pain.

2. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This condition can cause a sensation of fullness in the throat, along with heart palpitations and shortness of breath, particularly when lying down. GERD is often associated with IBS and can be triggered by stress.

3. Hormonal Changes: The timing of your symptoms in relation to your menstrual cycle suggests that hormonal fluctuations might be contributing to your symptoms, including nausea and fatigue.

4. Respiratory or Cardiac Issues: While less likely given your age and lack of previous diagnoses, the combination of throat fullness, palpitations, and shortness of breath warrants consideration of respiratory or cardiac conditions. However, these are less common in young individuals without a history of heart or lung disease.

Typical treatments or testing might include lifestyle modifications, stress management techniques, medications to manage reflux or anxiety, and possibly further evaluation by a healthcare provider to rule out any serious conditions.

What you can do

Throat Fullness and Heart Palpitations:

• Practice stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga.
• Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol, which can exacerbate reflux and palpitations.
• Elevate the head of your bed to help reduce symptoms when lying down.
• Keep a symptom journal using MDandMe to track when these symptoms occur and any potential triggers.

Fatigue and Nausea:

• Ensure you are getting adequate rest and hydration.
• Eat small, frequent meals to help manage nausea and maintain energy levels.
• Continue taking ondansetron as prescribed for nausea relief.

Throbbing in Arms and Legs:

• Gentle stretching and regular movement can help alleviate discomfort.
• Consider using heat or cold therapy to soothe muscle pain.

What you should look out for

While your symptoms may be related to stress or hormonal changes, it's important to monitor for any worsening or new symptoms. Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Severe or persistent chest pain
• Difficulty breathing that worsens or does not improve with position changes
• Fainting or severe dizziness
• Swelling in your legs or ankles

Remember, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan. If your symptoms persist or worsen, consider scheduling an appointment with your doctor.