[27F] Experiencing shortness of breath, upper back pain, and swollen lymph node

What might be happening

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

• Pulmonary Embolism: This is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in your lungs. In most cases, pulmonary embolism is caused by blood clots that travel to the lungs from the legs or, rarely, other parts of the body (deep vein thrombosis). It can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and upper back pain.

  • Diagnosis usually involves imaging studies like a CT scan or a VQ scan. Treatment typically involves anticoagulant medications to prevent further clotting.

• Pneumonia: This is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material), causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.

  • Diagnosis is usually confirmed with a chest X-ray. Treatment typically involves antibiotics and supportive care.

• Pleurisy: This is an inflammation of the lining of the lungs and chest (the pleura) that leads to chest pain (usually sharp) when you take a breath or cough.

  • Diagnosis is usually based on the symptoms and physical examination. Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying cause and pain management.

The swollen lymph node could be due to a variety of causes, including infection, autoimmune diseases, or in rare cases, cancers such as lymphoma. However, it's important to note that these are just possibilities and not a definitive diagnosis.

What you can do

Given the severity and nature of your symptoms, it's important that you seek immediate medical attention. These symptoms could indicate a serious condition that needs to be evaluated and treated by a healthcare professional.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Severe chest pain
• Severe difficulty breathing
• Coughing up blood
• High fever
• Rapid heart rate or palpitations

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