[28F] Experiencing dry cough, difficulty breathing, and wheezing

Patient Description

A 28-year-old female has been experiencing a dry cough for a week, which worsens when lying down or after eating. The cough is described as mild but causes pain when breathing in. Additionally, the patient reports difficulty breathing, wheezing, and shortness of breath that is not alleviated by rest. Symptoms also include fever, chills, dizziness, confusion, and vomiting. The patient is currently taking a progestin-only oral contraceptive pill and has no known pre-existing conditions or chronic illnesses. The onset of symptoms occurs post-eating, and the patient has not identified any specific allergens or environmental triggers.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

  • Asthma: This is a condition that causes your airways to become inflamed and narrow, and produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Asthma can be triggered by various factors, including allergens, exercise, or certain environments.

    • Treatment typically involves the use of inhalers to relax the muscles around your airways (bronchodilators) and reduce inflammation in your airways (corticosteroids).

  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This is a chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus and cause a cough. GERD can be worse after eating and when lying down.

    • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes, such as dietary modifications, and over-the-counter or prescription medications to reduce stomach acid.

  • Pneumonia: This is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid. Symptoms can include a cough, fever, chills, shortness of breath, and vomiting.

    • Treatment typically involves antibiotics, rest, and drinking plenty of fluids.

  • COVID-19: This is a viral infection that can cause a range of symptoms, including a cough, shortness of breath, fever, and vomiting. Given the current pandemic, it's important to consider this as a potential diagnosis.

    • Treatment typically involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications to manage symptoms. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.

What you can do

  1. Seek immediate medical attention. Your symptoms, especially difficulty breathing and shortness of breath, are concerning and you should be evaluated by a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
  2. If you have a fever, take over-the-counter medication like acetaminophen to help reduce it.
  3. Stay hydrated and rest as much as possible.
  4. If you have been in contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19, or if you live in an area with a high number of cases, get tested as soon as possible.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if:

  • Your symptoms worsen or you develop new symptoms
  • You have difficulty breathing or your shortness of breath worsens
  • You have chest pain
  • You are unable to eat or drink due to vomiting

Please remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.

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7 mo ago

People Also Ask

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

Common symptoms of asthma include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Treatment often involves using inhalers that help relax the muscles around the airways and reduce inflammation, such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids.

How can GERD cause a cough and what are the treatment options?

GERD can cause a cough due to acid reflux irritating the esophagus. Treatment options include lifestyle changes like dietary modifications, and medications to reduce stomach acid, such as antacids, H2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors.

What are the signs of pneumonia and how is it typically treated?

Signs of pneumonia include a persistent cough, fever, chills, shortness of breath, and sometimes vomiting. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, rest, and staying hydrated.

What should I do if I suspect I have COVID-19 and what are the common symptoms?

If you suspect you have COVID-19, you should get tested, especially if you have been in contact with someone who tested positive or live in an area with high case numbers. Common symptoms include cough, fever, shortness of breath, and vomiting. Treatment involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications to manage symptoms, with hospitalization required in severe cases.

1 Comments

Margot#4035

7 mo ago

Hope you get better soon! At the 1-2 week mark might be worth seeing a doc

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