[31F] With chest pain, upper back pain, and difficulty breathing

Patient Description

A 31-year-old female reports experiencing chest pain, upper back pain, and jaw pain. The chest pain is described as burning and heavy, with a severity of 7 out of 10, and has been present for the past 12 hours. The pain is associated with neck pain, shoulder blade pain, and difficulty breathing. The jaw pain is localized to the back left side and is described as achy and dull, with a severity of 5 out of 10, and appeared overnight. The patient also reports a stuffy nose, spots all over the body, and a headache. Lying down on her side provides some relief for the chest pain. There is no recent trauma or injury to the jaw or face, and this is the first episode of jaw pain.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described—chest pain, upper back pain, jaw pain, spots all over your body, headache, and difficulty breathing—there are several serious conditions that could be causing your symptoms. Here are some possibilities:

  1. Heart Attack: The combination of chest pain, jaw pain, upper back pain, and difficulty breathing is very concerning for a heart attack. This is especially true given the burning and heavy feeling in your chest. Heart attacks can present with these symptoms and require immediate medical attention.

  2. Pulmonary Embolism: This is a condition where a blood clot travels to the lungs, causing chest pain and difficulty breathing. It can also cause back pain and should be treated as a medical emergency.

  3. Aortic Dissection: This is a serious condition where there is a tear in the wall of the major artery carrying blood out of the heart (aorta). It can cause severe chest and back pain and is life-threatening.

  4. Pneumonia or Pleuritis: These conditions can cause chest pain, difficulty breathing, and back pain. They are infections or inflammations of the lungs and surrounding tissues.

  5. Shingles: The spots all over your body, combined with pain, could indicate shingles, especially if the spots are in a band-like pattern. Shingles can cause severe pain and discomfort.

What you can do

Given the severity and combination of your symptoms, it is crucial that you seek immediate medical attention. Here are the steps you should take:

  1. Call 911: Given the potential for a heart attack, pulmonary embolism, or aortic dissection, you should call 911 immediately. These conditions are life-threatening and require urgent medical care.

  2. Do Not Drive Yourself: If you are unable to call 911, have someone else drive you to the nearest emergency room. Do not attempt to drive yourself.

  3. Stay Calm and Rest: While waiting for emergency services, try to stay as calm as possible and rest in a comfortable position. Avoid any physical exertion.

  4. Inform Emergency Personnel: When help arrives, inform them of all your symptoms, including the chest pain, back pain, jaw pain, difficulty breathing, and spots on your body.

Remember, I am not a doctor, and this advice is based on the symptoms you've described. It is essential to get a formal diagnosis and treatment from a healthcare professional. Please seek immediate medical attention.

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4 mo ago

People Also Ask

What are the common symptoms of a heart attack in women?

Common symptoms of a heart attack in women include chest pain or discomfort, pain in the neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back, or abdomen, shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, sweating, lightheadedness, and unusual fatigue.

How can you differentiate between chest pain caused by a heart attack and other conditions?

Chest pain from a heart attack is often described as a pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center or left side of the chest. It may radiate to the neck, jaw, or arms and is often accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or lightheadedness. Other conditions like acid reflux or muscle strain may cause similar pain but usually lack these additional symptoms.

What are the signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism?

Signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain that may become worse when you breathe deeply, cough, or eat, a cough that may produce bloody or blood-streaked sputum, rapid heartbeat, and lightheadedness or dizziness.

What should you do if you suspect you have shingles?

If you suspect you have shingles, you should see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Early treatment with antiviral medications can help reduce the severity and duration of the symptoms. It's also important to avoid contact with people who have not had chickenpox or the vaccine, as shingles can spread the virus that causes chickenpox.

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