[34F] Experiencing chronic fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath

Patient Description

A 34-year-old female presents with a 5-year history of constant fatigue, brain fog, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, palpitations, and muscle or joint pain. The fatigue is severe, causing her to sleep constantly, and does not improve with rest. Brain fog significantly impairs her cognitive functions, hindering her ability to think or read. She has a history of asthma, high cholesterol diagnosed in 2023, and idiopathic hypersomnia. Her current medications include Xolair, armodafinil, Singulair, and Symbicort. She reports no known allergies to medications and no recent changes in weight. The patient's symptoms significantly impact her daily activities.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information provided, there are several possible explanations for your symptoms:

  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): This condition is characterized by extreme fatigue that can't be explained by any underlying medical condition. The fatigue may worsen with physical or mental activity, but doesn't improve with rest. It's often accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty thinking or concentrating (brain fog), dizziness, and muscle or joint pain.

    • There is no specific test for CFS. The diagnosis is based on ruling out other potential causes of fatigue. Treatment typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes, psychological therapy, and medication to manage symptoms.
  • Idiopathic Hypersomnia: This is a sleep disorder characterized by chronic and excessive daytime sleepiness that isn't caused by other medical conditions or by insufficient sleep. You've mentioned that you've been diagnosed with this condition, which could explain your constant fatigue and brain fog.

    • Treatment usually involves medication to help manage symptoms, such as the armodafinil you're currently taking.
  • Asthma: This 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. You've mentioned that you've been diagnosed with asthma, which could explain your shortness of breath.

    • Treatment usually involves long-term asthma control medications, such as the Singulair and Symbicort you're currently taking, to reduce inflammation and prevent asthma symptoms, and quick-relief (rescue) inhalers to quickly open swollen airways that are limiting breathing.
  • Allergic Reaction: High levels of IgE can be a sign of an allergic reaction. Allergies can cause a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath. The Xolair you're taking is used to treat moderate to severe asthma caused by allergies.

    • Treatment of allergies typically involves avoiding known allergens and taking medications to control symptoms.

What you can do

  1. Continue taking your prescribed medications and follow your doctor's advice.
  2. Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and good sleep hygiene.
  3. Keep a symptom diary. This can help you identify any patterns or triggers related to your symptoms, which can be useful information for your doctor.
  4. Consider seeking support from a mental health professional. Chronic conditions like the ones you're dealing with can be stressful and impact your mental health. A mental health professional can provide strategies to help you cope.

What you should look out for

If your symptoms worsen or if you develop new symptoms, you should seek medical attention. Specifically, you should seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Fainting or loss of consciousness
  • Severe dizziness or lightheadedness

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate and helpful information, I'm not a doctor. You should consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

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11 mo ago

People Also Ask


What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and how is it diagnosed?

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a condition characterized by extreme fatigue that cannot be explained by any underlying medical condition. The fatigue worsens with physical or mental activity but does not improve with rest. Diagnosis is made by ruling out other potential causes of fatigue, as there is no specific test for CFS. Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes, psychological therapy, and medication to manage symptoms.


How does idiopathic hypersomnia differ from other sleep disorders?

Idiopathic hypersomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by chronic and excessive daytime sleepiness that is not caused by other medical conditions or insufficient sleep. It differs from other sleep disorders like narcolepsy, which involves sudden sleep attacks and cataplexy. Treatment for idiopathic hypersomnia often includes medications like armodafinil to help manage symptoms.


What are the common treatments for asthma and how do they work?

Common treatments for asthma include long-term control medications such as inhaled corticosteroids (e.g., Singulair, Symbicort) to reduce inflammation and prevent symptoms, and quick-relief inhalers to quickly open swollen airways. These treatments help manage symptoms and prevent asthma attacks.


Can allergies cause symptoms like fatigue and dizziness?

Yes, allergies can cause symptoms like fatigue and dizziness. Allergic reactions can lead to increased levels of IgE, which can trigger symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Treatment typically involves avoiding known allergens and taking medications to control symptoms, such as antihistamines or medications like Xolair for severe cases.


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