[34F] With sudden shortness of breath and lower left side pain
Patient Description
A 34-year-old female presents with sudden onset shortness of breath over the past two days, rated 8 out of 10 in severity. The shortness of breath worsens with activity and is accompanied by wheezing, chest rattling, and a non-productive cough. The patient experiences chest tightness and pain when trying to catch her breath, particularly after walking. She also reports weakness and lower left side pain, which was alleviated by Tylenol. The patient has asthma, but her albuterol inhaler has not provided relief. She denies fever, chills, or swelling in the legs or ankles, though her fingers have recently swollen. There have been no recent changes in asthma management or medication doses, and no new exposures to allergens or irritants. Her medical history includes fibromyalgia, bipolar disorder, clinical depression, anxiety, nerve damage from shingles, chronic pain syndrome, and opioid use disorder. Current medications include Buprenorphine, Gabapentin, Buspirone, Fluoxetine, Hydroxyzine, and Atomoxetine, with no recent changes or side effects reported.
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Arora's Assessment
What might be happening
Based on your symptoms, here are some possible explanations:
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Asthma Exacerbation: Your asthma might be flaring up, causing increased shortness of breath and wheezing. This can happen even without a clear trigger.
- Treatment: Typically involves using a rescue inhaler like albuterol. If it's not helping, you may need additional medications like oral steroids, which a doctor can prescribe.
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Respiratory Infection: Sometimes, infections can worsen asthma symptoms, even if you don't have a fever.
- Treatment: May include rest, fluids, and possibly antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected.
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Anxiety or Panic Attacks: These can cause shortness of breath and chest tightness, especially if you're feeling stressed.
- Treatment: Relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and discussing with a healthcare provider for appropriate management.
What you can do
- Seek Medical Attention: It's important to see a healthcare provider, especially since your inhaler isn't providing relief.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms using MDandMe to help identify any patterns or triggers.
- Stay Calm: Practice deep breathing exercises to help manage anxiety and improve breathing.
- Avoid Triggers: Stay away from known asthma triggers, such as smoke or allergens.
What you should look out for
- Worsening Symptoms: If your shortness of breath or chest pain worsens, seek immediate medical care.
- New Symptoms: Watch for fever, increased pain, or swelling in other areas.
- Emergency Signs: If you experience severe difficulty breathing, confusion, or bluish lips or face, call emergency services.
Remember, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
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3 mo ago
