[45F] With sharp lung pain and other symptoms

What might be happening

Based on the information you’ve provided, there are several serious conditions that could be causing your symptoms:

1. Pulmonary Embolism: This is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in your lungs, often caused by blood clots that travel to your lungs from your legs or other parts of your body. Symptoms can include sharp chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, and dizziness. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.

2. Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung): This occurs when air leaks into the space between your lung and chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. Symptoms include sudden sharp chest pain and shortness of breath. This condition also requires urgent medical care.

3. Pleurisy: This is an inflammation of the tissues that line your lungs and chest cavity. It can cause sharp chest pain that worsens with breathing, coughing, or sneezing. While not always an emergency, it does require medical evaluation.

4. Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) Exacerbation: Given your history of CHF, worsening symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, and chest pain could indicate that your heart condition is worsening. This needs prompt medical evaluation.

5. Pneumonia: An infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which can fill with fluid. Symptoms include chest pain when you breathe or cough, shortness of breath, and coughing up blood.

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. Go to the Emergency Room: Due to the potential seriousness of your symptoms, you should go to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible. If you are unable to get there yourself, call 911 or have someone drive you.

2. Call 911: If you experience worsening symptoms, such as increased shortness of breath, severe chest pain, or if you feel lightheaded or faint, call 911 immediately.

3. Avoid Strenuous Activity: Until you receive medical evaluation, avoid any strenuous activities that could exacerbate your symptoms.

4. Inform Medical Staff: When you arrive at the hospital, inform the medical staff about all your symptoms, your history of high blood pressure and CHF, and your use of cigarettes and meth. This information will help them provide the best care.

Remember, I am not a doctor, and this advice is based on the symptoms you have described. It is essential to seek care from real health professionals to receive a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment.