[46M] With wheezing, clumsiness, and leg numbness

Patient Description

A 46-year-old male presents with mild wheezing and shortness of breath that began suddenly a couple of hours ago, worsening with activity and alleviated by rest. He also reports clumsiness, characterized by tripping and dropping things, which started about an hour ago and worsens with activity. Additionally, there is numbness from the knee down in one leg, which is intermittent, and a moderate headache. Recently, the patient had an infection and has been taking cefuroxime and metronidazole for three days, with no side effects. His medical history includes heart disease diagnosed at 30, hyperthyroidism at 32, rheumatoid arthritis at 30, migraines at 15, and bipolar disorder and anxiety at 13. He is allergic to Topiramate, which previously caused organ shutdown and forgetfulness. Current medications include methadone 50 mg daily for opiate addiction, pantoprazole 25 mg once daily, and sucralfate 500 mg twice daily for stomach issues, with no reported side effects.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Your symptoms could be related to several conditions:

  1. Respiratory Issues: The sudden onset of wheezing and shortness of breath could be due to an acute respiratory issue, possibly related to your recent infection. Wheezing can occur with respiratory infections or conditions like asthma.

  2. Neurological Concerns: The numbness in your leg and clumsiness might suggest a neurological issue, possibly related to your existing conditions like migraines or rheumatoid arthritis, which can sometimes affect nerves.

  3. Medication Effects: While you haven't experienced side effects, it's important to consider that new medications can sometimes cause unexpected symptoms.

Typical treatments might include bronchodilators for wheezing or further evaluation for neurological symptoms. Testing could involve lung function tests or imaging studies.

What you can do

Wheezing and Shortness of Breath:

  • Rest and avoid strenuous activities.
  • Use a humidifier to help ease breathing.
  • If symptoms worsen, seek medical attention promptly.

Numbness and Clumsiness:

  • Monitor your symptoms and avoid activities that could lead to falls.
  • Consider consulting a healthcare provider for a neurological evaluation.

General Tips:

  • Keep track of your symptoms using MDandMe to share with your healthcare provider.
  • Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to support overall health.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical care if you experience:

  • Severe difficulty breathing or chest pain.
  • Sudden weakness or numbness in other parts of your body.
  • Any new or worsening symptoms.

Remember, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan.

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3 mo ago

People Also Ask


What could cause sudden wheezing and shortness of breath in someone with a recent infection?

Sudden wheezing and shortness of breath can be caused by respiratory infections, asthma, or other acute respiratory issues. It's important to monitor these symptoms and seek medical attention if they worsen.


How can numbness and clumsiness be related to neurological issues?

Numbness and clumsiness can be signs of neurological issues, which may be related to conditions like migraines or rheumatoid arthritis affecting the nerves. A healthcare provider can perform evaluations to determine the cause.


Can new medications cause unexpected symptoms even if there are no immediate side effects?

Yes, new medications can sometimes cause unexpected symptoms even if there are no immediate side effects. It's important to monitor for any changes and discuss them with a healthcare provider.


What should I do if I experience severe difficulty breathing or sudden weakness?

If you experience severe difficulty breathing or sudden weakness, seek immediate medical care as these could be signs of a serious condition requiring urgent attention.


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