[48F] With multiple symptoms including dizziness, ringing in ears, and shortness of breath

Patient Description

A 48-year-old female presents with a variety of symptoms including dizziness, ringing in the head, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, frequent urination, sore throat, numbness in limbs, elbow pain, fatigue, and vision changes. The dizziness, described as lightheadedness, started today and worsens with normal tasks. The patient experiences constant ringing in the head for the past two weeks, rated 8/10 in severity. Abdominal pain is a dull ache on the right side, rated 4/10, and occurs intermittently. Frequent urination occurs every thirty minutes or less, with an inability to hold urine. Shortness of breath has been worsening over the past two months, and the patient has COPD and chronic asthmatic bronchitis. The sore throat began yesterday. Numbness is described as a light tingling sensation in the hands extending to the elbows. Elbow pain, particularly in the inner elbow, extends to the middle finger and has been present for one to two weeks. The patient feels hungry but also bloated and full, with weight gain from 174 to 182 pounds over the past two weeks. Fatigue and weakness are also reported. The patient experiences chest pain radiating to the arm or jaw, sudden shortness of breath, and nausea or vomiting. Past medical history includes osteoarthritis, degenerative disease, depression, PTSD, panic disorder, high blood pressure, and uterine fibroids. Medications include Amlodipine Besylate 5mg, Symbicort, Albuterol, Vitafusion Vitamin B gummy vitamins, sea moss, black seed oil, ashwagandha, and burdock root. The patient also smokes weed and cigarettes. Additionally, the patient reports blurry vision.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, several potential conditions could be contributing to your current health issues:

  • Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Your high blood pressure could be contributing to several of your symptoms, including dizziness, lightheadedness, and shortness of breath. High blood pressure can also lead to complications such as heart disease, which might explain your chest pain and palpitations.

    • Treatment: Management typically involves lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, and medications like Amlodipine Besylate, which you are already taking.
  • COPD and Chronic Asthmatic Bronchitis: These conditions can cause shortness of breath, especially during physical activities. The worsening of your symptoms over the past two months suggests that your COPD or bronchitis may be exacerbating.

    • Treatment: Inhalers like Symbicort and Albuterol are commonly used to manage symptoms. Avoiding smoking and other lung irritants is crucial.
  • Tinnitus: The constant ringing in your head could be a sign of tinnitus, which can be associated with hearing loss or other ear-related issues.

    • Treatment: Management may involve addressing underlying conditions, using sound therapy, or medications.
  • Gastrointestinal Issues: The abdominal pain, bloating, and frequent urination could be related to gastrointestinal issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or a urinary tract infection (UTI).

    • Treatment: Dietary changes, hydration, and possibly antibiotics for a UTI may be recommended.
  • Peripheral Neuropathy: The numbness and tingling in your limbs could be due to peripheral neuropathy, which can be caused by various factors, including diabetes, even if you have tested negative for it previously.

    • Treatment: Managing underlying conditions, physical therapy, and medications to relieve nerve pain.
  • Menopause: Hormonal changes during menopause can lead to various symptoms, including weight gain, bloating, and changes in hunger.

    • Treatment: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and lifestyle modifications may help manage symptoms.
  • Mental Health Conditions: Depression, PTSD, and panic disorder can contribute to physical symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

    • Treatment: Therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes can help manage these conditions.

What you can do

  1. Consult Your Doctor: Given the complexity and severity of your symptoms, it's crucial to consult with your healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate testing.
  2. Monitor Blood Pressure: Keep track of your blood pressure regularly and follow your doctor's advice on managing it.
  3. Lifestyle Changes: Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption. Engage in regular physical activity and maintain a balanced diet.
  4. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help with bloating and frequent urination.
  5. Medication Adherence: Continue taking your prescribed medications as directed and discuss any concerns with your doctor.
  6. Mental Health Support: Seek support for your mental health conditions through therapy, support groups, or counseling.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe chest pain or pressure, especially if it radiates to your arm or jaw
  • Sudden onset of severe shortness of breath
  • Persistent or worsening dizziness and lightheadedness
  • Severe abdominal pain or blood in your stool
  • Sudden changes in vision or severe headaches

Remember, while this information can help guide you, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan.

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11 mo ago

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People Also Ask


What could be causing the constant ringing in my head?

The constant ringing in your head could be a sign of tinnitus, which is often associated with hearing loss or other ear-related issues. Management may involve addressing underlying conditions, using sound therapy, or medications.


How can I manage my shortness of breath with COPD and chronic asthmatic bronchitis?

Shortness of breath with COPD and chronic asthmatic bronchitis can be managed with inhalers like Symbicort and Albuterol. It's also crucial to avoid smoking and other lung irritants, and to follow your healthcare provider's advice on managing these conditions.


What might be the reason for my frequent urination and abdominal pain?

Frequent urination and abdominal pain could be related to gastrointestinal issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or a urinary tract infection (UTI). Dietary changes, staying hydrated, and possibly antibiotics for a UTI may be recommended.


How can my mental health conditions affect my physical symptoms?

Mental health conditions like depression, PTSD, and panic disorder can contribute to physical symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes can help manage these conditions and improve overall well-being.


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