[58F] Experiencing shortness of breath, wheezing, and dizziness

Patient Description

A 58-year-old female reports shortness of breath, wheezing, and dizziness that have been present for 3 days. The shortness of breath is rated 5/10 in severity, occurs at rest, during normal walking, and sometimes while talking, and is alleviated by pausing and waiting. The dizziness, described as a spinning sensation, is triggered by getting up from a seated position or tilting the head to the left and back. Additionally, the patient reports dull body aches and chills, similar to a feverish state, but without an elevated temperature. The patient has no known drug allergies, no recent injuries, no chronic illnesses, and is currently taking a statin. No other medications are reported.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, several conditions could be causing your symptoms:

  • Asthma: This is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. The dizziness could be related to the reduced oxygen levels due to difficulty in breathing.

    • Treatment usually involves avoiding triggers and using prescribed medications to prevent and treat attacks.
  • Anemia: This is a condition in which you lack enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body's tissues. This can cause shortness of breath, dizziness, and fatigue.

    • Treatment may include dietary changes, supplements, or in severe cases, blood transfusions.
  • Viral Infection: Viral infections like the flu or COVID-19 can cause body aches, chills, shortness of breath, and dizziness.

    • Treatment usually involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medication to manage symptoms. If you suspect you may have COVID-19, you should get tested as soon as possible.
  • Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): This is a disorder arising in the inner ear. Its symptoms are repeated episodes of positional vertigo, that is, a spinning sensation caused by changes in the position of the head.

    • Treatment usually involves a series of movements to help move the particles in the inner ear.

Please note that these are possibilities and not a definitive diagnosis. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

  1. If you're having difficulty breathing, it's important to seek immediate medical attention.
  2. Try to rest and stay hydrated.
  3. If your symptoms persist or worsen, please seek medical attention.

What you should look out for

  • If your shortness of breath or dizziness worsens
  • If you develop a high fever
  • If you have chest pain or pressure
  • If you have difficulty staying awake or feel unusually confused

Remember, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. This information is intended to be educational and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.

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1 yr ago

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People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of asthma and how is it treated?

Asthma symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. Treatment often involves avoiding triggers and using medications such as inhalers to manage and prevent symptoms.


How can anemia cause shortness of breath and dizziness?

Anemia can cause shortness of breath and dizziness because it results in a lack of healthy red blood cells, which are necessary to carry oxygen to the body's tissues. This can lead to fatigue and other symptoms. Treatment may involve dietary changes, supplements, or blood transfusions in severe cases.


What are the typical symptoms of a viral infection like the flu or COVID-19?

Typical symptoms of viral infections like the flu or COVID-19 include fever, body aches, chills, cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue. COVID-19 may also cause loss of taste or smell. Rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications can help manage symptoms, but testing and medical advice are important if COVID-19 is suspected.


What is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and how is it treated?

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a disorder of the inner ear that causes episodes of vertigo, or a spinning sensation, triggered by changes in head position. Treatment often involves specific head movements, known as the Epley maneuver, to reposition particles in the inner ear.


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