Dizziness, Chest Tightness, and Nausea: Possible Causes

Q: Dizziness, Chest Tightness, and Nausea: Possible Causes

Hello： Based on the symptoms you described, since you have already undergone cardiac and thoracic examinations, it is suspected that the issue may be related to the esophagus or stomach. <br>The most common condition is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), characterized by a b

I've been feeling dizzy these past few days, with nausea and tightness in my chest?

Last night, I suddenly felt very dizzy and weak in my limbs, so I immediately lay down to rest.
While lying down, I felt much better, but my limbs still felt weak.
I rested like this until the next day, and my condition improved quite a bit.
However, for the past two days, I've been feeling unusually thirsty, so I've been drinking a lot of water.
Sometimes, I experience a slight stabbing pain in the left side of my chest where my heart is located, and during meals, I also feel a tightness in the center of my chest.
This sensation is more pronounced when I breathe, and occasionally, I have a sudden urge to vomit, but it’s not very intense.
Usually, the feeling of nausea lasts only a few seconds and does not occur continuously.
At night, I often feel like I have phlegm, and I have also noticed a sudden weight loss of one kilogram over the past two days.

Doctor, could these symptoms indicate heat exhaustion? What could be the cause of the tightness in my chest during meals? I had an echocardiogram, a 24-hour Holter monitor, and an X-ray done in early March this year, and the doctor said everything looked fine.

Zhang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/08/04

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello: Based on the symptoms you described, since you have already undergone cardiac and thoracic examinations, it is suspected that the issue may be related to the esophagus or stomach.
The most common condition is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), characterized by a burning sensation in the chest and a tendency to feel nauseous, especially after eating or when lying down.
Additionally, gastritis or ulcers could also be possible.
These conditions can be difficult to differentiate based solely on symptoms.
It is recommended that you consult a gastroenterologist to arrange for an upper endoscopy and an abdominal ultrasound for preliminary screening.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2016/08/04

More Info

Understanding dizziness, chest tightness, and nausea can be quite complex, as these symptoms can stem from a variety of underlying conditions. Based on your description, it appears that you have experienced a sudden onset of dizziness and weakness, which improved somewhat with rest but left you feeling persistently fatigued and experiencing other symptoms like thirst, chest discomfort, and occasional nausea.
Firstly, dizziness can be caused by several factors, including dehydration, low blood sugar, anxiety, or even vestibular disorders. Given that you mentioned increased thirst and a recent weight loss, it’s essential to consider the possibility of dehydration or an electrolyte imbalance, especially if you have not been consuming enough fluids. Dehydration can lead to dizziness and weakness, as it affects blood volume and circulation.
Chest tightness, particularly if it is accompanied by pain, can be concerning. While it may be related to gastrointestinal issues such as acid reflux or gastritis, it is crucial to rule out cardiac causes, especially since you have a history of heart evaluations that were normal. However, symptoms like sharp pain in the chest, especially if it radiates to the arm or jaw, or is associated with shortness of breath, should prompt immediate medical attention.
The sensation of tightness in the chest during meals could be related to esophageal spasms or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach acid irritates the esophagus, causing discomfort. This can sometimes mimic cardiac pain, which is why it is essential to differentiate between the two.
Your mention of feeling phlegm at night could suggest post-nasal drip or a respiratory issue, which might also contribute to your overall discomfort. If you are experiencing nausea, even if it is brief, it could be related to gastrointestinal distress or anxiety, both of which can manifest physically.

Given your symptoms and the fact that you have undergone cardiac evaluations recently, it would be prudent to consult with a healthcare provider to further investigate these symptoms. They may recommend additional tests, such as blood tests to check for dehydration, electrolyte levels, or even a stress test to ensure that your heart is functioning well under exertion.
In summary, while your symptoms could potentially relate to a benign cause such as dehydration or gastrointestinal issues, they warrant a thorough evaluation to rule out more serious conditions. It is always better to err on the side of caution, especially when it comes to symptoms that involve the heart and chest. Please consider reaching out to your healthcare provider for a comprehensive assessment and tailored advice based on your specific situation.

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