Shortness of Breath, Chest Pain, and Kidney Issues

Shortness of breath, chest pain, and kidney issues?

Hello, doctor: Regarding the issue mentioned in my title, I have read some previous posts from others, but I still can't quite understand the cause of my symptoms.
I have been living an irregular lifestyle; I am a student and sometimes go to bed past midnight, and my meal times are often a bit later than normal.
Recently, I have been experiencing sudden sharp pain in my heart, which radiates to my back.
It lasts for a while and then goes away, but if I don't feel the sharp pain, I often have difficulty breathing and need to take deep breaths to feel better.
Sometimes I feel faint, and there have been instances where I suddenly experienced a blackout while walking, but it resolved quickly.
Is this serious? My dad says it might be because I don't exercise.
Is that true?
Additionally, I previously had sudden severe pain in my kidneys.
I went to the hospital for a urine test, and the doctor said there was blood in my urine and that I had kidney inflammation.
I was prescribed medication, which the doctor said was likely due to holding in my urine.
After a few days, my friend advised me not to continue taking the medication, so I stopped, but since then, my legs have been swollen.
The swelling has persisted for quite a while; I wake up without swelling in the morning, but by the afternoon, my calves swell and become painful and hard.
What should I do? It feels like my whole body is falling apart...
Moreover, I have a history of allergies; when I don't exercise and my immune system weakens, my skin easily reacts, leading to atopic dermatitis.
I have so many issues.
I apologize for the trouble, and I appreciate your response! Thank you!

danxin de ren, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/03/15

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology

Dear Concerned Individual,
The issues you mentioned, such as chest tightness and difficulty breathing, may be caused by mitral valve prolapse leading to hyperventilation, which can result in dizziness.
Low blood pressure could also be a contributing factor.
Your friend's comment about kidney inflammation may be misleading; if you do not complete a full course of treatment, there is a risk of recurrence or developing drug resistance.
There are many potential causes for lower extremity edema, and you may be experiencing problems with different organs.
We recommend that you seek medical attention as soon as possible to determine the underlying cause.
Thank you for your message.
Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being.

Reply Date: 2006/03/15

More Info

It sounds like you're experiencing a complex set of symptoms that could be interconnected, and it's important to address these issues with a healthcare professional. Let's break down your concerns regarding shortness of breath, chest pain, kidney issues, and overall health.

Shortness of Breath and Chest Pain
The symptoms of shortness of breath and chest pain, especially if they are sharp and radiate to your back, can be concerning. These symptoms may indicate a variety of conditions, ranging from anxiety and panic attacks to more serious cardiovascular issues. Given that you mentioned feeling faint and experiencing episodes of blacking out, it is crucial to consider the possibility of cardiovascular problems, especially if you have risk factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, or family history of heart disease.

Kidney Issues
You also mentioned having kidney pain and blood in your urine, which suggests a potential kidney infection or other renal issues. Kidney inflammation (often referred to as nephritis) can lead to symptoms such as pain, swelling, and changes in urination. The fact that you experienced swelling in your legs could indicate fluid retention, which is often associated with kidney dysfunction. It's essential to follow up on this with a nephrologist (kidney specialist) to assess your kidney function through blood tests (like creatinine and BUN) and possibly imaging studies.

Lifestyle Factors
Your lifestyle choices, such as irregular sleep patterns and lack of exercise, can significantly impact your overall health. Poor sleep can lead to increased stress levels, which may exacerbate anxiety and cardiovascular symptoms. Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to weight gain, poor cardiovascular health, and decreased muscle strength, which may explain some of your symptoms like shortness of breath during physical activity.

Allergies and Skin Conditions
You mentioned having a history of allergies and atopic dermatitis (eczema). Allergies can indeed affect your overall health, especially if they lead to chronic inflammation. When your immune system is constantly activated due to allergies, it can lead to fatigue and a general feeling of malaise. Managing your allergies through avoidance of triggers and possibly medication can help improve your overall well-being.

Recommendations
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Given your symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath, and kidney issues, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. These could be signs of serious conditions that require prompt evaluation.

2. Regular Check-ups: Once you are stabilized, regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are essential. This includes monitoring your kidney function, cardiovascular health, and managing any chronic conditions.

3. Lifestyle Modifications: Consider adopting a healthier lifestyle. This includes regular physical activity, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and maintaining a regular sleep schedule. These changes can significantly improve your overall health and help manage symptoms.

4. Mental Health Support: If you are experiencing anxiety or stress, consider speaking with a mental health professional. They can provide strategies to manage anxiety, which may help alleviate some of your physical symptoms.

5. Medication Management: If you have been prescribed medications for your kidney issues or any other conditions, it's important to take them as directed. Discuss any concerns about medications with your healthcare provider before stopping them.

In summary, your symptoms warrant a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional. Do not hesitate to seek help, as early intervention can lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life. Your health is paramount, and addressing these issues now can prevent more serious complications in the future.

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