Your Symptoms: Chest Pain, Dizziness, and More

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Hello Dr.
Hsu Li-An, I have a few questions I would like to ask you.
My first symptom is chest pain and difficulty breathing.
The second symptom is persistent dizziness and a feeling of pressure in my head; I feel dizzy when walking and sometimes I can't tell if I'm dizzy or if my body is swaying.
When I stand, I feel unsteady and tend to sway slightly.
The third symptom is that sometimes food doesn't have much taste, or the flavors are not very strong.
The fourth symptom is a burning sensation throughout my body, and my hands and feet often feel numb.
The fifth symptom is that there is blood when I cough up phlegm.
I had a physical examination on March 3rd while serving in the military, and today I received the report stating that everything is normal.
What could be going on? Am I just worrying too much?

Hun Ying Jiu Meng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/05/04

Dr. Xu Li'an reply Family Medicine

Hello, the items assessed during military service physical examinations are limited and do not necessarily indicate that you are completely healthy.
Since you have so many questions about your health status, I recommend that you visit a family medicine clinic for examination, treatment, or consultation, as a regular physician cannot diagnose or assess your condition remotely.
Otherwise, worrying about these issues all day can make it difficult to enjoy life.
Wishing you a speedy recovery and good health.

Dr.
Hsu Li-An, Hualien Hospital, Family Medicine Department, 950504.

Reply Date: 2006/05/04

More Info

Hello! Thank you for reaching out with your concerns. Based on the symptoms you've described—chest pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness, altered taste, a burning sensation in your limbs, and blood in your sputum—it's essential to approach this situation with caution and thoroughness.

Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Chest Pain and Difficulty Breathing: These symptoms can be indicative of various conditions, ranging from anxiety and panic attacks to more serious cardiovascular issues such as angina or even a heart attack. Given that you mentioned these symptoms occur together, it’s crucial to rule out any cardiac problems, especially if you have risk factors like a family history of heart disease, smoking, or high blood pressure.

2. Dizziness and Instability: Feeling dizzy or unstable can stem from several causes, including inner ear issues (like vestibular disorders), low blood pressure, dehydration, or even anxiety. The sensation of your body swaying could also be linked to anxiety, which can manifest physically in various ways.

3. Altered Taste: Changes in taste can be associated with several factors, including medications, infections, or even neurological conditions. Stress and anxiety can also affect your sensory perceptions, leading to a diminished taste sensation.

4. Burning Sensation and Numbness: The burning feeling in your limbs and the numbness could be related to anxiety, as stress can cause hyperventilation, leading to tingling and numbness. However, it could also indicate nerve issues or other medical conditions, such as diabetes or vitamin deficiencies.

5. Coughing Up Blood: This symptom is particularly concerning and should not be taken lightly. Hemoptysis (coughing up blood) can arise from various causes, including respiratory infections, bronchitis, or more severe conditions like pulmonary embolism or lung cancer. This symptom warrants immediate medical evaluation.

Next Steps
Given the complexity and potential seriousness of your symptoms, I recommend the following steps:
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Since you are experiencing chest pain, difficulty breathing, and coughing up blood, it is crucial to seek emergency medical care. These symptoms could indicate a serious condition that requires prompt evaluation.

2. Comprehensive Evaluation: Once you are in a medical setting, a thorough evaluation should include a physical examination, blood tests, imaging studies (like a chest X-ray or CT scan), and possibly an electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess your heart's function.

3. Discuss Mental Health: If anxiety is a significant factor in your life, it might be beneficial to discuss this with a healthcare provider. Anxiety can exacerbate physical symptoms and lead to a cycle of worry and discomfort. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other forms of counseling can be very effective in managing anxiety.

4. Follow-Up Care: After the initial evaluation, ensure you have a follow-up plan in place. This may involve seeing specialists such as a cardiologist, pulmonologist, or neurologist, depending on the findings.

Conclusion
Your symptoms are concerning and could be indicative of various underlying issues, some of which may require immediate attention. While anxiety can play a significant role in physical symptoms, it is essential to rule out any serious medical conditions first. Please prioritize your health by seeking medical care as soon as possible. Take care, and I hope you find relief and answers soon.

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