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Mysterious shortness of breath: What has helped you?
Lung Health | Last Active: Oct 23 10:20am | Replies (3405)Comment receiving replies
Hello everyone
I am desperate with a problem that I have had for about seven months. I have a throat problem with frequent swellings, weekly episodes of shortness of breath, and a feeling of plugged ears. Medical tests indicate that there is a problem with my immune system. Eosinophils are very high (4700) and I have a history of over ten years of skin allergies. I think these allergies have now mutated into my body, causing the symptoms I describe. Doctors in Colombia have not been able to help me. Tests also indicate that I have chronic gastritis and gastric reflux laryngitis. I have been prescribed proton pump inhibitors, allergy pills like cetirizine and loratadine, but the symptoms are getting worse. I am desperate because I feel that in one of these episodes of shortness of breath, something serious may happen to me. The feeling of a lump in the throat is exasperating, as well as the sensation of having wounds. When the inflammation and the sensation of wounds in the throat is strong, I get muscle aches in the neck and shoulders. I cannot speak for more than half an hour at a time because the sensation of inflammation is unbearable. I had endoscopy and nasolaryngoscopy, but they only show a little swelling.
no tumors or bumps have been found. Please, I need help, I don't know what to do or what treatment can help me. I have lab test results that I can share. (Although they are in Spanish, I don't think there is any difficulty in interpreting them). Thank you very much for your collaboration and God bless you.
Replies to "Hello everyone I am desperate with a problem that I have had for about seven months...."
@jorgeolmedom- I'd also like to welcome you to Mayo Clinic Connect. We are patients helping other patients. I certainly empathize with you. You seem to be having a lot of symptoms that do need to be dealt with. First, let me tell you that unless you have a heart problem or other very serious organ problems you won't die from being short of breath.
How long ago did you have an endoscopy? The throat is a small area and any swelling will hurt a lot. Also, there are nerve endings there so it might also feel worse.
Can you get to another part of your Country or come to the US? Also, have you been tested for COVID-19?
Hello,
Sorry your symptoms are very strong.
Wondering if you could have environmental allergies?
Have you seen an ear, nose and throat doctor?
I don’t know much about medicine in Columbia, but symptoms are symptoms.
Years ago I had the lump in the throat feeling. It was due to allergies, and sinus problems that I have to this day.
I use allergy Rx almost daily. The stuffed ear symptom needs to be seen by an ear specialist.
Do you have carpet in your house, animals?
I do not have acid reflex, but my dad did for over 40 years. He had bouts of ulcers, and would take antibiotics, and an over the counter medicine called Gavisgon, not sure of spelling.
As for the skin, are you sensitive to insect bites?
I get contact dermatitis, usually from insects. I get hives also, it’s due to stress. Does your skin itch a lot?
Something as simple as the dye in clothes, or elastic touching the skin can have allergic reactions.
Columbia is a warm weather country, with mountains, so the insect theory is a possibility.
You did not mention your age, so was wondering about that? Do you smoke or drink alcohol?
Are you able to travel to America to see an American doctor?
Medical education is different across the world.
Let me know if this information is helpful.
Funcountess
I had another thought, could your symptoms start because of mold?
There are many kinds of mold that cause allergies, and lung/breathing problems. Do you live near water?
Funcountess
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Hi @jorgeolmedom and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! I understand you have had a difficult 7 months trying to identify what is happening with your health and arrive at a diagnosis and care plan to improve your symptoms and quality of life.
You will notice that I have moved your post to another discussion to allow you to connect with members like @gabrielm @chrisdh5 @jenniferhunter @merpreb and @tonyagregg who have all had experience in some or all facets of your current symptoms who may be able to help you.
You said that the medication you are on is not helping and your symptoms have become worse. Have you consulted again recently with your care team to let them know of your current status and continuing health concerns?