Hi, desperate for some guidance! For almost 4 months I have had a persistent cough and have been bringing up mucus. I have also had sharp stabbing pains on the left side of my chest when coughing and breathing deeply in and just in general my chest aches. I have had difficulty breathing and shortness of breath, to the extent I have collapsed. My chest makes a very strangle crackling noise when breathing in and out. More recently I have been feeling light headed, dizzy and my vision occasionally has been going blurry.
I have visited the doctors numerous times over the last 4 months and have been prescribed 6 sets of anti botics, 2 sets of steroids and numerous different inhalers, none of which made any difference. I have also had 3 blood tests, none of which have shown any infection or bacteria. I have also had a mucus test which also did not show any infection or bacteria. I visited the a&e department for a chest x-ray last week that showed 'streaky shadowing in the left lower zone and at the left costophrenic angle with loss of volume'. I was told I have pneumonia, and sent away with yet another set of anti botics. After a week with getting worse than better I returned to the a&e department where another blood test showed no infection. I have now been told it isn't pneumonia and they are clueless to what it could be and I will need to see a specialist for further tests. The a&e department have now refereed me to a lung specialist and said I should hear back within 10 days.
I am a female, 20 years old and a non smoker. I haven't traveled prior to becoming unwell. Has anyone experienced anything similar or know of what it could be?
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ruth1994
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So sorry to hear that you are having such a difficult time at the moment, I know how scary it is not knowing what is wrong. The good news is that they are finally taking the situation seriously and have referred you to a lung specialist.
There are hundreds of lung diseases out there and diagnosing exactly what your problem is can only be done by a specialist using lung function tests, and CT scans. Certainly your story is very similar to mine with severe shortness of breath and coughing (you can read more of my journey in my profile). I was eventually diagnosed with an Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) of which there are over a hundred variations of this type of lung disease alone.
The important thing for you right now is to obtain an accurate diagnosis of what the problem is so if you haven't heard from the hospital within the agreed time then chase the appointment. The pains in your chest could simply be as a result of all the coughing and the strain on your chest muscles.
Don't push yourself too much for now, if you're struggling to breathe then stop until you feel better, and ultimately, if things get worse or you are frightened by your symptoms then you should seek medical help.
I hope you get some answers very soon. Keep us updated because the more information we can share about our journey's the more this can also help others in the future who may be searching for answers as well.
Take care, Jackie
I agree with Jackie and that was a great reply. I think they need to do a CT scan on you and maybe even an MRI scan too. You shouldn't be having these sort of problems when so young so push them for more tests and answers. x
Could be plaursy or like others say 100 n 1 things but pain is from coughing i suspect but given angle stuf you can get pain there.
Ad try not to worry as half battle is geting to see specialist
Am sure if was serious hospital would of admitted you there and then
Everyone here will try to help the best they can . Theres much experience And knowledge combined. You can't beat that combo. Plus, their the nicest both of people you'll ever meet.
First I would want to ask you if you feel any better at all. I agree the pain could very well be from coughing. The dizziness could be from hyperventilating. If your nervous, it happens. I also agree with D3nis that if it was something serious between the blood
work and the x-ray they would have admitted you. If you dont get anywhere with the specialist , you should look else where for a dr. Let us know how you make out. Or if you just want to chat, we're here
Hi, I'm so glad you're now referred to a specialist. A CT scan as Coughalot says will really show what's going on in your lungs.
I cannot add to the previous helpful replies except to say that, whilst waiting for you appointment take the opportunity to build up your immune system which will be depleted. A multivit and mineral, daily vitamin c with zinc - effervesant 3 for 2 in boots, put in a large glass of water so you also build up your fluid intake which helps to keep the mucus more fluid and easier to shift. Also some extra Vitamin D3 (very cheap).
If you get breathless look on YouTube for 'pursed lip breathing' exercises, these will help.
As the others say, if your appointment doesn't come chase it up, sometimes it helps if you can actually get into the department and ask at the desk if you get nowhere by ringing to ensure you're on their system.
The sooner they find out what is going on the sooner you can get the right medication to manage whatever it us. In the meantime, stay away from damp, mould, smoke, smelly chemicals, people with coughs n colds and pollution - cover your mouth & nose fir protection. Better to breath in through nose n out through the mouth.
Hope this helps until you see that specialist. All the best to you. P
I do not have any medical knowledge, only personnel experience of my conditions. Your last comment "I haven't travelled prior to becoming unwell. " Does that mean you have been flying? I came down with a similar thing after flying. It was never proven but I found that the airline do not clean their air in their short haul planes. This can also happen in offices that do not clean their air con.
Hi ruth1994. You are on the right track by being referred to a consultant. That is where you go armed with lots of questions to ask about why these things are happening and also, if the consultant does not mention it at the time, you are best to ask for a CT scan, an x-ray will not give a clear enough picture. As has been said earlier, push for the appointment if you don't hear soon. We have all followed this path and we all have varied lung conditions and symptoms and stages but once you know what is wrong and how it can be helped then you will feel less anxious and more in control. You could even ask the consultant or your own GP if there is a respiratory nurse you could see when you get any problems. As long as you ask these things, you stand a chance of getting help. I wish you all the best and don't worry too much as there is lots of help for you and just remember to ask for it. Sometimes GPs and consultants may only act if you ask, unfortunately! stillmovin xx
There is a lung condition called bronchientasis which is a widening of the airways it comes under the umbrella of copd the condition can happen to anyone any age it makes you produce tons of mucus moving it can cause straining and pain try to find more information on line about it
People generally would be better to not search elsewhere on line for information about Bronchiectasis or any other lung condition. Wait until you have a proper clinical diagnosis and then use BLF, and both this Community and the BLF helpline to get the help and information that you need.
If you gad about the net you will fill your head full of erroneous information, such as Bronchiectasis being part of COPD, and worry yourself sick with stress. Rib
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