breathing and chest pains

If you have any questions on respiratory health, other than those listed below, please post them here.

Moderator: talkhealth

Locked
4 posts
blackpanther
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Apr 16, 2015 12:07 am
Quote

by blackpanther on Thu Apr 16, 2015 12:25 am

breathing and chest pains

For at least the past 10 years and possibly longer I have had pain on breathing which in the past two to three years has worsened. Not being one to trouble the doctor I left it until I was diagnosed in 2013 with HHT and as part of than also a PAVM which I have been told is a small one.
After my diagnosis I decided to sort out the breathing as it was more noticeable to me and simple tasks like walking up stairs were more tiring. I was refered to the asthma clinic and for 14 months had five different types of inhalers to use and at onepoint was on tablets. None of these made any difference andi was refered back to my GP. After 6 months I finally had an appointment 3weeks ago and was informed that it was not asthma but as I was feeling tired a lot of the time and I have the HHT to take a course of iron tablets and if they did not make a difference then I may be refered after a blood test which is not for anothr two weeks. The tablets have made the pains worse were at points this week there have been sharp pains on breathing in and out and a constant feeling that my chest is being crushed or has been taped up so it cannot be expanded.
I dont believe that this is normal and I am unsure of what the right thing is to do when I next speak to the GP should I ask specifically for a referal as the GP said he was not sure on what to do on my last visit and it is now starting to make me worry as it has been going on for so long

User avatar
Dr Helen Webberley
Posts: 96
Joined: Wed Apr 08, 2015 10:31 am
Quote

by Dr Helen Webberley on Thu Apr 16, 2015 9:23 am

Re: breathing and chest pains

Hello, it is difficult becasue your symptoms don't really fit with one particular diagnosis, and I expect this is why your GP is struggling to give you an answer.

The good thing from the medical point of view (but not so good for you) is that generally things that have been going on the same for a long time rarely are due to any nasty (or remedial) cause.

I am not sure that even a referral would give you the answers you are looking for. Sometimes we see funny, odd things that are unpleasant for patients, but not life-threatening or worrying from a medical point of view.

You say you are beginning to worry as it has been going on for so long, but ironically the fact that is has been going on for so long is reassuring to us!

I hope you find the solutions you are looking for. Dr Webberley
Dr Helen Webberley
NHS GP and Director of www.MyWebDoctor.co.uk
MBChB MRCGP MFSRH DipGUM DipIPM
http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... berley.php

User avatar
Vicky Barber
Posts: 18
Joined: Wed Apr 08, 2015 10:34 am
Quote

by Vicky Barber on Fri Apr 17, 2015 11:22 am

Re: breathing and chest pains

Hi please would you clarify HHT

and also what investigations you have had

Best wishes

Vicky
Vicky Barber
Nurse Manager- British Lung Foundation
http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... barber.php

User avatar
Dr Joanna Porter
Posts: 11
Joined: Wed Apr 08, 2015 10:44 am
Quote

by Dr Joanna Porter on Fri Apr 17, 2015 4:32 pm

Re: breathing and chest pains

Dear Black Panther

I am sorry about your symptoms. I agree with Dr Webberley that the duration of the symptoms is reassuring. However, you do say that they have been getting gradually worse. I think that I would want to see full lung function testing and a 6 minute walk test. Presumably you have had some chest scans in the past to make the diagnosis of a pulmonary AV malformation. I would certainly think that your symptoms warrant a referral to a good general respiratory physician who could also excluded cardiac and musculoskeletal causes for the pain. Sorry not to have been more specific and I hope that you get sorted.
Dr Joanna Porter
Medical Director and Clinical Lead of Lung Fibrosis
http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... porter.php

Locked
4 posts