Advice required please: I have the following physical symptoms, does anyone know what might be the problem?

Question

Hi there, I know this yahoo answers service is no substitute for medical advice but i just thought i would run the following symptoms by you to see if anyone could either relate to them or if someone knew what these symptoms were pointing to. Thanks

My symptoms:

Anxiety/panic attacks/sense of dread and fear (the anxiety has caused me to have physical symptoms such as lethargy, difficulty breathing, an irregular heartbeat, hyperventilation etc)

I have a sensation of something being in my sternum area (in the centre of the chest, in line with the navel but located under both pectorals) This sensation is worse in the morning and i don't know, it just feels like something may be under the skin there. This is not painful but concerning.

In the last 3 months or so i have put on over a stone in weight

BP normal however at usually 117-139/75-90.

Feels like restricted nasal passages, esp in morning

Can cause Tachycardia or Brady, dependent on situation,

add. info below

skipped heartbeats (missed beats then a big one and then back to a regular rhythmn (worst when eating or just having eaten)

Not so often now but waking up in the night gasping for air, a breathe

hypochondria and former agoraphobia (not so bad now though as i do go out)

bad breathe even after extensive brushing of teeth

sometimes headaches accompanied

Can you tell me what you think this may be before i go to the docs if u havw any idea and if you are in the medical profession, more the better. Anyone who knows anything about any of the above i have mentioned would be sincerely appreciated

My main worry though is that feeling i get in my sternum region, like there is something there under the skin. Any ideas? Cheers

also need to ask could this feeling of something in my sternuk region by any of the following (takin into consideration my other symptoms)

1. An abdominal or thoracic aneurysm
2. Any form of cancer

i say again it is located centre of the chest in line with navel but higher, just under pectorals and below rib cage

Answer 1

Sounds like you suffer from panic attacks. I used to have the same symptoms. I even woke up once with a rapidly beating heart all sweaty. I thought I was having a heart attack! I also feel "squeezing" in the heart area. I consulted a doctor and he made me wear a heart monitor for 24 hours. He found my heartbeat to be fine and diagnosed me in having panic/anxiety attacks for which he suggested Yoga. It works fine in clearing my mind and helping me deal with everyday stress. I suggest you look into Yoga as well to relieve your symptoms. However, I still advise you to at least be examined by your doctor.

Answer 2

Everything you have written points to excessive anxiety. Anxiety can produce a wide range of scary and debilitating symptoms.
I suggest you go to your doctor , get a check up to exclude any possible physical causes, then ask for some counselling to help you with your anxiety.
Remember, when these symptoms come on, they WILL NOT harm you, so try to sit or lie down and do some relaxation.

It sounds as though you are a sensitive person, a hard worker and a constant worrier!

You don't have to suffer with these symptoms....get help now.

Best wishes.

Answer 3

The physical symptoms are associated with the panic attacks. The other symptom of weight gain could be due depression, which sometimes goes along with the attacks.

The nasal problem could be allergies. Take a good look at what you eat daily, what is in your bedroom, etc. If you eat something that you are allergic to, it would give nasal symptoms as you described. Also, if you are allergic to dust, keep your bedroom free of it and wash your sheets weekly in very hot water. Allow no pets to sleep on your bed.

Answer 4

The anziety and panic attacks could be symptoms of extreme stress.
Reflexology is a very good therapy to relieve the panic attacks as well as the other symptoms you have. Non-invasive therapy which allows the body to heal itself. It can't do you any harm and would probably give you instant relief.
I hope this helped.

Answer 5

Regardless of if it is depression or anxiety or some physical ailment, see your doc and have him evaluate you. The worst thing that could happen is he could run test. Even though it sounds like depression / anxiety you would hate to find out there is a hardware problem! Secondly, don't get yourself too worked up about it. By that I mean when you feel that impending doom feeling coming on try to talk yourself down.

Answer 6

Well, one have you seen a doctor about your symptoms? And two in the beginning It sounded like nervous attaches. To remind you I'm not a doctor so I don't know everything so this all I have. I hope it helped.

Answer 7

Yep, you tick all the boxes for anxiety / depression. The nasal passages may be a sleep disorder - you can get a steroid spray which can help with this. Write your symptoms down and give them to your GP.

Answer 8

Sounds like IBS to me.....it's a strange thing because irritable bowels can show symptoms you wouldn't expect for instance pains down your arms etc.
Another thing it could be is acid reflux

Answer 9

Depression, not enough exercise, and if you smoke, you should try cutting down. Too much tea, coffee or alcohol can cause palpitations. All the same, you should explain all your symptoms to your doctor.

Answer 10

sounds like you are suffering from anxiety and panic attacks. the feeling of something being in your sternum is also related to to the anxiety and as you are worrying about what it could be it just makes everything worse. its weird how it just ll turns in to a big vicious circle