Dr. Vandana Andrews
General Practitioner
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
Answered by
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Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I have been experiencing chest pain for over three months, primarily localized to a small area on the left side near the center of my chest. Additionally, I have felt discomfort in other regions of my chest, including the right side, and occasionally experience random pains throughout my body. I have been a regular smoker of both cigarettes and marijuana for years. However, the onset of this pain coincided with my introduction of salt nicotine in my vaping routine. Despite the passage of three months, the pain fluctuates in intensity but never entirely dissipates. Moreover, I have noticed the presence of dark green phlegm originating deep within my throat and chest. Despite these symptoms, I continue to smoke.
I am seeking your guidance and expertise to help decipher this situation. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Please advise.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I read your query and understand your concern.
From your account, it appears you might be grappling with a pulmonary issue, possibly chronic bronchitis or emphysema, stemming from prolonged smoking and vaping habits. Chronic bronchitis is typified by consistent coughing and mucus secretion, whereas emphysema entails deterioration of lung air sacs, leading to breathlessness and chest discomfort. Your ongoing chest pain could emanate from these conditions or potentially other factors like cardiac ailments or acid reflux. Immediate medical evaluation is crucial to pinpoint the exact etiology of your symptoms and devise an effective treatment strategy. Diagnostic measures, including chest X-rays, pulmonary function tests, and blood analyses, may be recommended by your healthcare provider. Furthermore, abstaining from smoking and vaping is paramount to mitigate symptom progression and safeguard lung health.
Diagnostic Approach:
1. Physical examination: A comprehensive evaluation encompassing symptom analysis and medical history review.
2. Blood investigations: Assesses kidney function and identifies potential underlying conditions.
3. Imaging: Utilizing X-rays, CT scans, or ultrasounds to visualizeabdominal and pelvic organs.
Treatment guidelines:
1. Medications: Antibiotics might be administered for addressing urinary or bacterial infections, coupled with analgesics for pain management.
2. Hydration: Adequate fluid consumption aids in thwarting dehydration and facilitates kidney stone passage.
3. Dietary modifications: Tweaking your diet, such as curtailing salt or augmenting fluid intake, might be advocated to address fluid retention or kidney-related concerns.
4. Surgical interventions: If necessitated, surgical procedures could be contemplated to eliminate sizable kidney stones or manage other medical complexities.
Adhering meticulously to your healthcare provider's directives and promptly communicating any symptom alterations is imperative.
Please be mindful of any food allergies when considering these suggestions.
Feel free to follow up if you have any further questions.
Thank you.
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General Practitioner
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