Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar
Pulmonology (Asthma Doctors)
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I am a 34-year-old male. I got COVID-19 one year back, and I am still experiencing pain in my lungs daily (especially in the right one at the top) besides breathlessness. The pain seems to get better after resting and worse when exercising. It extends a bit to the bottom right of my neck. I generally have a rough discomfort in the center top of my chest, which feels dull. It gets worse throughout the day, but it does not stop me from doing my daily activities. This discomfort has been present for a year. Today I had a CT scan, and I would like to know how it looks or if I should have a more thorough in-person evaluation. Thanks in advance.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I can understand your concern.
I have gone through the images you have attached (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity). This CT (computed tomography) looks normal. So no need to worry about any post-COVID complications. Have any tests for checking vitamin D3 and B12, and calcium levels been done? The deficiency of these can also cause similar symptoms.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health.
Thanks.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for your reply. It is very relieving to know that the CT looks normal. Can this be caused by inflammation? I experience this pain every day. These are my levels, I do not have information about calcium levels, but I do have other information that may be useful. I am also attaching my blood test results. Let me know if you need any other information.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I can understand your concern.
I have gone through the reports (attachments are hidden to protect the patient's identity) you have attached. Your vitamin levels are normal. Another possibility is post-infectious bronchitis. Bronchitis (lung inflammation) is common after a lung infection and can cause breathing difficulty, cough, and chest pain. So please let me know if you have any smoking habits. Was any PFT (pulmonary function test) done?
Please reply to the above-asked questions so that I can guide you better.
Wish you good health.
Thanks.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thanks for checking my reports. It is greatly appreciated. I do not smoke, and I did not have any PFT done. Luckily I can perform my daily activities without issue. However, I do notice that my lung capacity is not the same as pre-COVID. Also, exercise seems to make the pain or discomfort worse. I have a very healthy diet, but I am slightly overweight, and I forgot to mention that I had an ultrasound of my chest a couple of days ago, and it came out clear.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
So we need to get PFT (pulmonary function test) to rule out bronchitis. Is it possible for you to get PFT (pulmonary function test) done on your own? Or will you need a prescription?
Revert with answers.
Regards.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for the reply. I am not from a Western country, so a prescription will not be useful for me. I will try to get a pulmonary function test. Also, can this be related to my condition? Two months ago, I had a blood exam, and my Von Willebrand factor and factor VIII were a bit high. I have attached the test interpretations for you to check.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I have gone through the reports (attachments are removed to protect the patient's identity). Yes, hypercoagulation can cause pulmonary embolism, and it can cause similar symptoms. Have you checked your oxygen saturation at rest and on exertion? Do you have any calf pain or discomfort? Another possibility is stress and anxiety-related symptoms. Unknowingly stress and anxiety can also cause similar symptoms. So any stressors in your life like a stressful lifestyle or anxiety?
Please reply to my answers to the above-asked questions so I can better guide you.
Wish you good health.
Thanks.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thanks again. I have checked my oxygen saturation (SpO2), and it is above 96 % at rest. I should try it while exercising. I also had a Doppler ultrasound of both legs and thankfully, it came out clear. Yesterday, I had a new blood test for coagulation and thyroid function, and the results will be available next week. Regarding stress, my breathlessness and chest pain has given me noteworthy levels of anxiety, breath holding time (TBH). I have been considering taking Nattokinase, Serrapeptase, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), garlic, and turmeric supplements. Do you consider this a good idea?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
Fine. It is good that your oxygen saturation is normal at rest. I am sure it will come normal after exertion also. You have to walk for 6 minutes and measure oxygen saturation. It is known as oxygen saturation on exertion. Tell me your oxygen saturation after 6 minutes of walking. I still feel your breathlessness is psychological due to stress and anxiety. And no need to take both Nattokinase and Serrapeptase. You can take either. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), garlic, and turmeric are good supplements for the lungs.
Please reply to the above-asked questions so that I can guide you better.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health.
Thanks.
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