Suggest treatment for fullness in the abdomen, heart burn and joint pain with shortness of breath
Patient: I guess I was raised to fear the label of malingerer more than that of recently deceased. Over the span of a few days the following symptoms have been intermittent but persistent: distention and full feeling of upper abdomen, burning in chest (heartburn), mild pain in left jaw, neck, shoulder and arm. Some swelling of face and hands, shortness of breath. Was recently treated for pneumonia but cough and congestion still a problem. I am just wondering at what point does this become emergency? I am a 44 year old female. Doctor: Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic. I can understand your situation and problem. By your history and description, possibility of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and bronchitis is more. GERD causes micro aspiration and this can aggravate bronchitis and cause breathlessness.Your heart burn, upper abdominal discomfort etc are due to GERD. So proper control of GERD is needed in your case. So avoid stress and tension. Avoid hot and spicy food. Avoid junk food. Start proton pump inhibitors and prokinetic drugs. Go for walk after meals. For bronchitis you should first get done PFT (Pulmonary Function Test). This will also tell you about severity of the disease. And treatment of bronchitis is based on severity only. You may need inhaled bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). So consult doctor and discuss all these. Hope I have solved your query. Wish you good health. Thanks.