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Hello, I Suffer From Gerd And Health Anxiety . I

Posted on Sun, 22 Mar 2020

Question: Hello, I suffer from gerd and health anxiety. I cough and have to clear my throat daily. Since Thursday when I clear my throat or cough I get this massive pressure in the back of my neck and head. I just don’t feel right. I feel very spaced out like I’m going to fall over or pass out. Now I’m afraid of doing anything that will put any strain on me. Don’t know why this has started suddenly. Is this serious? Will this pass? Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Anders Mark Christensen (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Sounds completely benign

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

I am sorry to hear about your troubles. It is very unlikely that your coughing has led to some serious medical condition. Do you drink plenty of water? Any pain other than in your neck? Any fever?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Anders Mark Christensen (1 hour later)

Hello, no I don’t have a fever and I drink some water but probably not enough

Answered by Dr. Anders Mark Christensen (2 days later)

Brief Answer:
How are you now?

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

Sorry for my delayed reply. How are you now? Anything changed regarding your neck pain or dizziness?

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Anders Mark Christensen (2 hours later)

The tension comes and goes in its severity. I just coughed a couple of times and felt very dizzy and lightheaded like I was about to pass out. I didn’t thankfully. It was definitely scary. This just started last week on Thursday. I have read it could be syncope, but don’t want to self diagnose.

Answered by Dr. Anders Mark Christensen (21 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Sounds like dehydration

Detailed Answer:
Hi again,

It sounds like dehydration, and syncope may be a symptom of this. I suggest you drink at least 2.5 liters of water daily and see if it helps. If it does not get better within the next few days, further evaluation is needed. Do write back to me as well.

Best wishes.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Anders Mark Christensen (17 hours later)

Hello, yesterday afternoon and last night I did not have the problem. Today it’s back again unfortunately. I can’t tell if it’s anxiety or something else. My neck and the lower part of the back of my scalp are so tight and tense. Every time I clear my throat it cough it makes it worse. When I walk my head feels ty heavy like I’m going to tip over. Then I get shortness of breath, which is probably the anxiety.

Answered by Dr. Anders Mark Christensen (2 days later)

Brief Answer:
Wait and watch

Detailed Answer:
Hi again XXXXXXX

If you haven't passed out or experience a gradual worsening of the headache you can try and ride it out with plenty of water and OTC painkillers. The shortness of breath sounds like the anxiety, as you suggest.

Please let me know if you have further questions.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj