[mr_elge]

I feel like I cannot get enough oxygen. I am out of breath when doing even minor activity, but I feel out of breath even when just sitting idle and breathing normally. I also feel light headed and very weak. I also have acid reflux and a headache which hurts my eyes and sinus region. I don't know why but I feel that the acid reflux and the headaches are related to each other. I think I get a headache because of the acid reflux because if I take an over the counter acid reducer my acid reflux will go away but so too does my headache. All of the above mentions symptoms have been going on for about three weeks now and they are so severe I sometimes feel scared that I am going to pass out and die.

Aside from having abused tobacco, I don't drink or take drugs – I eat primarily organic or natural foods. My blood pressure has always been better than normal. I have not lost or gained any weight. I weigh about 185lbs and I am 6' tall. I am male and 42 years old. I smoke and have since I was 8 years old, although I have never smoked more than a pack a day and for the past few weeks have gotten down to a mere few a day as I have been feared into trying for the thousandth time to quit. My last physical was one year ago and I tested negative for all serious illnesses such as HIV, Diabetes, Heart Disease, etc and the doctor didn't mention any problems with my lungs.

My first self diagnosis is that it is obviously related to smoking, but what concerns me is that my symptoms have come on very strongly all of the sudden one day and up until that point I have never had any obvious side effects. I have been lucky.

I guess I assumed any serious problems would have gradually arisen and not become present all at once, which is why I am concerned I have something else going on.

I no longer have insurance and feel scared as I can't go get a physical or a check up and I fear that the next time I get to have any medical attention will be in an emergency room.

I know you can't possibly give me a diagnosis, but I am hoping you could provide some insight into some things that might be going on based on my symptoms. I would be glad to answer any questions you may have.

[Bluerose]

All the test were negative a year ago. I think you may be experiencing an anxiety disorder, something that causes you to over-worry about your health and your lifestyle habits. Reading up on and doing some relaxation might help. We are what we think, and you are going to worry yourself sick unless you take control of your unhealthy, negative thoughts about your health. And yes, even if there is nothing wrong with you, it is possible for worry to cause physical symptoms. You need to relax.

[Wondergirl]

Go to an ER for a diagnosis. I'm thinking anemia, possibly from one or more ulcers. Your symptoms are exactly as mine were in Fall, 2009. If anemia is not the diagnosis, at least doctors will figure out what is going on.