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Can you please check if the oil painting solvent is the cause for my breathing difficulties?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At March 26, 2021
Reviewed AtJune 20, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have breathing difficulties, a fast heartbeat, and chest pain. All the lab tests taken were normal, so doctors said nothing is wrong with me. But it has been two months but still I experience difficulty in breathing with other symptoms. The symptoms are noticeable when I am at rest, but no problem when I do physical activities like exercise. I still feel healthy except for my breathing problems. I am not asthmatic. I am a 20-year-old female. I suspect it could be the solvent for the oil painting I used, which I exposed myself for about two weeks with poor ventilation. Can you help me do the checking about the solvent regarding its toxic substance? Will it cause permanent damage to my respiratory system? And why do other tests could not detect any problem in my lungs, heart, and blood? I am really confused. Will it go away? What should I do to validate what was really happening to me? Or do I need to take another test to diagnose my problem? What does it mean when I am normal to all my results, but I still experience the symptoms?

Answered by Dr. Arul Amuthan L

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com. If you feel difficulty breathing during rest, but it disappears during physical activity, that indicates there may not be any problem with your body. The higher possibility is the exposure to new chemicals (paints). So, it is strongly suggested to go away from that location or avoid the exposure for some time (one week) and check how you feel. This is a simple way to check the cause of the issue. Make good ventilation to the room or home. Usually, these chemicals are volatile, which means they will be washed away with air or proper ventilation. So, gradually the concentration will come down, so you will be normalized. Now, for symptomatic relief, you can use any bronchodilator as a puff or tablet. Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thanks.

I have stopped using it for almost a month. I also do not think it is anxiety. I just do not understand why it is still occurring. And I noticed it at times when it gets worse.

Answered by Dr. Arul Amuthan L

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com. Please observe the period when it is appearing, for example, new room, dust or cold or pollen exposure, any diet intake, using dusty cloth, etc. If you are able to find the aggravating factor, then you will be able to avoid it. Even some foods (fishes, crab, prawns, brinjal, groundnut, bread, etc.) are the triggering factor in some patients. Please observe it.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I figured out I have been overusing my muscles. Could it be a costochondritis to be the other reason why I am still struggling? I also feel like I am Vitamin D deficient or other vitamins as well but I am not taking any test to confirm it. Since the pandemic started I never go outside for sunlight. However I wanted to try and take multivitamins with minerals. I checked Enervon Activ and it contains Vitamin D with 200 UI. Is it enough to aid my deficiency? Or should I buy a vitamin D alone?

Answered by Dr. Arul Amuthan L

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com. Excess muscular or joint activity may lead to muscle pain or tiredness. In this case, you can observe the pain only in the overused muscle or joints. In such case try NSAIDs (simple is Paracetamol or Aspirin), the pain goes away for at least six hours. Once the drug action is over, then the pain reappears. At the same time, the above drugs aggravate asthma (lung issues). Vitamin D and Calcium deficiency may also show the same symptoms. You may continue Enervon Activ for one month. After few doses, you can feel the benefit. Please try these one by one with patience.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have sent the image doctor. Will this aid my deficiency if I take it for a month?

Answered by Dr. Arul Amuthan L

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com. I checked the attached reports (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity). It is a good combination to supplement. But you need to take it continuously for 2 to 3 months, as the ingredients are in less doses, which is good like a food supplement. You will get benefited in a month. Later you can continue for two months depending on the benefit and cost.

Patient's Query

Thank you!
Answered by Dr. Arul Amuthan L
You are welcome

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Arul Amuthan L
Dr. Arul Amuthan L

Pharmacology

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