Cold Symptoms, Diarrhea, and Numbness: A Family Medicine Perspective

Cold, diarrhea, numbness in hands?

Hello, Doctor.
I would like to ask a couple of questions.

Q1: I have had a cold for almost a week, with symptoms including nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, and phlegm in my throat (both the nasal discharge and phlegm are clear).
I visited the doctor twice during this period; my symptoms improved somewhat but did not completely resolve.
Starting on February 16, I began experiencing diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, headache, loss of appetite, and a slight fever (37.4 degrees Celsius).
I went to see a third doctor, who prescribed me an anti-diarrheal medication.
I took one as soon as I got home.
That night, I suddenly had severe abdominal pain and had to go to the bathroom, where I started feeling nauseous and dry heaving, followed by more diarrhea.
The abdominal pain was intense, and I later experienced cold sweats, weakness in my limbs, dizziness, a white-out vision, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and numbness in my hands (my fingers felt stiff, and it was somewhat difficult to make a fist).
After sitting down to rest and regulating my breathing, I felt better.
Q2: When I saw the doctor, they mentioned that my lips were very pale (they have been this way since middle school, and my complexion is also quite pale; my lips remain pale even after climbing stairs or exercising).
The doctor said it did not appear to be anemia but suggested that it might be a heart issue and recommended further testing.
Could this be due to a lack of exercise or sleep, or is it possible that my heart is unable to produce blood, resulting in a pale complexion? I would like to understand why this is happening.
Thank you!

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/02/17

Dr. Chen Taicheng reply Family Medicine

● Abdominal pain may be related to a first-time cold or could be a new symptom.
It is advisable to visit a large hospital's family medicine or gastroenterology department for further evaluation and treatment.
Generally, cold symptoms and gastrointestinal issues will gradually improve within one to two weeks.
● If anemia is suspected, a blood test can be done at the family medicine department.
Iron deficiency anemia is quite common among young women due to menstrual cycles and can be treated.
If it is confirmed that there is no anemia, and there are no issues with exercise tolerance, or symptoms such as shortness of breath or fatigue, and if the lips appear pale, it can be monitored.
If discomfort persists, further evaluation by a cardiologist is recommended.
Wishing you good health, Dr.
Chen Tai-Cheng from Taoyuan Hospital's Family Medicine Department cares for you.

Reply Date: 2017/02/17

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a complex set of symptoms that are causing you significant distress. Let's break down your concerns and explore the potential underlying issues.

Q1: Understanding Your Symptoms
You mentioned that you have been experiencing cold symptoms for almost a week, including nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, and phlegm, which are common signs of a viral upper respiratory infection. The fact that your symptoms improved slightly but did not fully resolve suggests that your body is still fighting off the infection. The onset of diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, headache, and a low-grade fever (37.4°C) indicates that your body may be reacting to something more than just a common cold.

The sudden onset of severe abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea after taking an anti-diarrheal medication could suggest a few possibilities:
1. Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, often caused by viral or bacterial infections. Symptoms can include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever. It’s possible that you contracted a gastrointestinal virus that coincided with your cold symptoms.

2. Medication Reaction: Sometimes, medications can cause gastrointestinal upset, especially if they are not suitable for your specific condition. Anti-diarrheal medications can sometimes worsen symptoms if the underlying cause is an infection that needs to be expelled from the body.

3. Dehydration: The combination of diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration, which can cause symptoms like dizziness, weakness, and cold sweats. It’s crucial to stay hydrated, especially when experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms.

4. Anxiety or Panic Attack: The feelings of dizziness, cold sweats, and numbness in your hands could also be related to anxiety or a panic attack, especially if they occurred after a stressful event or during a particularly uncomfortable episode.

Q2: Pale Lips and Possible Heart Issues
Regarding your pale lips and overall pallor, there are several factors to consider:
1. Anemia: While your doctor mentioned that you do not appear to be anemic, it’s worth noting that anemia can sometimes present with pale skin and lips. A complete blood count (CBC) would help rule this out.

2. Circulatory Issues: Pale lips can also indicate poor circulation or oxygenation. If your heart is not pumping effectively, it can lead to symptoms like paleness, fatigue, and shortness of breath after exertion.

3. Dehydration or Electrolyte Imbalance: If you have been experiencing diarrhea, you may have lost significant fluids and electrolytes, which can affect your circulation and lead to symptoms like weakness and paleness.

4. Lifestyle Factors: Lack of exercise and poor sleep can contribute to overall fatigue and may exacerbate feelings of weakness or paleness. Regular physical activity and adequate sleep are essential for maintaining cardiovascular health and overall well-being.

Recommendations
1. Follow-Up with Your Doctor: Given the complexity of your symptoms, it’s essential to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may recommend further tests, such as blood tests or imaging studies, to assess your heart function and rule out any underlying conditions.

2. Stay Hydrated: Focus on rehydrating your body, especially if you have been experiencing diarrhea. Oral rehydration solutions can be beneficial.

3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, including any changes in your abdominal pain, frequency of diarrhea, and overall energy levels. This information will be valuable for your healthcare provider.

4. Consider Lifestyle Changes: If you are not already, try to incorporate regular physical activity into your routine and prioritize sleep. Both can significantly impact your overall health and energy levels.

5. Seek Immediate Care if Necessary: If you experience worsening symptoms, such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.

In conclusion, your symptoms warrant careful evaluation, and it’s essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying causes and appropriate treatment. Your health is paramount, and addressing these concerns holistically will help you regain your well-being.

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