Dizziness, elevated body temperature, rapid heartbeat?
Hello Doctor, I would like to detail my condition and seek your advice on which specialty to consult.
Thank you.
On April 11 and 12, during dinner time, I experienced symptoms suggestive of hypoglycemia, including mild dizziness and palpitations.
Although I had eaten, I still felt unsatisfied and lacked the appetite to eat more.
On April 13, I continuously consumed food to prevent hypoglycemia, but after lunch, while walking back to the office, I suddenly felt dizzy, experienced tinnitus, had a rapid heartbeat, and numbness in my palms.
I felt very uncomfortable while standing and walking.
In the evening, I visited a clinic where my blood pressure was normal, and my ear temperature was 37.2°C.
I was prescribed medication for dizziness.
On April 14 and 15, after taking the dizziness medication with three meals, I developed headaches and elevated body temperature (forehead temperature between 37.2°C and 37.5°C, while my usual temperature is above 36°C).
I felt lightheaded while walking.
On April 16 and 17, I again experienced dizziness, hand numbness, a rapid heartbeat (around 110 bpm, with a constant sensation of my heart pounding), and elevated body temperature, along with recurring hunger pangs, although my appetite was poor.
On April 18, after a self-administered rapid test returned negative, I visited my family medicine doctor, but due to a fever, I was unable to see the doctor and instead underwent a PCR test (which was negative).
My symptoms have persisted for about a week, fluctuating between feeling somewhat recovered and suddenly feeling unwell, with my body temperature remaining between 37.2°C and 37.5°C.
I am uncertain about which specialty I should consult.
Thank you for your assistance!
Zhang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/04/19
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Your symptoms include dizziness, palpitations, numbness in the hands, elevated body temperature, and feelings of hunger.
Initially, we would suspect a possible infection, commonly related to the respiratory, gastrointestinal, or urinary tracts.
If you do not have any related infection symptoms and your discomfort persists, we may consider the possibility of an endocrine issue, with diabetes (symptoms of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia) and thyroid disorders (which may be accompanied by menstrual irregularities) being more common.
If you are unsure which specialty to consult, you can start with family medicine.
If you wish to undergo further examination specifically for endocrine issues, you may choose to see a specialist in metabolism and endocrinology.
Reply Date: 2022/04/19
More Info
Based on the symptoms you've described, it seems that you are experiencing a combination of dizziness, rapid heartbeat, elevated body temperature, and feelings of weakness or discomfort. These symptoms can be quite distressing and may indicate several underlying issues, which could range from benign to more serious conditions.
Firstly, the symptoms of dizziness and rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) can often be associated with anxiety or panic attacks, especially if they occur in stressful situations or environments. Stress can lead to an overactive sympathetic nervous system, which can cause your heart rate to increase and may also lead to feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness. Additionally, the sensation of your heart racing can be exacerbated by factors such as dehydration, caffeine intake, or lack of sleep.
The elevated body temperature you mentioned (37.2 to 37.5 degrees Celsius) is slightly above the normal range but not significantly high. This could indicate a mild infection or inflammation in the body, which could be contributing to your overall feeling of malaise. It's important to note that viral infections, even if they are mild, can lead to symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and changes in heart rate.
Your mention of low blood sugar symptoms, such as dizziness and feeling faint, suggests that your body may be struggling to maintain stable blood glucose levels. This can happen if you are not eating enough or if your meals are not balanced in terms of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It's crucial to ensure that you are consuming regular, nutritious meals to help stabilize your blood sugar levels.
The fact that you have experienced these symptoms over several days and that they seem to fluctuate indicates that it might be beneficial to consult with a healthcare professional. Given your symptoms, I would recommend visiting a primary care physician or a family doctor first. They can perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and possibly some blood tests to check for any underlying conditions such as anemia, thyroid issues, or infections.
If your primary care physician suspects that your symptoms may be related to anxiety or stress, they might refer you to a mental health professional for further evaluation and support. On the other hand, if there are concerns about your cardiovascular health, they may refer you to a cardiologist for more specialized testing, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or echocardiogram.
In the meantime, here are some general recommendations you might consider:
1. Stay Hydrated: Ensure you are drinking enough fluids throughout the day, especially if you are experiencing symptoms of dizziness.
2. Balanced Diet: Focus on eating regular meals that include a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats to help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their severity, and any potential triggers. This information can be helpful for your healthcare provider.
4. Stress Management: Consider incorporating stress-reducing techniques into your routine, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or light physical activity like walking.
5. Rest: Ensure you are getting adequate rest and sleep, as fatigue can exacerbate feelings of dizziness and weakness.
In conclusion, while your symptoms may not immediately indicate a serious condition, they warrant further investigation to rule out any underlying issues. Consulting with a healthcare professional will provide you with the best course of action and peace of mind.
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