Chills and Night Sweats: A Guide for Seniors

Chills and night sweats?

Hello Doctor: I am 70 years old and have had no significant health issues in the past, nor have I taken any traditional or Western medications.
Three weeks ago, I started experiencing chills and excessive sweating every day around 2 to 3 PM, lasting for about 2 to 3 hours, and this has continued until now.
I have not had a fever.
I went to Mackay Memorial Hospital's Infectious Disease Department and had two tubes of blood drawn; the doctor said the results were normal.
A chest X-ray was also normal.
The doctor advised to monitor the situation.
I was prescribed antipyretics, which I took for two weeks, but there has been no change in symptoms.
I previously had a white blood cell count of over 3,000, and this time it increased to over 6,000; does this have any significance? I feel very unwell overall, with fatigue and weakness, especially in the afternoon.
What should I do next, Doctor? Are there other possible causes? Thank you for your assistance!

appl3, 60~69 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/06/22

Dr. Guo Hanyue reply Internal Medicine

Hello! Due to Dr.
Kuo Han-Yue from our Infectious Disease Department providing support at Taitung Hospital, we recommend that if you are feeling unwell, please seek medical attention at the hospital as soon as possible.
Thank you!

Reply Date: 2010/06/22

More Info

Understanding chills and night sweats, especially in seniors, can be quite complex, as these symptoms can stem from a variety of underlying causes. Given your situation, where you have been experiencing chills and excessive sweating for the past three weeks without any fever, it’s important to consider several factors that could contribute to these symptoms.

Firstly, it’s good to hear that you have undergone blood tests and a chest X-ray, both of which returned normal results. This is a positive sign, as it rules out some serious infections or conditions such as pneumonia. The increase in your white blood cell count from 3,000 to 6,000 could indicate a response to some form of stress or infection in the body, even if no specific infection has been identified yet. White blood cells are crucial for fighting off infections, and an elevated count can sometimes suggest that your body is responding to something, even if it’s not immediately apparent.

Chills and night sweats can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
1. Infections: While your tests have ruled out some infections, other less common infections could still be at play. Conditions like tuberculosis or viral infections can sometimes present with these symptoms.

2. Hormonal Changes: In older adults, hormonal changes can lead to symptoms such as night sweats. For men, changes in testosterone levels can lead to these experiences, while women may experience similar symptoms due to menopause or other hormonal fluctuations.

3. Medications: If you are taking any new medications or have recently changed dosages, it’s worth considering that some medications can cause side effects such as sweating or chills.

4. Chronic Conditions: Conditions such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or autoimmune disorders can also lead to symptoms of chills and sweating. It may be worthwhile to discuss these possibilities with your healthcare provider.

5. Anxiety or Stress: Psychological factors can also manifest physically. Anxiety can lead to symptoms such as sweating and chills, especially if you are feeling particularly stressed or anxious about your health.

Given that you have been feeling particularly fatigued and weak, it’s essential to address these symptoms with your healthcare provider. Here are some steps you might consider:
- Follow-Up Appointments: Since your symptoms have persisted, it may be beneficial to schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor. Discuss your ongoing symptoms in detail, including the timing, duration, and any other associated symptoms you may have noticed.

- Further Testing: If your doctor feels it is necessary, they may recommend additional tests to rule out other potential causes, such as hormonal tests or tests for chronic infections.

- Lifestyle Adjustments: In the meantime, consider making some lifestyle adjustments. Staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet, and ensuring you have a comfortable sleeping environment can help manage symptoms. If you find that certain activities or foods exacerbate your symptoms, try to avoid them.

- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their severity, and any potential triggers. This information can be invaluable for your healthcare provider in diagnosing the issue.

- Seek Support: If you are feeling overwhelmed, consider reaching out to support groups or counseling services. Sometimes, talking about your experiences can help alleviate some of the stress associated with chronic symptoms.

In conclusion, while your initial tests have returned normal results, it’s crucial to continue monitoring your symptoms and maintain open communication with your healthcare provider. They can help guide you through the next steps and ensure that any underlying issues are addressed appropriately. Remember, your health and well-being are paramount, and seeking help is a vital part of managing your symptoms effectively.

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