Numbness and Tingling During a Cold: Causes and Concerns

Q: Numbness and Tingling During a Cold: Causes and Concerns

Hello： <br>1. <br>After taking medication for sinusitis (AMBROXOL, CIMETIDINE, PARAN) and drinking coffee, I experienced mild numbness in my hands and feet, a sore throat, and upon waking up on Saturday morning, I started sneezing, had a fever, dizziness, and cold symptoms. <br>I

Cold with numbness in hands and feet?

Hello Doctor: On October 1st (Friday), I visited an ophthalmologist due to discomfort in my eyes.
The doctor diagnosed me with inflammation of the trigeminal nerve in the eye, which was considered a minor issue, and prescribed eye drops.
After applying the eye drops that evening, I took medication for sinusitis (AMBROXOL, CIMETIDINE, PARAN) and drank coffee.
That night, I experienced mild numbness in my hands and feet, along with a sore throat.
On Saturday morning, I woke up with sneezing, fever, dizziness, and cold symptoms.
I consulted an internist and took medication, but as of now, October 5th (Tuesday), my cold has not fully resolved, and I still have mild numbness in my hands and feet, accompanied by a prickling sensation like electric shocks, especially when in a compressed position.
I also feel some discomfort in my lower back, similar to what one experiences after sitting for a long time.
I would like to ask the doctor if cold symptoms can be accompanied by numbness in the hands and feet.
Additionally, on Saturday, when I blew my nose, I immediately felt discomfort near the pulse of my jaw, as if a blood vessel or tendon was tight and slightly painful upon pressure.
Are these symptoms related? Could they simply be due to the cold, or could the combination of the three medications and coffee be causing the electric shock-like numbness? Should I go to the hospital for a detailed examination? Thank you for your response.
^^

nana, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/10/05

Dr. Liao Zhongxin reply Internal Medicine

Hello:
1.
After taking medication for sinusitis (AMBROXOL, CIMETIDINE, PARAN) and drinking coffee, I experienced mild numbness in my hands and feet, a sore throat, and upon waking up on Saturday morning, I started sneezing, had a fever, dizziness, and cold symptoms.
I went to see an internist and took medication => This sounds like symptoms of an upper respiratory infection.
When feeling unwell, it is advisable to avoid stimulants such as tea and coffee, and focus on drinking plenty of water and getting rest.

2.
Regarding the symptoms mentioned above, you can visit a hospital for internal medicine, family medicine, or otolaryngology.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Reply Date: 2010/10/05

More Info

When experiencing numbness and tingling in the limbs during a cold, it is essential to understand the potential causes and whether they are related to the cold itself or other factors. Based on your description, it seems that you have been dealing with a series of symptoms following a cold, including mild numbness and a tingling sensation in your hands and feet, particularly when in certain positions. You also mentioned discomfort in the area around your jaw and neck, which could be concerning.

Firstly, it is not uncommon for viral infections, such as the common cold, to cause a variety of neurological symptoms, including numbness and tingling. This can occur due to several reasons:
1. Viral Effects on Nerves: Some viruses can directly affect the nervous system, leading to symptoms like numbness or tingling. This is often due to inflammation or irritation of the nerves, which can happen during a viral infection.

2. Postural Factors: If you are experiencing these symptoms more prominently when in certain positions, it could be related to nerve compression. For example, sitting or lying in a way that puts pressure on nerves can lead to temporary numbness or tingling, often referred to as "paresthesia."
3. Medication Side Effects: The medications you mentioned (Ambroxol, Cimetidine, and Paran) can have side effects, although numbness and tingling are not commonly listed. However, caffeine can sometimes exacerbate anxiety or jitteriness, which may lead to sensations of tingling or numbness.

4. Anxiety and Stress: The stress of being unwell can also lead to heightened awareness of bodily sensations, which may cause you to notice tingling or numbness more than usual. Anxiety can lead to hyperventilation, which can cause temporary changes in sensation.

Regarding the discomfort you felt near the jaw area while blowing your nose, this could be related to sinus pressure or muscle tension in the neck and jaw region, especially if you have been experiencing sinusitis. The tightness and pain upon pressing could indicate muscle strain or tension rather than a vascular issue.

In summary, while it is possible for cold symptoms to be accompanied by numbness and tingling, it is crucial to monitor the situation. If the symptoms persist or worsen, or if you experience additional concerning symptoms such as severe headaches, vision changes, or significant weakness, it would be wise to seek further medical evaluation. A healthcare professional can perform a thorough examination and may recommend tests such as blood work or imaging studies if necessary to rule out any serious conditions.

In the meantime, ensure you are staying hydrated, resting adequately, and managing any discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers if appropriate. If you have any concerns about your medications or if you experience any new symptoms, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for advice.

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