Sudden Nausea, Mild Fever, and Blurred Vision: What Could It Mean? - Internal Medicine

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Sudden onset of nausea, mild fever, and blurred vision?


This morning, I went to school without having breakfast, and as soon as I arrived, it was time for the flag-raising ceremony.
The weather was cool and there wasn't much sunlight.
At first, standing there felt normal, but after about 4 to 5 minutes, I started to feel a bit nauseous and wanted to vomit, even though I hadn't eaten anything.
My body felt slightly warm, and I was sweating, which I believe was cold sweat since there were people standing around me.
I tried to suppress the feeling of nausea and not to vomit, but after about 30 seconds, I noticed my vision started to blur and darken, and I could hardly see anything—only vague shapes.
It felt similar to standing up too quickly after squatting.
This situation lasted for about 7 to 8 minutes before my vision gradually started to clear up, and the feeling of nausea slowly disappeared.
After about 15 minutes, it was almost gone.
This is the first time I've experienced something like this; I've never had it before.
Doctor, what do you think is wrong with me? (I went to bed around 12:30 AM last night.) If I need to go to the hospital for an examination, which department should I visit?

Mr. D, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2011/04/07

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine


Hello: In response to your concerns, based on your symptoms of nausea, blurred vision, darkness in your vision, and cold sweats, it is possible that these are related to low blood sugar due to skipping breakfast and having irregular sleep patterns.
If similar situations persist, it is advisable to schedule an appointment with a family medicine clinic for a thorough evaluation by a physician.

Reply Date: 2011/04/07

More Info


Experiencing sudden nausea, mild fever, and blurred vision can be concerning, especially when it occurs unexpectedly. Based on your description, it seems that you encountered a situation that may be related to a few potential causes. Let's break down the symptoms and explore what they could mean.

1. Nausea and Sweating: The feeling of nausea and the presence of cold sweat can often be linked to a variety of factors, including anxiety, dehydration, or even a vasovagal response. A vasovagal response occurs when your body overreacts to certain triggers, such as standing for a long time, which can lead to a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure. This can result in symptoms like nausea, sweating, and even fainting.
2. Blurred Vision: The blurred vision you experienced, particularly after standing still for several minutes, could be a result of reduced blood flow to the brain, which is common in situations where someone stands up too quickly or remains in one position for too long. This can lead to a temporary state of lightheadedness or visual disturbances, often described as "tunnel vision" or a darkening of the visual field.

3. Mild Fever: The mild fever you mentioned could be a sign of an underlying infection or inflammation. However, if it was only slight and resolved quickly, it might not be a significant concern. It’s important to monitor your body temperature and any other symptoms that may arise.

4. Dehydration or Low Blood Sugar: Since you mentioned not having breakfast, it’s possible that low blood sugar levels contributed to your symptoms. Skipping meals can lead to a drop in blood sugar, which can cause nausea, dizziness, and blurred vision. Dehydration, especially if you were sweating, could also exacerbate these symptoms.

5. Anxiety or Stress: If you were feeling anxious about the flag-raising ceremony or any other aspect of your day, this could also manifest physically as nausea, sweating, and visual disturbances. Anxiety can trigger a fight-or-flight response, leading to symptoms similar to what you described.

Given that this was your first experience with such symptoms, it’s understandable to feel concerned. If these symptoms were isolated and have not recurred, it may not be necessary to seek immediate medical attention. However, if you experience similar episodes in the future, or if your symptoms worsen, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional.


What to Do Next:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any future occurrences, noting the circumstances, duration, and any other accompanying symptoms.

- Stay Hydrated: Ensure you are drinking enough fluids, especially if you are active or in a warm environment.

- Eat Regularly: Try to maintain regular meal times to avoid drops in blood sugar.

- Consult a Doctor: If symptoms persist or if you have any concerns, consider visiting a healthcare provider. For your specific symptoms, starting with a primary care physician would be appropriate. They can assess your condition and refer you to a specialist if necessary.

In summary, while your symptoms could be attributed to several benign causes, it’s important to listen to your body. If you have any doubts or if the symptoms recur, seeking medical advice is always a prudent choice.

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