Unexpected Dislike for Coffee and Cigarettes—Seeking Advice
Age: 29, Female Hello everyone, I really could use your insights, as I feel like I’m losing my mind. About two weeks ago, I experienced the worst bout of flu I’ve ever had. I was utterly exhausted, had severe coughing fits, no desire to eat, headaches, and nausea that even made drinking water a challenge. Initially, my fever peaked at 39°C, then surprisingly dipped to 34°C, which felt alarming and as if my body was shutting down. Without a doctor’s order for blood tests, I conducted a home CRP test to check my inflammation, which alarmingly showed levels over 100. Since then, I’ve been on a regimen of Amoxicillin with clavulanic acid for a week, Rimantadine (due to uncertainty around whether the virus was Type A or B), Cetirizine, prenoxdiazine hydrochloride, and ibuprofen. Thankfully, many symptoms have lessened, but I’ve now developed a strong aversion to coffee and cigarettes, both of which I have consumed daily for fifteen years. The taste of these has become so revolting—like a decaying, sweaty armpit—that I genuinely want to gag. Additionally, I continue to feel extremely fatigued, experience excessive sweating without reason, and have sporadic sharp pains in my chest. My appetite is still absent. My concern is whether I should monitor my liver enzymes (ASAT/ALAT) since I'm worried that all the medication might have strained my liver. Alternatively, could this sudden distaste for caffeine and nicotine stem from the medication itself? What puzzles me is that my sense of taste and smell is intact, and these two substances are the only ones I find unpalatable now.
Answers (1)
3/17/2025, 11:20:40 AM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points: It's understandable to feel concerned about the sudden aversions and persistent fatigue after your illness. The aversion to coffee and cigarettes might be linked to your recent flu and the medications you've taken. It's also wise to monitor your health, including liver function, given the medications used.
Explanation: After experiencing a severe illness like the flu, it’s not unusual to have changes in appetite, taste, and tolerance to substances you previously consumed regularly, like coffee and cigarettes. These changes can occur due to several factors: the body's recovery process, inflammation from the illness, and side effects from medications. Medications such as antibiotics and antivirals can also impact how your body responds to certain foods and drinks.
Given that you're still feeling fatigued and experiencing other symptoms like chest pains and excessive sweating, it's important to be vigilant about your health. Your concern about liver function in relation to the medications you took is valid; however, the aversion to specific tastes seems more likely to be linked to your recovery process.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting the severity and any changes over the next week. This will help identify patterns and may provide insights to inform your future health decisions.
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Evaluate Sensitivities: Consider taking a break from coffee and cigarettes entirely to see if your aversion lessens over time. If you notice improvements, it may suggest a temporary sensitivity related to your recent illness.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Focus on hydration and try to improve your appetite with small, bland meals that are easy to digest. Staying nourished is crucial for your recovery.
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Follow-Up on Liver Health: If you have ongoing concerns about liver function or if your symptoms worsen, consider checking your liver enzymes (ASAT/ALAT) when it's appropriate to seek medical advice in the future.
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Rest and Recovery: Ensure that you are getting enough rest. Your body is still recovering from a significant illness, and fatigue can be a normal part of that process.
If your symptoms, especially chest pain or excessive sweating, increase in severity or don't improve, consider reaching out to a healthcare provider for further evaluation. It's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health.
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