Unrelenting Dizziness Following Dehydration
Hello everyone, I’m currently dealing with a perplexing situation that has been ongoing for the past two months, and I’m hoping to shed some light on what might be causing it. Here's a breakdown of my symptoms: - **Dizziness**: It’s a constant sensation throughout the day. While I don’t see things moving, I feel a sense of instability. The dizziness intensifies whenever I lean forward—like when I’m eating or talking—or keep my head still, such as during a haircut. - **Fatigue**: I manage to get through my day, but by evening, my weariness is significantly greater than what I typically experience. - **Tinnitus**: When I lie down, the ringing in my ears begins; however, when sitting upright, it doesn’t bother me. - **Slightly swollen feet**: I’ve noticed my feet appearing somewhat puffy. Pressing on them doesn’t create a lasting indent. A little about my background: - I’m a 33-year-old male, 175 cm tall, weighing 85 kg. - Typically, I’m in good health with no significant medical history apart from COVID-19 and an occasional cold over the last few years. What I believe triggered this: - Approximately two months ago, I traveled to Thailand. - On one particularly hot day, I consumed two beers and just half a glass of water throughout the day. - After a 15-minute walk in the sun to dinner, I felt unwell and fainted in my chair briefly during the meal. - After being advised to stand and walk to alleviate the sensation, I fainted again for a moment. - Paramedics arrived, recorded my vital signs (blood pressure was 160/100, blood sugar levels were normal), and allowed me to leave. - I then visited a hospital emergency room for a comprehensive evaluation, including a CT scan of my head, an ECG, and a blood panel, all of which yielded normal results. Subsequent assessments: Upon returning home, I initiated a thorough medical check-up: - **Bloodwork**: — Found low vitamin D, so I received an injection. — Low cortisol was discovered, and I underwent a further test today to confirm this. — All other results appeared normal. - **Cardiac evaluation**: — ECG results were normal. — Heart ultrasound was normal. — During a tilt table test, I remained stable for the first half hour but felt faint after being given a blood pressure-lowering spray 15 minutes post-test. - **Neurological assessments**: — MRI results were normal. — EEG results were normal. - **ENT evaluation**: — Several movement tests were conducted, all returning normal. - **Miscellaneous**: — An abdominal ultrasound results were also normal. My symptoms persist consistently; some days are manageable, but others are quite severe. I’m at a loss regarding the underlying issue. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have. Best regards
Answers (1)
3/28/2025, 8:01:19 PM
OpenHealth AI
I understand that dealing with persistent dizziness and other symptoms can be incredibly frustrating and concerning. Your situation appears to stem from a combination of factors, including recent dehydration, potential issues with cortisol levels, and possibly vestibular dysfunction. Below are key considerations and prioritized steps to help manage your symptoms.
Main Points:
- Your dizziness, while concerning, has been evaluated through various tests with no alarming findings.
- Dehydration and possibly low cortisol levels could be contributing to your symptoms.
- It’s important to take proactive measures to manage your hydration, nutrition, and overall health.
Explanation:
- Dizziness and Fatigue: These can be linked to dehydration, especially after the bout you experienced in Thailand. When coupled with low cortisol (possible adrenal issues), your body may struggle to maintain normal function. The feeling of dizziness that worsens with certain head positions suggests a possible vestibular issue or fluid balance problem.
- Tinnitus: While commonly associated with ear issues, it can also relate to hydration and pressure changes in the body.
- Swollen Feet: This could be linked to fluid retention often seen after dehydration or electrolyte imbalances.
Next Steps:
-
Hydration:
- Prioritize proper hydration by drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day. Aim for at least 2-3 liters of water daily, adjusting based on physical activity and environmental conditions.
- Consider electrolyte-replenishing drinks, especially after exercise or prolonged exposure to heat.
-
Nutrition:
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. This can help regulate overall health and support adrenal function.
- Ensure you’re getting adequate vitamin D, as your recent injection means you may need to monitor your levels to avoid future deficiencies.
-
Cortisol Levels:
- Since you discovered low cortisol levels, follow up on further testing and management strategies with your healthcare provider. If your symptoms are linked to adrenal issues, appropriate adjustments may be necessary.
-
Vestibular Rehabilitation:
- If dizziness persists, consider vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT). This is a specialized form of therapy designed to address dizziness and balance issues effectively.
-
Monitoring:
- Keep a daily log of your symptoms, hydration, diet, and any connection you observe between activities and symptom fluctuations. This information will be valuable for further evaluations and adjustments.
-
Follow-Up:
- Stay in touch with your healthcare provider for ongoing assessment and management of your cortisol levels and overall health status. Reassessing your symptoms regularly will be key in monitoring progress.
Your proactive efforts in managing your hydration and following up on your health are essential. Continue to be observant of your symptoms, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help if things worsen or don't improve. You're taking the right steps—be gentle with yourself during this process.
Related Questions
Managing Early Appendicitis: Antibiotics vs. Surgery
I’m a 21-year-old who recently had a CT scan revealing mild inflammation in my appendix and lymph nodes. My doctor informed me that surgery might not be necessary if the antibiotics effectively alleviate my discomfort by tomorrow. However, I can’t shake my fears about a potential recurrence of the inflammation. The thought of going through a post-surgery recovery terrifies me, so I really want to steer clear of that option. Has anyone opted for antibiotics rather than surgical intervention? What was your experience like?
Severe Abdominal Discomfort
An 18-year-old male, with no history of smoking or current medications, finds himself at home, surrounded by his sleeping family. He stands approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs around 220 pounds. Lately, he has been experiencing persistent discomfort in the lower left side of his abdomen. This sensation has intensified recently, culminating in a bout of vomiting, which was notably different this time, presenting more solid material rather than the usual liquid with some fragments. The level of pain has escalated significantly, leaving him uncertain about seeking medical assistance at this moment. What steps should he take?
Concerns Over My Partner's Persistent Pain and Resistance to Seek Medical Help
I’m facing a worrying situation with my partner, a 40-year-old man who stands 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs approximately 19 stone. Here's a brief overview of his medical background: Twenty years ago, he experienced two instances of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his left shoulder. Following the second incident, doctors discovered an abnormal growth of a rib that was pressing against a vein, which was the cause of those DVTs. More recently, he dealt with a blood clot in his calf last year. Fortunately, that was successfully treated, and he returned to his normal health. Although he was advised to continue taking apixaban for the long term, he has, unfortunately, chosen not to follow through with this guidance. He also has a history of elevated blood pressure. For the past couple of days, he has been experiencing two concerning symptoms that emerged simultaneously: a persistent cough with no accompanying cold or flu signs, and a severe pain located on the right side of his torso. He describes this discomfort as being mostly in his stomach yet extending slightly to his back. I would pinpoint the troubled area as the lower part of his ribs along the side of his body. It's unusual for him to express discomfort or complain about his health, so his recent grievances signal to me that the pain is likely quite significant. Despite my repeated suggestions for him to visit a doctor, he insists that he may have simply pulled a muscle. To manage the pain, he's been applying an ibuprofen cream (voltarol) and taking naproxen, but neither seems to provide relief. What might be the underlying issue here? I hope that some medical professionals who see this post can offer their insights, which might persuade him to consider making a doctor’s appointment. I’m open to providing any additional information you might require for a more informed perspective. Thank you for your help!
Normal MRI and EMG Reveal Nerve Slowdown
Greetings, I’m a 23-year-old female seeking guidance about some health issues I’ve been experiencing. Recently, I've noticed weakness in both my hand and arm, particularly in my dominant hand where grip strength has been notably diminished. After undergoing an EMG, the results indicated that my nerves are exhibiting a slowdown. However, my MRI results were unremarkable. To address some swelling I experienced, I was prescribed a course of steroids (4mg for a few months), which alleviated some of the issues, yet I still experience residual swelling in my hand. Often, my hand feels cold, and I notice a popping sensation when I move my fingers. Despite these sensations, I do not have any numbness or tingling, and the swelling appears sporadic. The pain I endure is quite severe, described as a hammering sensation throughout my hand. On occasion, I take ibuprofen (600mg) for relief, but it proves to be somewhat ineffective. My wrist itself seems fine, but my orthopedic specialist is considering a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), even though my symptoms don’t align with typical CTS indicators. I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights you may offer!
Experiencing Unusual Sensitivity to Paracetamol
Hello, Reddit community! I'm a newcomer here, so please bear with me as I navigate this platform as well as the rules. I appreciate your understanding regarding my writing skills. I find myself in a situation that lacks sufficient information online, and I'm reaching out for insights from others. Currently, I have reasons to believe that I might be experiencing a unique sensitivity to paracetamol, and I’d like to share my timeline regarding this matter. Throughout my life, I generally had no issues with paracetamol. I used various brands multiple times and felt fine. However, starting in the fourth grade, I began to experience difficulties with it. My initial problems were respiratory-related, but soon they also affected my gastrointestinal system. I haven't had any formal testing yet, but I can safely use other pain relievers like NSAIDs without any adverse effects. Initially, I tolerated paracetamol relatively well; my early symptoms seemed like common side effects. Unfortunately, it escalated to severe reactions, including vomiting, tightening of the throat, blood in my mucus, and shortness of breath. In my confusion, I thought limiting my dosage could help, which it did temporarily, but eventually even the reduced amounts failed to be effective. I experimented with syrup formulations that contain less paracetamol or where it isn't the primary ingredient, and found those to be more manageable. Recently, however, even those have become problematic, making it necessary for me to seek alternatives to paracetamol, as it has become increasingly intolerable. Through my research, I discovered that such reactions often stem from cross-sensitivity to other medications or from preexisting respiratory conditions. I lack a history of asthma or other respiratory issues, so I’m inclined to dismiss that possibility, although I remain uncertain. Moreover, I have no known allergies, which adds to my confusion since my reactions only occur with this one particular medication while all others seem fine. It is difficult for me to process this change, especially since I used to have no issues with paracetamol. It is widely available and generally considered safe, so I struggle to understand the source of my suffering. Many people insist that these reactions are normal side effects, leading me to question whether I am overreacting. The immediacy of my reactions intensifies my concern; I don’t even need to swallow the medication completely before I notice my throat constricting, increased mucus production, and shortly thereafter, some blood in my mucus along with persistent coughing. This pattern has become consistent, whereas it used to depend on the dosage. Now, regardless of how much I take, the same symptoms occur. I’ve tried to dismiss it, not wanting to worry my parents or seek medical attention for a dosage safety test, fearing I’ve already pushed my body too much. However, I am considering discussing my concerns with my mother since she is increasingly worried about my use of this medication. I’m not seeking a diagnosis or medical advice—I understand I should probably consult a professional. I’m just interested in knowing if anyone else has faced similar experiences, as the confusion grows. What I once assumed were normal side effects now seem to signify something more concerning.