Assessing the Possibility of SIRS Symptoms
I want to start by acknowledging that seeking advice on Reddit may not be the best approach, and I'm currently weighing the option of heading to the hospital. This year has been quite challenging in terms of my health, with several issues arising. I've gone through numerous tests, including a colonoscopy, all of which yielded mostly normal results. However, I'm apprehensive about making another trip to the hospital only to find nothing wrong. At the same time, I want to ensure I'm not misinterpreting serious symptoms. I appreciate your understanding. I'm a 27-year-old female, weighing 125 pounds at a height of 5'3”. At present, my body temperature reads 95.7°F, my heartbeat is at 96 beats per minute, and my blood pressure sits at 111/76. Lately, I’ve been feeling unwell, prompting me to check my temperature for a fever. I’ve been experiencing dizziness, sensations of my heart racing, unusual breathing patterns, and a significant level of sleepiness or mental fog. To complicate matters, I just initiated a new stimulant medication (Focalin) at a relatively high dosage, and I can’t help but feel a sense of dread about my health — so please bear that in mind. Now, let me provide a bit more context (I realize I tend to provide excessive details, but I'm unsure what might be relevant, so I apologize in advance). I've been dealing with unusual skin symptoms that ebb and flow. They resemble a malar rash, yet blood tests have ruled out lupus. Lately, this particular rash has persisted for about a month. Just the other day, while I was outside (with sunscreen, avoiding sunburn), the rash and dry patches began to blister later that night. One spot appeared on the bridge of my nose, resembling a pimple that tends to ooze until a yellow-orange crust forms over it, causing moderate discomfort. Even slight contact seems to rupture it, and wearing glasses has been aggravating the area continuously. For about a year, I've been experiencing similar spots on my nose, initially dismissed as odd pimples. I did some online research, which pointed toward issues like weeping eczema or staph infection. They improved, so I didn't think much about it, but now I’m becoming concerned. How probable is it that I might have a staph infection leading to the early stages of sepsis? I should also mention that since my initial temperature check, it has risen slightly, fluctuating between 96°F and 97°F. Is that a normal response in cases of sepsis? I appreciate any insights, and I apologize for relying on Reddit rather than consulting a medical professional directly. 😵💫
Answers (1)
6/26/2025, 1:30:57 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing several concerning symptoms, and it's great that you're seeking clarification. Your symptoms and recent changes raise important questions about your health. It's understandable to feel anxious, especially given your history and the recent start of a new medication.
Main Points
- Your current symptoms, including dizziness, sleepiness, heart racing, and skin issues, warrant careful evaluation.
- The potential for a serious infection, including staph leading to sepsis, is a valid concern but not the only possibility.
- Monitoring your symptoms closely and considering visit to a healthcare provider is essential.
Explanation
Your body temperature of 95.7°F is below the normal range (typically around 98.6°F), which can sometimes occur when feeling unwell. Fluctuations in temperature can happen due to various factors, including medications, infections, or other medical conditions. The symptoms you're experiencing – dizziness, feelings of your heart racing, and unusual breathing patterns – alongside significant skin changes could indicate an underlying issue that needs to be assessed, especially since you've been dealing with these symptoms for some time.
The malar rash and blistering skin lesions could be related to various conditions, including eczema or other skin infections. Given the discomfort and changes in your skin, it’s essential not to ignore these signs.
Next Steps
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Keep Monitoring Symptoms: Track your temperature, heart rate, and any changes in your skin condition. Note if symptoms worsen, persist, or if you develop new symptoms, such as increased fever, chills, or more severe dizziness.
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Hydration and Rest: Make sure you’re staying well-hydrated and getting plenty of rest; this is important for your overall health and can help your body recover from any underlying issues.
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Consider Immediate Care: Given your symptoms and the recent changes with your health, it would be advisable to seek care from a healthcare provider. Describe your symptoms honestly and mention the new medication. If you feel like your symptoms are rapidly worsening or you're struggling significantly, consider going to the hospital or an urgent care center for a direct evaluation.
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Document Your Symptoms: Prepare a concise summary of your symptoms, including any noteworthy observations about your rash and the timing of when they started. This can help healthcare providers assess your situation more effectively.
You’re not alone in feeling anxious about your health, and seeking care is a responsible choice. If you continue to feel unwell, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. You deserve to feel better and have your concerns addressed.
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