22M Facing Unusual Dryness, Discomfort, and Fatigue
Hello Doctor, I'm a 22-year-old male committed to a healthy lifestyle. My diet consists mainly of fruits, vegetables, and protein, and I’m trying to follow a low-histamine plan to investigate a potential connection to Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). For the past couple of years, I have been trying to determine the underlying issues affecting my health, but my doctors seem uncertain about where to focus their investigations. My mother has been diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), and although I have yet to receive a diagnosis, I am scheduled to undergo evaluation soon. Furthermore, my grandmother has lupus. Here's what I’m experiencing: Whenever I engage in physical activities or even encounter mental stress, I develop a range of unusual symptoms. When I attempt to sleep, I encounter severe dryness that results in discomfort; my nose becomes so parched it often bleeds, my eyes feel as though they are burning, I experience ear pain, and my throat is irritated due to dryness. Additionally, my lungs feel off, I sense weakness and depression, and I really struggle to sleep for several nights following these episodes. The most bothersome sensation is in my nose, which feels as though it has been scratched with fragments of glass. My doctor prescribed Salbutamol to rule out asthma, but it proved ineffective. I did observe that my heart rhythm seemed abnormal during those times. I can’t pinpoint when these symptoms begin to lessen, but I notice some improvement around the third day of rest without exercise. It’s quite evident to others that something is amiss, as people often inquire if I am feeling unwell; my face becomes noticeably pale, and I don’t seem healthy during these periods. At this moment, I am unsure about which type of specialist might be able to assist me. If anyone has had similar experiences or has suggestions, I would greatly appreciate your insights. Thank you for your time.
Answers (1)
7/6/2025, 11:01:09 AM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points: You are experiencing persistent dryness, discomfort, fatigue, and unusual symptoms following physical or mental stress. Given your family history and pending evaluations, it's understandable to seek clarity on your health.
Explanation: Your symptoms may be linked to various factors, including potential underlying conditions—especially considering your family history of connective tissue disorders (like hEDS) and autoimmune conditions (like lupus). The dryness you're experiencing, particularly in your nose and eyes, could be related to several issues such as dehydration, environmental factors, allergies, or possible autoimmune responses.
Given your efforts to follow a low-histamine diet and the prescribed salbutamol for asthma (which was ineffective), it is vital to consider other underlying conditions that might not be asthma-related, such as a connective tissue disorder or an immune system issue.
Next Steps:
-
Keep a Symptom Diary: Track your symptoms, their triggers (like specific activities or foods), and how long they last. This information can help your healthcare provider identify patterns and possible connections to conditions like MCAS or sensitivities.
-
Hydrate and Humidify: Increase your water intake and consider using a humidifier in your living space to alleviate dryness, especially at night. This can help reduce discomfort in your nose, eyes, and throat.
-
Limit Physical and Mental Stress: Listen to your body and take regular breaks during strenuous activities. If certain activities lead to worsening symptoms, consider modifying them until you've gathered more information from specialists.
-
Consult a Specialist: You might benefit from seeing a rheumatologist, who specializes in autoimmune and connective tissue disorders, as well as an allergist to assess potential allergies or sensitivities that could be contributing to your symptoms.
-
Monitor and Report Heart Rhythm: If you notice any irregularities in your heart rhythm again, document them in your symptom diary, as this may require further evaluation.
Your proactive approach to your health is commendable. Stay patient with the process of finding answers, and don't hesitate to seek out specialists who can offer insight based on your unique situation.
Related Questions
INTENSE Spine Discomfort, Breathing Difficulties, Muscle Twitches, and Sweating
To elaborate on the situation mentioned in the title, I’ve been experiencing unusual muscle twitches and spasms for the past few days, along with some discomfort in my back. However, today, I felt an unexpected sharp pain shoot through my spine, which has left my legs feeling numb and made it impossible for me to sit up straight. Additionally, I’ve been dealing with cold sweats for the last hour and struggling to breathe properly. Perhaps I’m just overanalyzing things and it’s a common occurrence, but the intensity of the pain is overwhelming—it's truly unbearable. I’m shaking quite a bit, and unfortunately, my parents aren’t responding to my attempts to reach them for help. I have a history of a chronic heart condition and arthritis, yet I’ve never experienced pain this severe, especially in my spine. For context, I am nearly 15 years old and female. My current medications include pain relievers, anxiety medication, beta blockers, and some vitamins, though those specifics may not be particularly relevant. I don’t smoke; however, I have tried vaping a few times, which might not matter much, but I thought it was worth mentioning as it was requested.
Concerns About My Toes
Age: 30, Female Currently, I am on the lookout for a reputable podiatrist in my vicinity. However, I've encountered a perplexing issue with my foot. Just last night, I noticed a growth on the side of my toe, something entirely new to me. I maintain a nutritious diet and have a demanding job that requires me to be on my feet quite often. My footwear includes brands such as Brooks Ghost Runners, Hoka Bondi 9’s, and Nike Motiva’s, and I don’t opt for restrictive socks. I also apply Vick’s Vaporub to my feet, a practice handed down from my family, and stick with simple, non-fragrant lotions like Vanicream and CeraVe SA Cream for my skin. In addition, I am curious about the my big toenail's change in color. What might be the underlying reasons for this? Also, I have these persistent dark spots on my toes that I've struggled with since my days on the runway. Despite my efforts, nothing has succeeded in lightening or diminishing their appearance. I'm just looking to determine if there might have been a factor from the past that could have contributed to these issues. I’m not sure what else to include, but I’m open to answering any questions you might have. Thank you for your attention! Best wishes from a worried soul!
Strange Jelly-Like Substance Observed from Wound
I’m a 21-year-old female living with an auto-inflammatory condition known as hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Recently, I've experienced a concerning issue with one of my wounds. This particular wound causes significant pain and excessive bleeding. However, whenever I attend to it, I tend to find this unusual jelly-like substance present within it. Interestingly, this phenomenon has only occurred with this one wound and not any of the others I have. The bleeding seems to persist until I manage to remove this jelly substance, after which it typically slows down and comes to a halt completely. I’m seeking insights into what this might signify so that I can effectively discuss it with my healthcare provider.
Battling Chronic Nausea and Vomiting for Over Two Years
For the past two years, I (age 26, female) have been enduring an incredibly challenging health situation. I experience intense nausea daily and find myself vomiting numerous times, with almost nothing providing relief. To provide some background, I’m from West Texas and I currently weigh around 190 pounds, standing at 5’7”. Initially, my weight was about 211 pounds when these symptoms began, and it fluctuates frequently between 190 and 225 pounds. I engage in vaping and consume THC. Previously diagnosed with hypothyroidism, my condition seemingly resolved, according to my healthcare providers. Additionally, I have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). I have consistently faced irregular bowel movements, with stools that are loose and sometimes appear to have mucus. Compounding my struggles, I've also suffered from migraines. I have had an IUD for over five years, experiencing two insertions of the Kyleena device. In December 2022, my battle with health took a severe turn when I was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, requiring chemotherapy treatment, specifically AVBD (Apologies for not recalling the exact medication names). By July 2023, I had fortunately achieved remission. However, after reaching remission, my vomiting worsened, transforming from primarily white foam to a mixture of 80% bile, any food I attempt to consume, and still white foam. This intense vomiting, accompanied by significant pain in my upper back, escalated to more than eight episodes daily by November 2023. At that time, THC seemed to be the only avenue for me to retain any food. During this tumultuous period, I consulted various doctors who, after confirming I wasn’t pregnant, attributed my symptoms to Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). Immediately, I ceased THC consumption for over six months, yet the vomiting continued unabated. Each time, doctors would prescribe ondansetron, regardless of my claims that it provided no relief. I experimented with various diets recommended by medical professionals, but there were no improvements in my condition. Eventually, I obtained a referral to a gastroenterologist who intended to perform an endoscopy. However, the procedure was prohibitively expensive even with insurance, and thus was never conducted. This doctor also ordered blood tests to rule out several gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and gluten sensitivity, but all results came back normal. Afterward, I had another appointment with a different gastroenterologist, but the doctor failed to meet with me. Instead, a nurse informed me that the doctor had merely recommended promethazine without conducting any tests or scheduling further visits. When I mentioned the possibility of gallbladder issues, the doctor laughed dismissively at my suggestion. Discussing my situation with my oncologist, he suggested that my heightened sensitivity to food odors stemmed from my chemotherapy experiences while I was working in fast food. While food smells indeed affect me, I'm primarily triggered by medical scents such as rubbing alcohol and cleaning agents. This ongoing ordeal has been overwhelmingly distressing. I now experience episodes of vomiting accompanied by bright red blood, presumably due to a throat tear. When I first encountered this troubling symptom, I consulted a doctor who appeared unfazed and prescribed a promethazine suppository, which does help but makes me extremely drowsy. My nausea persists nearly around the clock, often feeling as if there’s a heaviness in the upper part of my abdomen. I frequent urgent care facilities when my symptoms intensify, only to be met with minimal assistance since this is a chronic issue. Currently, I lack a primary care physician. Whenever I sought one, I encountered skepticism regarding my condition, with some healthcare professionals implying that I was exaggerating my symptoms. Though many physicians who do take my situation seriously seem baffled, I've lost count of the diverse medical experts I've consulted about these ongoing issues. If anyone has insight or suggestions, I would genuinely appreciate it. I can share my latest bloodwork results if that would be helpful—just let me know!
Strange Stomach Sensation Leading to Waking Up
Greetings. I'm a 36-year-old male, standing at 172 centimeters and weighing 90 kilograms. I don't take any medications, nor do I smoke. I've been living with diastasis recti for several years now, and I may also have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Additionally, I deal with fatty liver and kidney stones, though I assume these last two conditions are not related to my current concern. Occasionally, I experience a peculiar sensation that jolts me awake; it feels like a quick pulsing in my stomach. I’ve noticed it tends to affect the left side when I’m lying on my left side and the right side when on my right. Remarkably, it can occur even when I’m on my back. This strange feeling often escalates into a surge that fully rouses me. Alongside this, I sometimes feel prickling sensations throughout my body and fleeting lightheadedness. When this sensation disturbs my sleep while I’m turned to my side, shifting onto my back or the opposite side might alleviate it, but not always. In instances where I awaken while lying on my back, I discovered that gently pressing my hands on either side of my stomach can help, as can rising to a sitting or standing position. However, during my last two episodes—one a couple of weeks ago and another tonight—those techniques weren’t effective right away, which made me feel a bit anxious, prompting me to seek advice. Does anyone have insight into what might be going on? By the way, I’ve undergone routine ultrasound examinations of my abdomen by two different physicians during check-ups, both of whom assured me that everything appears normal, including my abdominal aorta and internal organs. They didn’t identify any issues at that time.