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
Numbness in Upper Left Side of Face, Seeking Answers
I am a 25-year-old male, standing at 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 250 pounds. Three days ago, I woke up to discover that the upper left side of my face was numb. There’s no noticeable droopiness in my face, my blood pressure readings are normal, and the only unusual symptoms I've experienced include occasional watery eyes and itchiness in that area. After visiting the emergency room, I underwent a CT scan which revealed no abnormalities in my brain. The attending physician suggested that my symptoms might be linked to anxiety but advised me to consult a neurologist for further evaluation. Unfortunately, all available appointments with neurologists are fully booked until August. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has any insights or advice regarding what this could be and potential next steps to take.
A Personal Reflection on Dementia and Addiction
In this account, I want to share the story of my mother. She was a dedicated smoker throughout her life and was diagnosed with dementia at the age of 60. Standing at 5’1” and weighing 130 pounds, she had always been in relatively good health, never relying on any medication. Residing in Northern California, her only surgical experience was a C-section following childbirth. At 60, she suffered from herpes encephalitis, an infection that left her with severe and irreversible brain damage. This illness erased her memory of even the most fundamental details, including her identity. Disturbingly, she frequently mistook me for her mother and her husband for her father, losing track of both her name and age. Her capacity to remember anything from the recent past lasted a mere three minutes, and she appeared to have lost all connection to long-term memories, never discussing her past at all. After undergoing a brain biopsy, she spent three months in the hospital, two of which she was in a coma. Despite these challenges, one might expect her to face withdrawal symptoms from her years of smoking. Instead, she continuously pleaded for cigarettes daily until her passing 12 years later due to metastatic cancer. This raises a question: was the part of her brain associated with addiction unaffected by the damage?
Combining Amoxicillin and Meloxicam: What You Need to Know
F34. At the moment, I am undergoing my second course of amoxicillin to tackle a recurring strep throat after my initial treatment was unsuccessful. In addition, I am dealing with significant discomfort in my lower back due to a herniated disc. Fortunately, the pain has been infrequent, but today it has intensified to the point where I struggle to maintain an upright position, let alone lift anything off the ground. I attempted the exercises prescribed by my physical therapist, but they haven’t alleviated my discomfort significantly. A few months ago, meloxicam was also prescribed for pain management. Is it safe for me to take both amoxicillin and meloxicam together, spaced two hours apart? I would typically reach out to my physician for clarity, but their office is closed until Tuesday.
Understanding Compression Fractures
A 31-year-old female has been experiencing mild discomfort in her back for the past few weeks. Upon undergoing a CT scan, it was revealed that she has superior endplate compression fractures at the T1-3 and T5 levels. However, her condition significantly worsened two nights ago, leading to intense pain that kept her awake, crying throughout the night. After visiting the emergency room, it was confirmed that the fractures at T3 and T5 remain unchanged from the previous month. Unfortunately, the ER did not provide any relief or treatment options. This raises the question: what is typically recommended for the healing of compression fractures? Given their location in the arch of her back and her hypermobility, which naturally increases her spinal curvature, she is finding it extremely difficult to straighten her back. Leaning back or twisting is currently impossible for her. She is seeking guidance on whether management involves purely pain relief or if a support brace could assist in the healing process.
Recovery After Pilonidal Cyst Surgery
Is it typical for someone, even weeks or a month after pilonidal cyst surgery, to experience bleeding during bowel movements or at other times? Should I be concerned about the need for additional surgery or stitches, or is this bleeding just a standard part of the healing process? Thank you for your guidance.