OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Concerns About Lymph Node Health

7/19/2025, 6:40:30 PMMale25-34

For the last three months, I’ve been experiencing significant health issues without a clear diagnosis despite normal blood test results. My symptoms include severe fatigue, shortness of breath, occasional coughing when exerting myself, intermittent night sweats, and a decreased appetite. After any form of physical activity, I find it takes several days to bounce back. This is quite different from how I used to feel before these symptoms began, as I was very active and in good health. I’ll share a picture in the comments for further clarification.

AgingFamily MedicinePreventive Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

7/19/2025, 6:40:44 PM

OpenHealth AI

Your symptoms, including significant fatigue, shortness of breath, night sweats, and decreased appetite, are concerning and can point to various underlying health issues. While it’s positive that your blood tests were normal, your symptoms warrant a thoughtful approach to identify their cause.

Key Points:

  1. Ongoing symptoms over three months should be evaluated further.
  2. Potential causes could include infections, autoimmune conditions, or other systemic issues.
  3. Monitor your symptoms and take specific actions to support your health.

Explanation: Severe fatigue and shortness of breath after activity, paired with night sweats and reduced appetite, may indicate conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, infections (like viral or bacterial), or even hematologic issues. The fact that you were previously healthy adds weight to your symptoms, as this is a significant change in your health status.

Next Steps:

  1. Keep a Symptom Diary: Track how often your symptoms occur, their severity, and any patterns you notice. Include activities you do and how you feel afterward.
  2. Prioritize Rest and Recovery: Avoid strenuous activities that worsen your symptoms. Ensure you are getting adequate sleep and taking time to rest.
  3. Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Focus on drinking plenty of fluids and eating small, nutritious meals to help your body maintain energy, even if your appetite is low.
  4. Consider Environmental Factors: Reflect on stress, allergens, or changes in your environment that could contribute to your symptoms.
  5. Follow-Up on Health Care: If symptoms persist or worsen (especially if you experience additional symptoms like fever, persistent cough, or any new signs), it is important to seek further investigation from a healthcare provider who can conduct a thorough assessment.

Remember to be patient with yourself during this time as your body adjusts. It's essential to listen to your body's signals and care for your overall well-being. If you have any questions or need further clarification on these points, feel free to ask!

Related Questions

Elevated Heart Rate and Trembling Post Steam Bath

I recently had an experience that raised some concerns about my heart health. Despite not having any previously diagnosed heart conditions, I sometimes grapple with anxiety related to my heart. A recent medical check-up and blood work came back normal, which brought some relief. After a swimming session, I spent approximately 25 to 30 minutes unwinding in a steam room. However, upon exiting and moving to the shower, I noticed a dramatic spike in my heart rate, jumping from around 100 to 170 beats per minute as indicated by my smartwatch. This sudden elevation in heart rate left me feeling quite shaky. Fortunately, I was able to sit down, focus on calming myself, and avoided any fainting spells. In a short period of about three minutes, my heart rate decreased from the 160s back to 100. I frequently use the steam room without experiencing such a reaction previously. I can’t help but wonder if perhaps I didn’t hydrate adequately, consumed too much caffeine, or stayed in the steam room longer than usual. Could this episode indicate a more serious underlying issue, or was it just an isolated occurrence?

AgingWellnessLifestyle Changes
Male25-34
8 minutes ago

Unusual Tongue Condition

Last weekend, I participated in a three-day sleepover with my younger cousin, who seems to have a habit of coughing openly. Upon returning home, I began to feel unwell; I woke up with a pounding headache and a painful throat. By the final day of the sleepover, my discomfort intensified. I noticed a rash spreading across my face, and my throat was incredibly sore, similar to the experience of having stage 2 sunburn (an ordeal I went through last year) but without the blistering. Eating and drinking became increasingly painful, and even resting caused discomfort. Though the rash eventually faded, I was left with a peculiar appearance on my tongue. Frustratingly, my parents refuse to seek medical attention, dismissing my concerns as typical hypochondria. I find myself wondering about the strange changes happening with my tongue and whether I should urge them for a doctor’s visit.

WellnessFamily MedicinePreventive Medicine
Male25-34
28 minutes ago

Are There Lasting Effects from Long-Term Use of Montelukast?

Hello everyone! To provide some background, I was prescribed montelukast at a young age—around 4 or 5 years old—continuing until I was about 10 or 11. During that time, I experienced significant levels of aggression. Unfortunately, none of the medical professionals we consulted suggested discontinuing the medication or indicated that my symptoms could have been related to its use. This has left me with some unresolved feelings so I’d rather not delve deeper into that right now. Currently, it has been some time since I stopped taking montelukast, but I find myself grappling with certain challenges. While I’m hesitant to elaborate unless absolutely necessary, I’m curious whether anyone knows about potential long-term side effects from prolonged use of this medication during childhood. Thank you so much for your insights! Much appreciated! <3

AgingFamily MedicinePreventive Medicine
Male25-34
38 minutes ago

Food Bolus Lodged for an Extended Period

28-year-old female Currently taking Guanfacine, Prozac, and Lyrica. It’s been quite the rollercoaster for me these past two weeks! To give you some context, I’ve experienced my fair share of food getting lodged in my esophagus several times each week since I was in high school. Typically, it’s not a huge deal; I manage to induce vomiting and continue with my day. However, today was different. I took a single bite of a turkey sandwich, and ever since, I’ve been regurgitating saliva and the sensation of food being trapped persists. The food got stuck around 11 AM, and now it’s already 8 PM. What can I do to alleviate this predicament?

NutritionFamily MedicineInternal Medicine
Male25-34
48 minutes ago

Concerns About Hand Discoloration

A 30-year-old woman, who stands at 5 feet 7 inches and weighs 140 pounds, has been experiencing concerning symptoms with her hands and wrists. They have developed a reddish and blotchy appearance, which has now spread down to the wrists. She is on medication for Borderline Personality Disorder and depression. Although she recognizes the need to consult a doctor soon, her anxiety levels are significantly elevated as she prepares to schedule this appointment.

AgingFamily MedicineInternal Medicine
Male25-34
58 minutes ago