Unexplained Facial Flushing and Other Disturbing Symptoms
As a 47-year-old woman who underwent a hysterectomy along with a bilateral oophorectomy at the age of 30, I experienced medical menopause and opted out of hormone replacement therapy. I do not indulge in recreational substances or alcohol, and I do not have children, which may be pertinent to my situation. For the past five years, I have suffered from persistent episodes of acute diarrhea, alongside chronic discomfort across my abdomen, particularly around my navel. The discomfort is predominantly nausea, rather than sharp pain. To alleviate this nausea, I often found myself getting up in the middle of the night to prepare a sandwich. In the last few weeks, my ability to eat without experiencing nausea has deteriorated significantly. Despite not noticing any changes in my weight, I do feel a sense of fullness. I also experience shortness of breath akin to asthma symptoms, although I have never been diagnosed with asthma. Occasionally, I do wheeze, and this shortness of breath occurs not just during physical activity but at rest as well. My heart rate has recently surged to about 135 beats per minute for extended periods, and one night it peaked at nearly 150 while I was resting, causing me to fear I was having a heart attack. As I care for another individual, I was unable to call for emergency assistance. There are moments when I also feel a peculiar, electric sensation in my chest area. Additionally, I have noticed a lump near my collarbone, which my doctor deemed not necessary for biopsy. I had been hospitalized due to my breathlessness, and although numerous scans were performed, they concluded that a biopsy was necessary to gain certainty. However, since I was stable and my EKG results were normal two years ago, they opted against the biopsy. I have been informed of nodules in the upper and lower regions of my lungs, yet my doctor did not express concern over these findings. It's worth noting that I am relatively new to this practice and have seen my doctor perhaps six times in three years, primarily for ear infections. Most recently, within the last three months, I have been experiencing unusual facial flushing. This is distinctly different from rosacea, as it presents as an intense redness similar to sunburn, though it is not painful. This flushing occurs after exertion, as well as spontaneously, and it is vivid enough to draw the attention of strangers, which is not only embarrassing but also worrisome. I recently underwent a Complete Blood Count (CBC) and a thyroid panel, revealing only a slight deficiency in vitamin B12. Should I consider consulting an endocrinologist? I hold my general practitioner in high regard; however, he was unsure about the cause of the flushing, which prompted the CBC and thyroid tests, both of which returned normal results. I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to read my concerns. Thank you for your attention.
Answers (1)
8/6/2025, 6:31:23 AM
OpenHealth AI
Your symptoms, including facial flushing, abdominal discomfort, significant nausea, breathing difficulties, and elevated heart rate, are concerning and warrant a thoughtful approach to diagnosis and treatment. Given the complexity of your situation, it’s essential to focus on key issues and prioritize follow-up actions.
Explanation:
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Facial Flushing: This can result from various conditions, including hormonal changes, allergies, or vascular issues. It’s understandable that having experienced medical menopause, you’re concerned about hormonal imbalances.
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Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Persistent diarrhea, nausea, and fullness can indicate a range of gastrointestinal disorders, possibly including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), food intolerances, or even inflammatory conditions. Given your lengthy history of abdominal discomfort, further evaluation may be necessary.
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Respiratory Symptoms: Shortness of breath and wheezing, particularly at rest, should be investigated further. Conditions like anxiety can cause similar symptoms but given your history, proper evaluation is vital.
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Elevated Heart Rate and Electric Sensations: Rapid heart rates and chest sensations can be related to anxiety or cardiovascular issues. Your experience of near heart attack symptoms is significant and should be reassessed for underlying cardiac conditions.
Next Steps:
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Immediate Monitoring: Keep track of your symptoms, noting their frequency and triggers. This will help identify patterns that can be shared with healthcare professionals.
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Consultation with a Specialist: Yes, considering a consultation with an endocrinologist is a sensible step. They can help explore whether your symptoms might relate to hormonal imbalances or other endocrine disorders, especially since you’ve experienced significant hormonal changes due to your surgeries.
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Gastroenterologist Visit: It would be prudent to see a gastroenterologist as well, particularly for your ongoing gastrointestinal symptoms. They may suggest further testing, like an endoscopy or imaging studies, to clarify the cause of your discomfort and diarrhea.
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Cardiologist Referral: Given the episodes of rapid heart rate and chest sensations, a referral to a cardiologist could be wise. They can perform tests to rule out any heart issues that may be contributing to your symptoms.
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Address Nutritional Deficiency: Talk to your doctor about your B12 deficiency and whether supplementation is needed, as this can impact energy levels and overall well-being.
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Lifestyle Modifications: In the meantime, consider keeping a food journal to identify any potential triggers for your gastrointestinal symptoms and work on stress management techniques, as stress can exacerbate many of the issues you’re experiencing.
Your health concerns are valid and deserve attention; these steps should help clarify your situation and guide effective management. Please continue to prioritize your well-being and don’t hesitate to seek emergency help if you experience severe symptoms again.
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