Understanding the Frequent Sense of Illness
At 18 years old, standing 5’6” and weighing 14 stone, my dietary habits lean towards healthier choices, largely avoiding processed foods. My current medications include fexofenadine and melatonin. Additionally, I am diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and a non-specific immune disorder. Over the past month, I have experienced illness on five separate occasions. To clarify, I am confident that pregnancy is not a possibility. When I refer to feeling unwell, I describe symptoms such as paleness, dizziness, nausea, low-grade fevers (often below 35°C), and episodes of high fever, along with swelling of the mouth's interior but not affecting my lips or tongue. I frequently have diminished appetite, particularly after meals. For instance, after enjoying pasta with red pesto a few nights ago, I felt unwell, while a recent pizza (even with my lactose intolerance) did not provoke the same response. Other meals such as pie and tomato soup with bread similarly caused feelings of sickness. There appears to be no clear trend in these episodes, nor do they seem to warrant immediate concern.
Answers (1)
8/28/2025, 5:32:37 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned when experiencing frequent episodes of illness, especially with the symptoms you've described. Based on your details, your symptoms could stem from a variety of factors, including dietary reactions, immune system sensitivity, or other underlying conditions. Here are the main points to consider:
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Symptom Patterns: Your episodes of illness, including paleness, dizziness, and fluctuating fevers, suggest that something in your diet or environment may be affecting you. The specific food reactions, such as nausea after certain meals, could point towards food intolerances or sensitivities, especially given your lactose intolerance.
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Potential Causes: The combination of your existing medical conditions (autism, ADHD, non-specific immune disorder) may contribute to your overall health and sensitivity to various triggers. Individuals with immune disorders can experience increased susceptibility to infections or adverse reactions.
Next Steps
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Food Journal: Start keeping a detailed food diary. Track what you eat and any symptoms you experience afterward. This will help identify if certain foods consistently correlate with your sickness.
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Hydration and Nutritional Balance: Ensure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Since you’ve mentioned a lack of appetite, focus on nutrient-dense foods that won’t worsen your symptoms. Small, frequent meals may help you maintain energy without overwhelming your stomach.
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Monitor Symptoms: Carefully track the frequency and severity of your episodes. Note any variations that occur with your diet, environment, or medications. Understanding these patterns can provide insights into your health.
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Mindfulness Practices: Given your diagnoses, consider implementing stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness or relaxation exercises, which may help manage any underlying anxiety that could exacerbate physical symptoms.
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Consulting Healthcare Professionals: If your symptoms persist, worsen, or change dramatically (especially if you experience new symptoms), it's critical to reach out for professional medical advice for a more thorough evaluation.
Taking these steps should help you identify potential triggers and manage your symptoms more effectively. Remember, you’re not alone in managing these complexities; many individuals face similar challenges. Let me know if you want more insights or specific advice regarding any of these points!
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