Concerns About My Symptoms: Seeking Advice
I’m an 18-year-old female experiencing worrisome symptoms over the past two weeks. Specifically, I've been dealing with sporadic pains on the left side of my head; these aren’t typical headaches but rather discomfort that comes and goes. Alongside this, I’ve been feeling dizzy and occasionally short of breath. There’s also an intermittent ringing or static sound affecting my ears. Today, I measured the temperature on both sides of my mouth: the right side read 98.3°F while the left side, which is troubling me, registered at 98.8°F. Is there a chance this is indicative of a serious health issue? I’m currently undergoing tests for hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), which has heightened my anxiety, making me concerned these could be signs of a stroke or something equally alarming. I often grapple with a sense of impending doom, but I can't help but wonder if these feelings stem from anxiety alone. Given my symptoms, would it be advisable to head to the emergency room for evaluation?
Answers (1)
2/17/2026, 2:30:32 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about your symptoms, especially with your ongoing concerns regarding hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS). The combination of head pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, and ear ringing can be concerning, and it’s good you’re seeking advice.
Understanding Your Symptoms:
- Intermittent Head Pain: This could arise from various issues, such as tension, migraines, or even nerve-related pains.
- Dizziness and Shortness of Breath: These symptoms could be linked to several factors including anxiety, changes in blood pressure, or other conditions.
- Ear Ringing (Tinnitus): This can be due to many things, including stress, ear issues, or other auditory nerve-related problems.
Your small temperature difference isn't typically a cause for alarm but does indicate some body response on the troublesome side.
Key Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of when your symptoms occur and how severe they get. Note particularly if they worsen or evolve (e.g., new symptoms like severe headaches, weakness, etc.).
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Self-Care Measures:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to help with dizziness and overall health.
- Rest: Ensure you’re getting enough rest. Anxiety and fatigue can exacerbate symptoms.
- Breathing Techniques: Practice deep breathing exercises to manage feelings of anxiety and shortness of breath.
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Recognizing Urgent Signs: If you experience severe headache, confusion, weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, or if these symptoms significantly worsen, seek immediate medical attention as they could indicate a more serious issue.
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Consider Professional Evaluation: Given the arrangement of your symptoms and the existing health concerns, it may be beneficial to discuss these with your healthcare provider, especially since symptoms are persisting. A thorough evaluation can help clarify whether these symptoms are related to anxiety, a neurological issue, or something else.
Conclusion:
While it’s natural to feel anxious, focusing on understanding and managing your symptoms is vital. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or uncertain, don’t hesitate to reach out for emergency help to ensure peace of mind. Prioritize monitoring and care, and know that seeking help is a strong and positive step forward. Let me know if you have more questions or need additional support.
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