HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Cold Sensation In The Limbs While Recovering From Flu?

default
Posted on Mon, 20 Feb 2017
Question: I thought I had a virus or the flu beginning last Sunday afternoon. Although I am no longer nauseous, a new and unusual thing happened today. During this entire time my hands and feet have been extremely cold while the middle of my body is rather warm. Today, my pinkie finger on my right hand has turned blue and partially numb. It is also exactly in the middle of the finger and more noticeable on the palm side. The fingertip is not blue but is also very cold. I have tried running them under warm water, holding a "hot hands," putting my hands under my armpits and even tried soaking that had in a 1/1 mixture of apple cider vinegar and water. Is this part of the flu symptoms going around this year or is it something I should be concerned about? Thank you in advance for your guidance.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mahaveer Patil (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Does not seem to be related to flu

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for posting the question.
I have gone through your medical history in detail.

The cold extremities with numbness and bluish discoloration may be due to hypoxia-induced cyanosis. The haemoglobin content of the blood may be reduced causing reduced oxygen carrying capacity . This in turn causes numbness and bluish discoloration.

Other possibility is peripheral vascular disease.
In this condition,the arterial blood vasculature in the limbs undergoes constriction causing reduced oxygenated blood supply to the limbs and finger tips.

I would suggest you to get complete blood count including haemoglobin levels ,iron binding capacity and ferritin levels checked.

An arterial color doppler will help to rule out peripheral vascular disease.

Do let me know once the reports are ready.

Continue using warm packs / warm water sponging.

I hope the answer was useful.

Feel free to ask me any follow up queries that you may have.

Thank you.
Kind regards.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Mahaveer Patil

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 1209 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Cold Sensation In The Limbs While Recovering From Flu?

Brief Answer: Does not seem to be related to flu Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for posting the question. I have gone through your medical history in detail. The cold extremities with numbness and bluish discoloration may be due to hypoxia-induced cyanosis. The haemoglobin content of the blood may be reduced causing reduced oxygen carrying capacity . This in turn causes numbness and bluish discoloration. Other possibility is peripheral vascular disease. In this condition,the arterial blood vasculature in the limbs undergoes constriction causing reduced oxygenated blood supply to the limbs and finger tips. I would suggest you to get complete blood count including haemoglobin levels ,iron binding capacity and ferritin levels checked. An arterial color doppler will help to rule out peripheral vascular disease. Do let me know once the reports are ready. Continue using warm packs / warm water sponging. I hope the answer was useful. Feel free to ask me any follow up queries that you may have. Thank you. Kind regards.