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What Causes Fatigue, Weakness, Dizziness, Poor Appetite And Malaise?

Posted on Wed, 17 Aug 2016

Question: I am concerned for my granddaughter. She is 15 yo, and experiencing the following: fatigue, weakness, dizziness, lack of appetite and overall malaise. This originally started with a fairly bad bout of poison ivy and she became dehydrated. Was seen in the ED and she and her parents were told it was severe dehydration, she was given IV fluids but also presented with low blood pressure at the time. Since then she has seen her PCP for a follow up visit and was told to make sure she increases fluid which they had already been doing. She continues to experience the symptoms and at times her pallor is almost grayish. I am very concerned, any thoughts? I know this is more than one question, just trying to find answers.

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ahmad (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
She needs to follow a very healthy lifestyle to recover from effects.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to Health Care Magic, I am Dr Muhammd Ahmad, I have closely read your question and I understand your concerns, I will hereby guide you regarding your health related problem.

Severe poison Ivy is quite a problem to have, it causes many things at one time, 1) weakness 2) Dehydration 3) Loss of salts 4) decreased appetite 5) Systemic inflammation like state.

Even if it stays for a week or so it takes its toll on one's body and may take months to recover fully. Same has been happening to your grand daughter she might have apparently gotten out of the porblem the deterioration in her body caused by poison ivy will take some weeks to reconstruct.

Here is what she should do.

1) She should drink ample fluids even if not thirsty, she can use Tang or something to make water taste better.
2) Do salt and electrolyte replacement by a gatorade a day.
3) She needs to eat different fresh fruits to get fluid energy vitamins and minerals.
4) Don't over exert in exercise and swimming , considering body weakness.
5) Take good sleep try taking two hours nap during the day.
6) Keep in touch with her PCP, discuss about a repeat in blood works if he deems necessary.

It will take some weeks to recover fully from the effects of inflammation she had but i am quite positive that she will soon start feeling the recovery. Needs a bit of patience though.

I hope this answered your question, if you have more feel free to ask, otherwise please close the discussion and rate it.

Regards.

Dr.Muhammad Ahmad.
General and Family Physician..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ahmad (2 hours later)

Thank you for the information. She had the poison ivy the end of XXXXXXX is this still the result of that? Was just concerned that it had continued so long with little sign of improvement inspite of increased fluids including gatorade, rest including daily naps and good sleep at night. Just don't want to have another isdue overlooked and not treated. Any idea a time frame so we know when to expect, roughly, some improvement?

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ahmad (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
By the end of 1st week of august you can consider visit to doctor again

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for writing back yes some people do take longer and you just mentioned you are giving her salts fluids and naps still if she isn't improving then another rounds of bloos works can be done in my opinion by the end of 1st week of august.

I would suggest you no to over worry but do keep an eye at her progress...if she doesn't get significant improvement visit your doctor and discuss about running further tests and exams to look deeper into the problem.

Hopefully things will stay fine.

Best regards.

Dr.Ahmad

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar