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What Causes Flushed Face Along With High BP And Diarrhea?

Posted on Wed, 19 Aug 2015

Question: Hi my face and neck became flushed this morning and is still flushed about 12 hours now. I had diarrhea yesterday after taking 2 laxatives 1 the day before and 1 the day of. I have hyperthyroidism, IBS, and severe arthritis in my knee. I have been taking aleve for arthritis. My blood pressure has been high for me the last 3 times taken. I have had some stressful things happening all at once also. Could be anxiety. Help!

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Viral illness possible.

Detailed Answer:
Good day,
Noted your concern and sorry to hear about it.
Well, anxiety could cause these symptoms. But we should rule out other reasons. Since you had diarrhea, a viral infection is quite possible. Better not to do a thyroid function test. During the illness phase, it may not show correct values.
Flushing from the pain killer ( ALEVE) is also possible. ( even if you are taking it for a long time).

My since advice would be to with hold ALEVE for now and you may use paracetamol instead for pain for the time being. You should also get a CBC ( complete blood count) done to rule out a viral illness.
Regards
Binu

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

Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (12 minutes later)

Thank you. I had diarrhea yesterday because I took 2 laxatives. I was taking hydrocodone 5 pills in 5 days and was constipated. Diarrhea stopped early this morning. Flushing started this am. I usually run 120/130 over 80. Monday it was 140/?. Today was 149/86 in am and 146/82 in pm. I took Xanax about 5 pm but flushing is still visible. Should i go to ER or wait until Monday for primary doc visit?

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (48 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No need to worry

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the reply. Your blood pressure is fluctuating but still very much in normal limits. The blood pressure readings are not at all alarming. I would say, not to measure it often. Wait till morning before you check it again.

If you have no associated wheeze, itching there is no need to rush to ER. However, if the flushing is increasing, or if you develop associated itching or if any breathing difficulty ( even slightest), then I would advice to go to ER sooner.
Please relax now. listen to soft music. Pick up the phone and talk to a good friend or tune the TV to watch a comedy show. These things may help you to relax further.
Regards
Binu

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

Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (20 hours later)

Hello, I woke up this morning with the flushing in my face and neck gone. My husband was at work and I ran some errands in and out of the heat. My husband came home later in the afternoon and we were talking about our recent events that have been stressful and the flushing came back. I cooled my face with a fan and did some breathing exercises and it slowly went away. I am thinking the flushing is anxiety about our recent stressful events but will follow up with my primary doc early next week.

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
If it persists, meet a doctor

Detailed Answer:
Possible. Please be aware that, such flushings are common during perimenopausal age ( at your age) due to fluctuations in your hormone levels. However, if these flushes persists, please meet a doctor to rule out any other hormonal disorders.

Stay relaxed. Would like to remind you the quote by XXXXXXX Chaplin that " Nothing is permanent in this world, not even our troubles".

Regards
Binu

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