Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Itchy Throat, Lightheadedness And Low Energy?
Question: I am 67 years old female for the last weak I have had a scratchy throat, light headed, and energy level is lower than normal. What might this be?
Brief Answer:
More likely a viral flu...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Before discussing about your issues, I wish to introduce myself. I am a physician and have been associated with Department of Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) and neurology for more than 5 years. I have worked with multiple patients. Therefore would like to take this opportunity and answer your questions again.
Commonly this type of presentation - low energy / weakness, '"scratchy throat", light headedness is associated with upper respiratory infection. Since you describe it as "scratchy throat" rather than severe pain or difficulty in swallowing, I would consider a viral flu and not any other serious bacterial throat infection as more likely. Moreover presence of weakness and low energy are towards viral flu.
It good to know you are feeling better now and throat lozenges are helping you out. Viral flu takes few days to resolve and I expect you to get better soon. I recommend drinking plenty of fluids and fresh fruits. Multivitamins, though not absolutely necessary might also work. You can get those over the counter.
Let me know if you don't get better in the next 2-3 days. I shall instruct you on the next plan of action.
I hope this helps.
Regards
More likely a viral flu...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Before discussing about your issues, I wish to introduce myself. I am a physician and have been associated with Department of Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) and neurology for more than 5 years. I have worked with multiple patients. Therefore would like to take this opportunity and answer your questions again.
Commonly this type of presentation - low energy / weakness, '"scratchy throat", light headedness is associated with upper respiratory infection. Since you describe it as "scratchy throat" rather than severe pain or difficulty in swallowing, I would consider a viral flu and not any other serious bacterial throat infection as more likely. Moreover presence of weakness and low energy are towards viral flu.
It good to know you are feeling better now and throat lozenges are helping you out. Viral flu takes few days to resolve and I expect you to get better soon. I recommend drinking plenty of fluids and fresh fruits. Multivitamins, though not absolutely necessary might also work. You can get those over the counter.
Let me know if you don't get better in the next 2-3 days. I shall instruct you on the next plan of action.
I hope this helps.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Thank you ur answer makes more sense than the first answer I got plus u were polite enough to give me your credentials. I will definitely give you a follow up on a day or so. I did forget to tell you that my neck muscle on each side are a bit tender but I seem to feel better with the zicam zinc longenzes is there something u can suggest to build up my immune system? I am also taking curcumin(turmeric)
Brief Answer:
Balanced diet + healthy life style...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Viral infection classically presents with multiple symptoms that includes muscle and joint pains. It is quite possible that neck muscle pain are related to the same infection. I would wait for a 7 - 10 days for infection to clear. If pain and other symptoms persists beyond, perhaps we could evaluate for other causes.
In other words, I think you will get better spontaneously. Currently, if pain is bad and not tolerable, use tylenol pain relief tablets.
As far as boosting immune system is concerned, it is vastly influenced by the diet you take as well as life style. A well balanced diet that also includes lots of fruits and vegetables and healthy life style - exercise, keeping away from alcohol and smoking are essential. Besides good diet and healthy life style, I don't recommend any other products that are marketed to boost immunity.
Hope this helps.
Regards
Balanced diet + healthy life style...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Viral infection classically presents with multiple symptoms that includes muscle and joint pains. It is quite possible that neck muscle pain are related to the same infection. I would wait for a 7 - 10 days for infection to clear. If pain and other symptoms persists beyond, perhaps we could evaluate for other causes.
In other words, I think you will get better spontaneously. Currently, if pain is bad and not tolerable, use tylenol pain relief tablets.
As far as boosting immune system is concerned, it is vastly influenced by the diet you take as well as life style. A well balanced diet that also includes lots of fruits and vegetables and healthy life style - exercise, keeping away from alcohol and smoking are essential. Besides good diet and healthy life style, I don't recommend any other products that are marketed to boost immunity.
Hope this helps.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
