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What Causes Persistent Fatigue, Headache And Nausea?
Question: I feel been feeling very fatigued with occasional headaches and nausea for the past several days...on and off. I did a hard outdoor bike ride on Saturday...was wiped yesterday but still went on a shorter ride which just exacerbated the problem. Plus I got nauseated on yesterday's ride. Today...no energy and headache. I have had plenty of sleep, am eating well and have not had any alcohol in days. Thoughts?
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
The trouble with those symptoms that you mention is that they are not very specific, meaning they could be found in the setting of many different conditions.
They could be in the setting of anemia which commonly manifests with tiredness and headache. Also most infections can have fatigue and headache as initial symptoms. Blood pressure fluctuations can also be a cause. Any metabolic disorder may manifest with such symptoms, such as diabetes, liver or kidney conditions, electrolyte alterations etc. Mood disorders such as anxiety and depression may also manifest with lack of energy and headache.
So the initial step in my opinion was to have some routine blood tests such as blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, c reactive protein, blood glucose, liver and kidney function, electrolytes. These will give some indication on presence of anemia, inflammation or metabolic alterations.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
The trouble with those symptoms that you mention is that they are not very specific, meaning they could be found in the setting of many different conditions.
They could be in the setting of anemia which commonly manifests with tiredness and headache. Also most infections can have fatigue and headache as initial symptoms. Blood pressure fluctuations can also be a cause. Any metabolic disorder may manifest with such symptoms, such as diabetes, liver or kidney conditions, electrolyte alterations etc. Mood disorders such as anxiety and depression may also manifest with lack of energy and headache.
So the initial step in my opinion was to have some routine blood tests such as blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, c reactive protein, blood glucose, liver and kidney function, electrolytes. These will give some indication on presence of anemia, inflammation or metabolic alterations.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
OK thanks. I had a feeling this would be the answer. Appreciate your advice.
Brief Answer:
You're welcome
Detailed Answer:
You're welcome. I am sorry if I perhaps wasn't able to restrict the circle of possibilities as much as you'd have liked. Hope you'll be back to normal soon.
You're welcome
Detailed Answer:
You're welcome. I am sorry if I perhaps wasn't able to restrict the circle of possibilities as much as you'd have liked. Hope you'll be back to normal soon.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I was just trying to avoid going to my PCP and taking up his time if it is nothing. I am concerned because there is a family history of diabetes (adult onset and juvenile) but I don't have the classic sx of diabetes such as unexplained wt loss, polydipsia, polyuria, etc.
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I understand, family history makes diabetes something to be considered. While I included it in my differential, I wouldn't put it high on the list though, for the same reason you explained, lack of other classic manifestations.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I understand, family history makes diabetes something to be considered. While I included it in my differential, I wouldn't put it high on the list though, for the same reason you explained, lack of other classic manifestations.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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