Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Recurring Infections, Fatigue, Breathlessness, Fever And Headache?
Question: I have been sick on and off all year with different sickness's ranging from the flu to kidney infections, i rarely go more than a week without coming down with something new. I am tired all the time and run out of breath easily, occasionally at night i will get random fevers and headaches. I have had mono 3 times so i don't think it's that.
Brief Answer:
consultation with nephrologist and complete clinical review needed
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query
I understand this could be very disturbing. A complete blood count is important to check for your haemoglobin levels. Anaemia could explain tiredness. White blood cell levels would an indication of any chronic infection or possibility of a blood cell disorder, which could manifest with these recurrent infections and altered bone marrow function.
Recurrent kidney infection requires a kidney function test to be done, a kidney ultrasound and probably a special radiologic test called an intravenous urography depending on the cause. It is important to exclude a kidney stone, kidney Tumour or a malformation that could predispose you to these recurrent infections. The opinion and follow up with a nephrologist/ kidney disease specialist could be most welcome here.
A chest x ray to ascertain the size of the heart , lungs and integrity of the thoracic cage as a whole would be one of the exams that I would suggest.
A complete clinical review, screening for diabetes, kidney function, abdominal ultradound and chest x rays with a complete blood count are good starting points. With recurrent kidney infections, I think it is imperative to see a nephrologist for a thorough evaluation of kidney status.
Thanks and kind regards as I wish you the best of health.
Dr Bain
consultation with nephrologist and complete clinical review needed
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query
I understand this could be very disturbing. A complete blood count is important to check for your haemoglobin levels. Anaemia could explain tiredness. White blood cell levels would an indication of any chronic infection or possibility of a blood cell disorder, which could manifest with these recurrent infections and altered bone marrow function.
Recurrent kidney infection requires a kidney function test to be done, a kidney ultrasound and probably a special radiologic test called an intravenous urography depending on the cause. It is important to exclude a kidney stone, kidney Tumour or a malformation that could predispose you to these recurrent infections. The opinion and follow up with a nephrologist/ kidney disease specialist could be most welcome here.
A chest x ray to ascertain the size of the heart , lungs and integrity of the thoracic cage as a whole would be one of the exams that I would suggest.
A complete clinical review, screening for diabetes, kidney function, abdominal ultradound and chest x rays with a complete blood count are good starting points. With recurrent kidney infections, I think it is imperative to see a nephrologist for a thorough evaluation of kidney status.
Thanks and kind regards as I wish you the best of health.
Dr Bain
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
