[23M] Experiencing numb hands and symptoms of a cold

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Common Cold: Characterized by a runny nose, sore throat, cough, and feeling warm. This is a viral infection of your nose and throat (upper respiratory tract). It's usually harmless, although it might not feel that way.

  • Treatment of the common cold is usually supportive, meaning it aims to relieve symptoms while your body fights off the virus. This typically involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter cold remedies.

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This condition causes numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hand due to pressure on the median nerve in your wrist. The numbness is often worse at night or in the morning.

  • Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome can include wrist splinting, avoiding activities that worsen symptoms, and in severe cases, surgery.

• Anxiety: Stress and anxiety can sometimes cause tingling and other symptoms in your hands and fingers. This is often due to hyperventilation or the “fight-or-flight” response which can cause your hands to perspire and lead to tingling or numbness.

  • Treatment for anxiety can include lifestyle changes, therapy, and medication.

What you can do

1. For your cold symptoms, rest and hydrate. Over-the-counter cold remedies can also help. If your symptoms persist for more than a week, consult a doctor.
2. For the numbness in your hands, try to avoid activities that make it worse. Wrist splints can help. If the numbness continues, consult a doctor.
3. If you are feeling anxious, try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. If your anxiety persists, consider seeking help from a mental health professional.

What you should look out for

Reasons to see a doctor more urgently:

• If your hand numbness worsens or is accompanied by weakness or inability to move your fingers
• If you have severe chest pain or difficulty breathing
• If your cold symptoms persist for more than a week or are accompanied by high fever or severe headache

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.