[23M] Experiencing severe fatigue, dizziness, and throat pain

Patient Description

A 23-year-old male reports extreme fatigue, even after sleeping all day, and difficulty walking straight due to severe dizziness. The patient rates both the fatigue and dizziness as a 10 on the severity scale, indicating a significant impact on his ability to perform daily activities, including an incident where he fell asleep while showering. Accompanying these symptoms, the patient experiences sharp, stinging throat pain when swallowing, which he also rates as a 10 in severity. The pain is somewhat alleviated by drinking Gatorade. He also describes a pressure on his chest, rated as a 6 in severity, which makes it difficult to breathe. Additionally, the patient has had a loss of appetite and experiences hot and cold flushes. He has not vomited but feels nauseous to the point of being unable to walk straight. These symptoms started yesterday midday, and there is no recent history of falls, injuries, or use of recreational drugs or unprescribed medications. The patient has not experienced recent infections or fevers, but he did have episodes of vomiting and chills last month. There is no mention of a family history of cardiac or autoimmune conditions.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

  • Mononucleosis: Also known as "mono" or "the kissing disease," this is a viral infection that can cause extreme fatigue, sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and other symptoms. It is most common in people between the ages of 15 and 30.

    • Treatment typically involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies for pain and fever.
  • Influenza: Commonly known as the flu, this viral infection can cause fatigue, fever, sore throat, and body aches.

    • Treatment usually involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies for pain and fever. Antiviral medications may be prescribed in some cases.
  • COVID-19: This viral infection can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, fever, sore throat, and difficulty breathing. Some people also report gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea.

    • Treatment typically involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies for pain and fever. More severe cases may require hospitalization.
  • Dehydration: This can cause fatigue, lightheadedness, and nausea. It can occur if you're not drinking enough fluids, especially if you've been vomiting or have diarrhea.

    • Treatment involves rehydrating with water, clear broths, or rehydration solutions.
  • Anxiety: This can cause a variety of physical symptoms, including fatigue, lightheadedness, chest pressure, and nausea. It's also possible to feel hot and cold at the same time.

    • Treatment typically involves psychological therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and in some cases, medication.

Please note that this advice is based on the information you've provided and is not a substitute for a consultation with a healthcare professional.

What you can do

  1. Rest and hydrate: Make sure you're getting plenty of sleep and drinking enough fluids. This can help with many of the symptoms you're experiencing.

  2. Over-the-counter remedies: Over-the-counter pain relievers, fever reducers, and cough suppressants can help with some of your symptoms.

  3. Seek medical attention: Given the severity of your symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. This is especially true if you're having difficulty breathing, your symptoms are getting worse, or you're not able to keep down fluids.

What you should look out for

  • Difficulty breathing: This is a serious symptom that requires immediate medical attention.
  • High fever: A high fever can be a sign of a serious infection and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
  • Symptoms getting worse: If your symptoms are getting worse or you're not improving after a few days, seek medical attention.
  • Inability to keep down fluids: This can lead to dehydration, which can be serious if not treated.

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1 yr ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of mononucleosis and how is it treated?

Common symptoms of mononucleosis include extreme fatigue, sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Treatment typically involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies for pain and fever.


How can I differentiate between the flu and COVID-19 based on symptoms?

Both the flu and COVID-19 can cause fatigue, fever, sore throat, and body aches. However, COVID-19 may also cause difficulty breathing and gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea. Testing is the most reliable way to differentiate between the two.


What are the signs of dehydration and how can it be treated?

Signs of dehydration include fatigue, lightheadedness, and nausea. Treatment involves rehydrating with water, clear broths, or rehydration solutions.


Can anxiety cause physical symptoms like dizziness and chest pressure?

Yes, anxiety can cause physical symptoms such as dizziness, chest pressure, and nausea. Treatment often involves psychological therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy and sometimes medication.


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