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My Mother In Law Is Experiencing Dizziness And A Metallic
Question: My Mother in law is experiencing dizziness and a metallic taste in her mouth. She has type 2 diabetes and when she tested her blood sugar this morning it was 92.
Brief Answer:
A viral infection may cause both her symptoms if they are less than a week. Further explanations below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service,
I read your query carefully and understand your concern.
Metallic taste together with dizziness can be caused by a viral infection, especially if both of these symptoms started recently (less than a week). Generally, if a viral infection of the respiratory system is present, it should improve within a total of 7-10 days. She may also have a congested nose or runny nose and other symptoms of a common cold.
If she has been experiencing the symptoms for more than 1-2 weeks then very likely this may be due to diabetes and changes in nerve sensations it may cause, called neuropathies.
It is not mentioned which medications she uses for diabetes but metformin (a drug for diabetes) can also cause metallic taste and dizziness.
To conclude:
- if your mother in law is having the symptoms for less than a week and she is otherwise well and oriented very likely the symptoms are due to a self-limiting viral infection. This is not an emergency and should be better in a few days. She needs to drink plenty and to rest as possible.
- if the symptoms are for more than 1-2 weeks, side effects of some medications for diabetes and also a peripheral neuropathy may be the case. A visit with a doctor is recommended so she can have a thorough examination and the proper cause determined.
- if she is not well oriented, develops other symptoms or is not able to handle her daily activities, she will need to be seen by a doctor as soon as possible.
I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician
A viral infection may cause both her symptoms if they are less than a week. Further explanations below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service,
I read your query carefully and understand your concern.
Metallic taste together with dizziness can be caused by a viral infection, especially if both of these symptoms started recently (less than a week). Generally, if a viral infection of the respiratory system is present, it should improve within a total of 7-10 days. She may also have a congested nose or runny nose and other symptoms of a common cold.
If she has been experiencing the symptoms for more than 1-2 weeks then very likely this may be due to diabetes and changes in nerve sensations it may cause, called neuropathies.
It is not mentioned which medications she uses for diabetes but metformin (a drug for diabetes) can also cause metallic taste and dizziness.
To conclude:
- if your mother in law is having the symptoms for less than a week and she is otherwise well and oriented very likely the symptoms are due to a self-limiting viral infection. This is not an emergency and should be better in a few days. She needs to drink plenty and to rest as possible.
- if the symptoms are for more than 1-2 weeks, side effects of some medications for diabetes and also a peripheral neuropathy may be the case. A visit with a doctor is recommended so she can have a thorough examination and the proper cause determined.
- if she is not well oriented, develops other symptoms or is not able to handle her daily activities, she will need to be seen by a doctor as soon as possible.
I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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