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What Causes Lack Of Appetite, Excessive Sweating, Chills, Nausea, Headache And Belching?

Posted on Thu, 16 Jun 2016

Question: I am an active healthy 64yo, and have developed lack of appetite since august, the last few weeks have had sweating, chills, nausea, headache, burping, occ. cough at night in bed. thought it was the flu, but has been to persistent. Have lost 18lbs since aug. any thoughts

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
investigation is required

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

your symptoms are worrisome mostly because of their duration. The first you've got to check is whether you've got fever or not (even low grade). These symptoms can be attributed to various disorders like "chronic" infections (tuberculosis is one of them), various malignancies (lymphomas or other tumors) and even a combination of disorders like thyroid disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease (both are common disorders).

Your doctor should start with clinical examination and a complete medical history. Enlarged lymph node detection or enlarged liver and spleen are main findings that have to be excluded (or confirmed) and laboratory testing for various disorders like ESR, CRP, complete blood count, TSH, urea, creatinine, electrolytes, liver function tests, glucose, protein electrophoresis, etc.

Since your symptoms are not diagnostic, I've given you some important first steps in investigation. I hope you find my comments helpful!

Kind Regards!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (33 minutes later)

In Feb, I had an annual blood test fasting and it was normal. I have no fever, and the problem is I have medical knowledge as I was an OT and a massage therapist. I try to eat healthy and take care of my self. I will call the doc tomorrow for an appt. because this baffles me. I usually can find the problem and take care of it, but in looking at my symptoms, it all feels like it is from my stomach.

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
it could be...

Detailed Answer:
various upper gastrointestinal disorders may cause the symptoms you've mentioned, so I agree with you. Investigation is still required though because besides the gastrointestinal tract there are some serious possibilities like the ones I've listed in my previous answer. Blood tests cannot exclude all of them. It's good that you have a normal temperature. Calling your doctor for an appointment is a wise choice. Clinical examination and tests will be required.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (10 minutes later)

Thank you. I guess I needed to hear it from someone else. Your in Greece, I love the Greek food..Enjoy..

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You're welcome

Detailed Answer:
You're welcome!
Yes... 9 months is a long time for having these symptoms without a diagnosis or proper treatment!

Anyway, glad to help...

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (34 hours later)

FYI My doc was also concerned, lost 4 more lbs, had blood tests today and will be getting an ultrasound of my abdomen in a few days. Thank you

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
the ultrasound may help

Detailed Answer:
You're welcome!
It's nice to know that you're going to do some tests. I would have asked for more tests but going one step at a time is sometimes a better strategy.

I wish you to get over it soon!

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar