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What Causes Sudden Dizziness And Excessive Sweating?
Question: my sister was in a store and suddenly became light headed and was perspiring profusely. She was also nauseous. she sat in her car and blasted the ac on herself, but was still soaking wet and somewhat pale. We took her home and gave her an ice pack and a few bites of soup. She is better now but still not well. Should we take her to a clinic or ER? She is 56
Brief Answer:
Probable viral illness.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for using Healthcare magic. The most likely cause for her symptoms is a viral infection. Therefore, at this stage I would suggest she does not need to go to a clinic or ER. Simple measures are likely to make her feel better.
I suggest you put her to bed. Encourage fluids to ensure good hydration. Do not worry if she does not want to eat. Give paracetamol as this will help reduce the inflammatory effect of the viral infection which is causing the sweating. The effects of a viral infection will pass in 24 to 48 hours.
If she deteriorates and starts vomiting then it is important to maintain the suggested treatment especially the fluid intake.
Signs that would suggest a visit to the ER was indicated would be severe headache, persistent vomiting and inability to keep fluids down and unusual drowsiness.
I hope this is of help. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger,
MBChB FRCA
Probable viral illness.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for using Healthcare magic. The most likely cause for her symptoms is a viral infection. Therefore, at this stage I would suggest she does not need to go to a clinic or ER. Simple measures are likely to make her feel better.
I suggest you put her to bed. Encourage fluids to ensure good hydration. Do not worry if she does not want to eat. Give paracetamol as this will help reduce the inflammatory effect of the viral infection which is causing the sweating. The effects of a viral infection will pass in 24 to 48 hours.
If she deteriorates and starts vomiting then it is important to maintain the suggested treatment especially the fluid intake.
Signs that would suggest a visit to the ER was indicated would be severe headache, persistent vomiting and inability to keep fluids down and unusual drowsiness.
I hope this is of help. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger,
MBChB FRCA
Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Dr. Kerry Pottinger
Pain Medicine & Palliative Care Specialist
Practicing since :1983
Answered : 1337 Questions
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