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Undiagnosed Symptoms (Expert Forum)
Long term low grade fever, malaise and allergy symptoms
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin, M.D.
Boston - MA
Questions in the Undiagnosed Symptoms forum are answered by Dr. Kevin Pho. Topics covered include breathing difficulties, feeling cold, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, fever, indigestion, itching, nausea, numbness, pain (chronic), paralysis, rash, sweating, swelling, urination problems, and vomiting.
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Long term low grade fever, malaise and allergy symptoms
by GT500Girl, May 22, 2007 12:00AM
I have had low grade fever for over a year now. I get malaise feeling that lasts for 2-3 months, then I seem to feel somewhat better for 2-3 months. I believe I still have the fevers at that time though. I also have allergy symptoms which include stuffy runny nose, inner ear itch, sore throat and burning eyes. I've been to see a ENT. They thought it was allergies, but I'm not getting relief from the medications. I did allergy testing and it came up with mild allergies to 3 molds, 5 of 6 grasses, 1 weed and cockroach dander. I also have acid reflux or he believed that to be. My throat looked like a cobblestone road when I first visited. I take Nexium, Clarinex, Zyrtec and Nasonex. I have done several blood tests, MRI and everything came back normal with exception of a little congestion from the MRI of my sinuses. The next step is they want me to go to a Rheumotologist. It's hard for me because I have no insurance. The feeling of ill is really getting to me. When I have my down months when I'm feeling really sick I feel like I have some kind of flu virus without the stomach part of it and really tired, no energy and just feeling sick. I haven't lost my appetite or lost weight. I've actually gained weight not feeling like doing anything. This last time around I only got about a month break before the sick feeling came back again. Please help.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, May 23, 2007 12:00AM
, May 23, 2007 12:00AM
I agree with the rheumatology referral. Testing for various rheumatological conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can be considered with blood tests like an ANA or rheumatoid factor.
I would also rule out any infection. A blood culture test looking for blood infections can be done. If present, infections like endocarditis can be considered. I would also obtain an HIV test and a PPD test to rule out TB.
If infection has been ruled out, a thyroid test can be considered to rule out any abnormalities there.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
I would also rule out any infection. A blood culture test looking for blood infections can be done. If present, infections like endocarditis can be considered. I would also obtain an HIV test and a PPD test to rule out TB.
If infection has been ruled out, a thyroid test can be considered to rule out any abnormalities there.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
Just a suggestion... when you see one of these specialists, I would check with their office first to make sure this physician knows how to diagnose and treat CFIDS.
Musculoskeletal System
Joint pain or swelling or tenderness
Stiffness of joints, back, neck
Muscle pain or cramps
Bone pain
Heavy feeling in one or more limbs
Neurological System
Tremors or unexplained shaking (especially at night)
Burning or stabbing sensations in the body
Weakness or partial paralysis/stroke-like symptoms
Pressure in the head
Numbness in body, tingling, pinpricks
Poor balance, dizziness, difficulty walking
Increased motion sickness
Lightheadedness, wooziness
Sudden jerking of fingers or entire limbs
Pain in spinal column
General Well-being
Unexplained weight gain, loss
Extreme fatigue
Swollen glands
Unexplained fevers (high or low grade)
Continual infections (sinus, kidney, eye, etc.)
Symptoms seem to change, come and go
Pain migrates (moves) to different body parts
Early on, experienced a "flu-like" illness, after which you have not since felt well. (If it was mild, you may not even recall this.)
Eyes/Vision
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Digestive and Excretory Systems
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Respiratory and Circulatory Systems
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