Dr. Muhammad Majid Hanif
Cardiology
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Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I am feeling tired for a couple of weeks. I do not have the feel of sleeping. I cannot completely open my eyes in the morning. I have a headache and neck stiffness. I went to a urgent care as I had chest pain, they did an ECG and blood test and told me that there is nothing to worry about heart and they told, I may have GERD and gave me some acidity medication. I had a follow up with an ENT as I was having a headache. The ENT doctor told me that I have a sinus infection. I took antibiotics given by the doctor for seven days to get some relief but, still, there is tiredness, feeling of sleepy and some discomfort in my throat and neck. Three years back, I used to have acid reflexes and I used to cough a lot so I developed tonsils. I am not sure what is causing headache and tiredness? Is this anything to do with brain stroke or gastro problems? This is causing a lot of anxiety and stress for me. Currently, I am taking Amoxicillin, Fluticasone, Prednisone, Ranitidine tablets.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
It may be due to sleep apnea or obstructive sleep apnea. Frequent awakening while sleeping that is unidentifiable to the individual himself causes all the discomfort. It is a disease where we cannot sleep well and we will feel uncomfortable and lazy, you will have no energy and daytime sleepiness is very common. GERD can be a chronic issue. It also adds to the symptoms especially as you have head and neck issues. I can see you are already taking some medications for this. If there is no benefit, consult a Gastroenterologist soon. For evaluation and assessment, consult a sleep apnea doctor who would run a lot of tests after careful examination.
For more information consult an internal medicine physician online -->https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/internal-medicine-physician
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
I am not able to notice any disturbance in my sleep, except for a morning headache and tiredness. Can tonsils cause any obstruction? Are there any other symptoms of sleep apnea, other than a headache and feeling tired?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
This does not seem to be brain stroke or gastro problem. It cannot be ruled out based on the medical history. Physical examination and if needed, some investigations may be helpful. In sleep apnea, the patient will not be able to notice sleep disturbances. It is the symptoms that catch it up and raises the suspicion. Yes, tonsils may also be involved in improper sleep. They block airways. In some patients, adenoids do the same. A large majority of patients are overweight and their soft palate plays a major role to block airways. You should consult your physician for a further referral.
Most common symptoms may include snoring loudly and feeling tired even after a full night sleep, insomnia, excess daytime sleepiness, sleep deprivation, and nightmares. Respiratory symptoms include while sleeping, episodes of no breathing in between regular breathing, breathing through the mouth or loud breathing. Additional symptoms include weight gain, dry mouth, and throat, depression, mood swings, fatigue, headache as you feel, irritability.
The most important is to keep a followup with ENT to evaluate if tonsils are the problem. Next thing is to keep body weight in limits. Physical exercise and weight loss help a lot. Airway management can be handled by your physician as needed.
For more information consult an internal medicine physician online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/internal-medicine-physician
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
I have a constant headache every day as soon as I wake up. Does airflow blockage cause headache? And will it be a constant headache over the day?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
There are many reasons for a headache. There is a lot of symptoms you have, that warrants us to go for a proper evaluation. A headache can be related to sleep apnea.
For more information consult an internal medicine physician online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/internal-medicine-physician
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
I am starting to have some tingling and weakness in my legs. My physician told to do CBC with differential, BMP, Hemoglobin tests, Lipid tests, Urinalysis. Will this help in identifying the headache or any other symptoms?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
These are some basic tests that can help to rule the problem in you. Most of them are screening or generalized tests but it is not specific to any specific disease. Some tests will help to screen if your body has any issues with metabolism. I am sure your physician would have your main concerns of a headache and fatigue too on the list and he is screening you for the same reasons. Let us see what comes in the laboratory results then, we can say with some confidence about which direction we can proceed. You can consult me back with results.
For more information consult an internal medicine physician online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/internal-medicine-physician
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Cardiology
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