Sweating, Chills, Fatigue & Nausea Symptoms

A combination of sweating, chills, fatigue and nausea symptoms can signal a wide range of medical conditions, from a passing virus to more serious, potentially life-threatening diseases. Contact your physician if you are experiencing these symptoms. Lab tests and other diagnostic tools can help pinpoint the underlying cause. If these symptoms become severe or are accompanied by high fever, difficulty breathing or chest pain, seek emergency medical attention.

Viral Gastroenteritis

Viral gastroenteritis, commonly referred to as the stomach bug, is a highly contagious intestinal virus and the second most common illness in the U.S., according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Symptoms include nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, fever and chills. A physician diagnoses viral gastroenteritis based on symptoms and a physical exam. Because viruses cannot be cured with antibiotics, treatment focuses on maintaining adequate hydration until the virus has run its course. The virus spreads through contact with contaminated food or surfaces; frequent proper hand washing can help prevent its spread.

Migraine

MedlinePlus explains that approximately 11 out of 100 people suffer from migraines, a type of severe throbbing headache caused by abnormal brain activity. Migraines typically appear between ages 10 and 46, and affect more women than men. Symptoms vary from person to person but may include blurred vision, sweating or chills, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, neck pain and sensitivity to light or sound. Your doctor may suggest keeping a journal detailing the circumstances and environment surrounding your migraine to identify potential triggers. Migraines can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers, but more severe cases may require prescription medication.

Angina

Angina is a type of chest pain triggered by reduced blood flow to the heart, according to MayoClinic.com. Stable angina is characterized by persistent pain typically caused by physical exertion. Unstable angina, characterized by sudden pain or a change in the severity or pattern of stable angina, can signal an impending heart attack. Along with chest pain, additional symptoms include nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, sweating and dizziness. Seek emergency medical attention if you are experiencing angina for the first time or if the symptoms of previously diagnosed angina are more severe than usual.

Malaria

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that, although malaria was eradicated in the early 1950s in the United States, an average of 1500 cases still appear in this country every year. Malaria is the fifth leading cause of infectious disease deaths worldwide, and second only to HIV/AIDS in Africa. Classic malaria stages begin with a cold stage, characterized by chills and shivering. The second stage features nausea, vomiting and fever. During the third stage, sweating and fatigue prevail until the body temperature returns to normal. However, the CDC notes that this exact pattern is rarely seen and patients are more likely to experience a range of symptoms throughout the entire illness.