Clammy skin, nausea and fatigue: what to know

Clammy skin may occur when your body is sweating or responding to stress, pain, illness, or a drop in blood sugar. Nausea can accompany stomach illness, medication effects, or dehydration. Fatigue may follow poor sleep or an infection, but ongoing tiredness can also occur with anaemia, coeliac disease, chronic kidney disease, or chronic fatigue syndrome. Alcohol withdrawal and burnout are other possibilities in the right context. These symptoms do not identify one condition by themselves.

Sit or lie somewhere cool and safe. Sip water or an oral rehydration drink if you can keep fluids down, and avoid alcohol. If you have diabetes, follow your personal low-blood-sugar plan and check your glucose if advised. Note when the symptoms began, recent heat exposure, vomiting or diarrhoea, medicines, food intake, and any fever. Arrange a medical review if symptoms persist, recur, or fatigue is affecting daily activities.

Seek emergency help for chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, blue or very pale skin, a seizure, or signs of shock. Get prompt advice if you cannot keep fluids down, are passing very little urine, have severe abdominal pain, or symptoms are rapidly worsening. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or confused.

Could dehydration, anaemia, blood sugar, a medicine, or an infection explain this pattern? Which tests are appropriate if the fatigue continues? What warning signs should prompt urgent care?