Flushing

Differential Diagnosis

Common Diagnoses

Occasional Diagnoses

Rare Diagnoses

  • Carcinoid Tumour
  • Phaeochromocytoma
  • Zollinger–Ellison Syndrome
  • Systemic Mastocytosis
  • ACTH-Secreting Bronchogenic Carcinoma and Cushing’s Syndrome

Ready Reckoner

Key distinguishing features of the most common diagnoses

MenopauseAlcoholRosaceaIatrogenicAnxiety
ContinuousNoPossiblePossiblePossibleNo
Weight LossNoPossibleNoNoPossible
Facial PapulesNoNoYesNoNo
TremorNoPossibleNoNoYes
Long HistoryPossibleYesPossibleNoPossible

Possible Investigations

Likely:None.

Possible:FBC, LFT, TFT, blood sugar, FSH/LH.

Small Print:Echocardiogram, EEG, urinary 5HIAA and VMA, gastrin level, further specialised endocrine tests.

  • FBC: Raised haemoglobin and PCV in polycythaemia (may also be elevated platelets and WCC), raised MCV in chronic alcohol misuse.
  • Biochemistry: LFT and γGT abnormal in alcohol misuse. TFT will reveal hyperthyroidism.
  • Blood sugar: To reveal hypo- or hyperglycaemia.
  • FSH/LH of limited use as does not correlate well with symptoms (useful only if premature menopause suspected).
  • Echocardiography: If mitral stenosis suspected.
  • EEG: For possible epilepsy.
  • Specialist tests might include 24 h urinary 5-HIAA if carcinoid syndrome suspected, 24 h urinary-free catecholamines and VMAs if phaeochromocytoma suspected and further endocrine tests (e.g. for Cushing’s syndrome).

Top Tips

  • Many women complaining of flushing will suspect the cause is the menopause. Address this possibility in the consultation, especially in young women fearing ‘an early change’.
  • A constantly flushed face in older men is likely to be due to alcohol, polycythaemia or rosacea.
  • Anxiety is likely if the circumstances fit – but bear in mind that hyperthyroidism can produce a very similar clinical picture.
  • It can be difficult to distinguish anxiety from menopausal symptoms in a woman of menopausal age. Flushes with sweats waking the woman at night are more likely to be caused by the menopause – but a trial of treatment is the acid test (though beware of an initial placebo response).

Red Flags

  • Diarrhoea and dyspnoea with flushing after alcohol, food and exercise suggest possible carcinoid syndrome.
  • Flushing followed by an episode of altered consciousness points to a significant cause, such as recurrent hypoglycaemia or epilepsy.
  • Do not be tempted to write this symptom off as the hot flushes of emotional blushing. While common, this problem is unlikely to present in daily practice.
  • Recent onset of severe flushing which is not obviously menopausal or anxiety may have a significant cause, especially if the patient has other symptoms. Have a low threshold for investigations or referral in such cases.

Published: 2nd August 2022 Updated: 10th April 2024

Report errors, or incorrect content by clicking here.

What is Pulse Reference?

Based on the best-selling book Symptom Sorter. Pulse Reference is designed to help GPs make sense of patient presentations. It analyses a multitude of symptoms commonly seen in primary care and for each presents differentials, distinguishing features, possible investigations and key points. It also provides guides on managing more than 350 conditions. The perspective is very much grass roots primary care, informed by the latest evidence and guidance.

Learn More

Disclaimer

Pulse Reference is based on the best-selling book Symptom Sorter. The experts behind Pulse Reference are Dr Keith Hopcroft who is the co-author of Symptom Sorter, a GP in Essex and Pulse’s editorial advisor and Dr Poppy Freeman, a GP in Camden and also a clinical advisor to Pulse. This website is for clinical guidance only and cannot give definitive diagnostic information. Practitioners should work within the limits of their individual professional practice, seek guidance when necessary and refer appropriately.