Each of us knows our body the best. In other words, when something is not right, we can notice it after a short period.
Paying close attention to how we feel and to new pains and sensations is one of the most effective tools for identifying and preventing many serious health conditions. If we follow these signs carefully we can detect even a heart attack.
According to Prevention which is part of the American Cancer Society, every individual knows their body the best. In case you feel or notice something different than usual, don’t ignore this problem and pay close attention.
While it is true that we can treat some illnesses without professional help like minor pains and aches, for example, it is also true that some signs and symptoms signal us to ask for professional medical help as soon as possible. According to Prevention, a famous neurosurgeon, doctors are more concerned about new symptoms that escalate fast compared to signs and symptoms that develop slowly.
So, how can we tell whether the symptom is serious or not? Well, the easiest way is to check a list of symptoms that you should never ignore.
Of course, this list should not replace your regular visits to the doctor’s office, but it can certainly help you because it shows some fast and simple indicators of major illnesses and diseases. This is very useful and important information, so please be careful and read this list. It can keep you safe and even save your life in some cases.
Read this list to the bottom to check the symptoms and signs you shouldn’t ignore. You will find out more about your current health condition and protect your health.
1. Pain in The Chest
This is something very serious and needs fast medical attention. Lingering tightness and/or pain in the chest is often a sign of an upcoming heart attack. In some cases, this is an indicator of a blood clot or heart disease. Dr. Shilpi Agarwal says that any type of chest pain, especially if it occurs with some other manifestations like pressure, sweating, nausea, or shortness of breath, should be checked by a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Keep in mind that this type of pain doesn’t necessarily mean that something is wrong. However, in this case, there is no room for guessing and you should ask for help.
2. Severe and Chronic Headache
A headache that occurs all of a sudden and has high intensity, especially if it is stronger than any headache you have experienced before, is a sign that you must visit your doctor as soon as possible. These awful headaches could be an indicator of a burst blood vessel or aneurysm. You could also be suffering from shingles or meningitis.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a sharp, sudden headache could be an indicator of a serious or even life-threatening problem. Experts believe that about 5% of the population lives with a brain aneurysm that is not ruptured. There is a chance that this is nothing serious, but why take the risk?
3. Unexpected Confusion
Unexpected, sudden confusion, or the lack of ability to focus and concentrate are two very serious signs that something is not right. Professional attention is required for unexpected confusion or personality changes that happen quickly. This strange behavior can be linked to a brain tumor, stroke, or bleeding in the brain. In some cases, this is a sign of dehydration, low blood sugar levels, or infections.
Prevention says that the rate of fatalities linked to unexpected confusion is very high and you need to find out what is causing the problem fast. If you notice such a change in someone close to you or yourself, visit the doctor’s office.
4. Rapid Weight Loss
Weight loss of five or more percent of your previous weight in a very short period that cannot be explained is usually a sign that you should seek professional medical advice. Rapid weight loss is one of the most common signs of cancer and it is crucial to determine the cause of this occurrence. There are a few other diseases and health problems related to rapid weight loss such as depression, diabetes, and endocrine system problems.
Dr. Julian Schink says that in most cases colon cancer starts with rapid and unexplained weight loss. It is one thing to lose a few pounds over some time, but losing significant weight without explanation requires a medical checkup.
5. Eye Flashes and Floaters
Noticing flashes of light, odd bright spots or other visual oddities requires a visit to the doctor’s office. The occurrence of flashes and floaters can be associated with a detached retina which usually ends in complete loss of vision.
According to the National Cancer Institute, these symptoms seem harmless because they don’t cause pain and don’t cause many problems, but if they are not treated promptly they can lead to serious problems. Keep in mind that your vision is in question, so don’t leave this occurrence untreated.
6. Constant Fever
A fever that lasts for a long period needs medical assistance. The fever is an indicator that the body is trying to eliminate some infection and continuous fever means that the infection is very serious. In some cases, we are talking about UTI, meningitis, or some types of cancer like leukemia or lymphoma.
According to Prevention, a fever of 103 degrees or even higher, must be checked by a doctor.
The good news is that fever as a sign of cancer is very rare, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
7. Shortness of Breath
People get short of breath in many different situations and this usually happens when we are involved in hard physical activity. However, if you feel that you can’t breathe normally after a long period or if this unpleasant situation comes together with a fever, chest pain, gasping, or blood circulation problems, you must visit a doctor right away. The lack of ability to breathe properly could be an indicator of pulmonary disease or blood clots and these two occurrences are equally dangerous.
Dr. Shilpi Agarwal says that in case we don’t get an immediate professional evaluation, breathing difficulties will grow and this can lead to more serious conditions or even fatalities.
Shortness of breath also occurs in cases of asthma and anxiety, but instead of guessing you should visit your doctor.
8. Leg Swelling
Swelling of the legs is a situation in which fluid builds up in the area where it shouldn’t and this may be an indicator of thyroid issues, heart failure, or problems with the veins. In case this situation is accompanied by pain that occurs in the lower part of the leg, this might be a sign of a blood clot. No matter what is the reason, you should ask for professional help.
According to Life Span, if you try to flex the toes upward and you notice pain, this is another indicator of a blood clot. However, you should not completely rely on these signs because only a doctor can tell you what this is.
9. Intense Abdominal Pain
Intense and unexpected pain in the stomach is a sign that you should visit a doctor. The pain you feel could be an indicator of an aortic aneurysm or some other less or more serious blood flow problems. If you also feel the urge to vomit, you might be dealing with painful gallstones.
According to Prevention, in case of an aneurysm rupture, this pain will be severe and sudden and usually concentrated in and around the belly button.
This should not be a cause for panic, but take these signs seriously and go see the doctor.
10. Permanent Fatigue
It is not unusual to feel tired from time to time, but if you feel that you are tired all the time and you also feel that you are exhausted, this might be a sign of some serious condition like hypothyroidism, gastrointestinal or uterine cancer, depression, or anemia. This is surely a sign to check your health.
Lifespan is focused on the relationship between permanent fatigue and hypothyroidism. They say that in cases when the gland is not acting as it should be, the metabolism is slow too and this is why people feel tired.
If tiredness is limited to normal levels, you should not be worried. However, if you simply cannot get rid of this tiredness, visit your doctor’s office.
11. Pain in The Pelvis
Pelvic pain that comes in any form (sudden, dull, sharp) must be checked by a medical professional without any delays. Pelvic pain is often an indicator of a nerve condition, kidney infection, inflammation of the appendix, hernia, etc. If the pain comes as a result of an injury, this could be a sign of a broken pelvis.
According to Dr. Julian Schink, even in cases of mild pain, we should look for a professional opinion because pain should not occur there.
12. Frequent Urination
We all use the bathroom a few times a day, but if you notice that you simply cannot stop urinating, this could be an indicator of something more serious and you should ask your doctor for an opinion. Frequent urination can be a sign that something is adding pressure to the bladder. This is usually something benign, but you must ask for help.
Dr. Julian Schink says that if you are urinating frequently then you should not ignore this and look for medical assistance. While it is true that you don’t have to run to the hospital at the same moment, you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
13. Snoring
There is no doubt that snoring is one of the most annoying occurrences, especially for the person who is sleeping close to you. But, in some cases, snoring can be a sign of something else and this is especially true if you feel a lack of energy during the day. Peter Fotinakes, the medical director of St. Joseph Hospital’s Sleep Disorders Center says that there is no need to be worried if you are snoring, but you feel fresh during the day. However, if you snore and you or your partners notice snorts or gasps, these signs can indicate sleep apnea which often results in high blood pressure and heart issues.
14. Very Dark Stools
Bile, the liquid released by the liver, supports the digestion of drinks and food and gives the stool the typical brown color. The shades can go from very light brown to almost black. It is good to mention that these changes should not be a reason for worry. There are many foods like cranberries, beets, and red veggies that can make your stool color different. There are also some supplements and medications that can make the stool look darker. The truth is that these changes last for a short period and this is something that Jack Jacoub an oncologist from the Memorial Care Cancer Institute confirms.
So, if you notice very dark or red stools and you don’t take any medicines and your diet is the same, you should visit your doctor. Completely black stools are often related to bleeding that comes from some upper GI source. This could be a sign of cancer, ulcer, and other health disorders.
15. Muscle Pain
It is quite natural to experience sore muscles after an intense workout. However, if the soreness is there after a long period, then this might be a problem. Muscle aches and soreness occur between four and six hours after you have finished the physical activity. However, in some cases, the peak of the soreness occurs two days after the exercise. In addition, statins are known as one of the causes of muscle soreness although these cases are rare (unless you use a drug known as fibrates).
You should see a doctor if you notice complete body achiness or if the soreness doesn’t stop over time. Dark urine is another indicator that something is not right. All these signs can be related to rhabdomyolysis. This is a syndrome that comes as a result of muscle tissue breakdown accompanied by the release of harmful cellular structures in the bloodstream.
Via Prevention