Sometimes, a headache, upset stomach or runny nose might just mean you have the flu, and a little home remedy or rest will ease these symptoms. However, if these symptoms persevere and become much more frequent even after much care, it is relevant to speak to a doctor and get a proper checkup because they might mean something more.
Ignoring health problems just because they seem familiar could harm our health because they could lead to severe conditions and progress over time. Taking immediate action for your health is essential. With that in mind, below are five health signs you should not ignore;
Shortness of breath
A variety of conditions can cause breathing problems. Although most causes are harmless and easily treated, if the breathing difficulty is new or worsening, it could be a sign of something more serious.
If you can not breathe or do not have enough air in your lungs, you should seek medical attention immediately. This is known as dyspnea, which could indicate dangerous conditions, such as asthma, heart problems, pneumonia, or a blood clot in the lungs.
Sudden weight loss
Losing weight without trying, especially a significant weight loss over a long period, can signify something more serious. Doctors generally advise that any loss of more than 5% of your body weight without trying is cause for concern. Diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, overactive thyroid, cancer, heart conditions, and other underlying conditions may be associated with unintended weight loss. Talk to your doctor about significant unintentional weight loss and other symptoms you may be experiencing.
Unusual bleeding
We require blood to survive. However, there are some places where blood should never be seen. If you do, you should take it seriously. If you have blood in your urine or stools or are coughing or vomiting blood, speak to your doctor immediately. Various conditions, including bladder cancer, kidney disease, a urinary tract infection, an injury, or anaemia, can cause blood in the urine. Blood in the stools could be caused by trauma or haemorrhoids, or it could be a sign of something more serious, such as colon cancer, diverticulitis, or inflammatory bowel disease. Vomiting blood may indicate an oesophagal ulcer or tear, whereas coughing blood may indicate lung cancer.
Recurring, sudden or severe abdominal pain
There are numerous causes of abdominal pain, ranging from constipation to chronic conditions. Seek medical help immediately if you have been in an accident or have been injured or if the pain is accompanied by chest pain. Appendicitis, gallbladder inflammation, kidney stones, pancreatitis, diverticulitis, and other medical conditions can cause abdominal pain. Speak to a doctor online.
Changes to the breast or nipples
Breast changes, such as lumps or a feeling of firmness, should always be reported to your doctor as soon as possible. Contact your doctor if the skin on your breast has dimples or redness, appears scaly, or is itchy, as these are all signs of breast cancer. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the chances of a successful outcome. If you are experiencing nipple discharge, you should also notify your doctor because it could be related to several conditions that require treatment, such as cancer, mastitis, and others.
While understanding what these signs might mean is beneficial, not all conditions have symptoms. Some cancers may not show any signs until they are advanced. The same is true for infections like HIV and hepatitis.
That is why it is critical to be familiar with your body and recognise when something is off or does not feel right. Speak with your doctor and express your concerns.
