How To Take Care Of Your Health And Body
11 Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
Most aches and pains are part of being human and nothing to worry about. They can often be explained in relation to our lifestyle or age, etc. However, on occasion, they may be the sign of something a little more sinister. If you’re ever unsure, always err on the side of caution and see your doctor. He or she will be able to rule out any serious causes. And never ignore the following symptoms.
Here are 11 Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore!
1. Chest Pain and Shortness of Breath
This may sound obvious, but chest pain and shortness of breath should never be ignored. Especially if it is accompanied by pressure and nausea. It could be a sign that you’re having a heart attack or that you have heart disease. Both of these pose a significant risk to life. Symptoms that last for a few minutes and then come back again are also concerning. Seek emergency medical attention immediately.
2. Sudden Weakness
Sudden weakness, particularly in your arms, legs, or face, could be a sign of a stroke. Balance may also be affected, and you may feel dizzy and unable to walk. Other warning signs include confusion, difficulties with speech and blurred vision. If you seek treatment immediately, there’s a good chance that the damage can be reversed. Having access to the right treatment and medication in the first few hours can reduce the risk of permanent disability.
3. Changes To Your Urine
It may seem like an odd thing to do, but it’s a good idea to get to know your own pee. Become familiar with what it looks and smells like. Any changes will then be obvious. One of the most noticeable changes is the appearance of blood. This may indicate a bladder or kidney infection or kidney stones. It may also be accompanied by pain in your back or side. Other more serious causes could be cancer of the bladder or kidneys. Therefore, these symptoms should not be ignored.
Changes in the smell of your urine could also indicate a problem. Food and medication can cause your pee to smell differently. But it may also indicate an illness like diabetes. Sites such as http://www.thealternativedaily.com/why-you-should-smell-your-urine/ can provide more details.
4. Rectal Bleeding Causes
And now from wee to poop. The presence of dark or bright red blood in your stools could be an indication of colon cancer. There are many other possible causes, most of them non-serious. A quick trip to see your doctor will put your mind at rest and help to rule out serious illnesses. And if something serious is detected, you can receive the relevant treatment. The quicker it is diagnosed, the better your chances of a full recovery.
5. Wheezing Causes
Wheezing is a whistling sound that occurs when you’re breathing. It is caused by a narrowing of the airways. Any breathing problems should be treated as an emergency, and immediate action is required. Breathing problems have many possible causes such as asthma, lung disease, allergic reaction, etc. If accompanied by coughing up mucus, wheezing could also indicate pneumonia or bronchitis. Sites like http://patient.info/health/wheeze have more details on wheezing.
6. Bloating
There are many reasons you could be feeling bloated. The most likely reason is due to diet. Certain foods such as wheat can cause bloating. However, it is also one of the main signs of ovarian cancer. So, if you have been feeling bloated, visit your doctor to rule this out. Other symptoms of ovarian cancer include pain in your pelvis or lower back and changes in bladder and bowel habits.
7. Causes of Unexplained Weight Loss or Gain
If we gain or lose weight, we can usually explain this. We may have been overindulging. Or, we may have been ill recently or actively trying to lose weight. But if you suddenly lose or gain weight with no clear reason, it could indicate a problem. You may have a problem with your thyroid gland. Or, in more serious cases, it could be a symptom of cancer. It’s best to get this checked out immediately.
8. Persistent Cough
We all get coughs and colds from time to time. We’re particularly prone to these bugs during the winter months. Often a healthy diet and over the counter medications are all that’s needed. But coughs that won’t go away could have a serious underlying cause. This is one of the symptoms of lung cancer. And you don’t have to be a smoker to contract this disease. The advice is to get it checked out, particularly if you cough up blood.
9. Severe Headache
If you experience a severe headache, chances are this is just a migraine. But if it is off the charts, seek medical advice. It could have a more serious cause. Possible causes could be an aneurysm or tumor. Repeated headaches could also indicate a tumor, especially if they begin in the morning or worsen with time. Other tumor symptoms include seizures, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, etc.
10. Pain In Your Side
A sharp pain in your side could be telling you that you have appendicitis. If untreated the appendix could burst, which becomes life threatening. Another possibility is an ovarian cyst. Both are likely to require emergency surgery. But the good news is that once removed, you are likely to make a quick and full recovery.
11. Leg Pain And Swelling
A feeling of tenderness or pain in your lower leg can be an indication of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It can happen after long periods of inactivity. For example, after a plane journey or if you have been ill for a while. You may also notice swelling and a red area on your leg. If you notice these symptoms go straight to the ER. If the blood clot breaks away, it could cause serious damage and is potentially life-threatening.
All of the illnesses mentioned here have many minor causes. The sooner you get them checked out, the quicker the doctor can set your mind at ease. And if the symptoms are caused by something more serious, then early detection is key. The sooner illnesses are diagnosed, the sooner you can receive treatment and gain a full recovery.
Hopefully, these tips on how to take care of your health and body have been useful for you.
Thanks so very much for your time!
Klaudia
I noticed blood in stool six years ago, went to my PCP immediately, and discovered I had stage III colon cancer. After surgery and chemo and some wonderful care from health professionals, family, and friends, I am fine. Blood in stool was my first warning sign, and it could have easily advanced to stage IV which is much more difficult to cure. I am a home health physical therapist, and I am amazed when I come across patients who have had this symptom and not had it further evaluated.
Great post. It’s very good to be aware of signs that your health is not ok. We should never ignore these. And it’s good to recognize it and know what might be wrong. So we can act quickly. I’m always happy to read health posts, so much to learn!
Very true.
These symptoms should never be ignored as they could mean something really serious!