We all experience symptoms and signs of illness at some point in our lives. In many cases, there’s nothing to worry about, and the body will heal and recover without the need for intervention, but in some cases, it’s crucial to seek help. In this guide, we’ll discuss warning signs you shouldn’t ignore.
Unexplained weight loss
Losing weight is often seen as a positive sign but what happens if you notice that your clothes feel baggy or you look thinner in the mirror without dieting or increasing activity levels? Most people experience minor fluctuations in their weight but if you’ve dropped a noticeable amount of weight without trying or making changes to your diet or exercise habits, see your doctor. Unexplained weight loss can be a sign of severe stress, digestive disorders or other health conditions, including an overactive thyroid, type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer.
Changes in your bowel habits
Everyone is different. What is normal for one person may be different from another in terms of bowel habits. If you notice changes in your bowel habits, it’s always wise to seek advice. If you’re going to the toilet more or less frequently than usual, or you’ve noticed traces of blood in your urine or feces, for example, it’s best to get checked out. Abnormal bowel habits can indicate underlying digestive problems and they can also be symptomatic of cancer.
Extreme fatigue and tiredness
Most of us have days when we feel tired and we count down the hours until it’s time to go to bed. It’s normal to lack energy and enthusiasm after a sleepless night or a busy week, but if you feel tired all the time, there could be an underlying cause. If you’re finding it hard to stay awake during the day or you have no energy, it’s beneficial to see your doctor. There are several possible causes ranging from sleep troubles and dietary deficiencies to hormonal imbalances. If you undergo tests, doctors can recommend treatments to address the issue. You may be advised to try HRT, modify your diet or take supplements, or take medication to help you sleep, for example. It can also be beneficial to try self-help techniques if you experience sleep troubles, such as bouts of insomnia. Establishing a sleep routine, blocking out light and noise, relaxing before bed and keeping phones out of the bedroom can all help.
Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath should be treated as a medical emergency. If you start struggling to breathe suddenly, or you are finding it increasingly difficult to catch your breath, don’t hesitate to get help. Breathing difficulties may be linked to respiratory conditions and diseases that affect the cardiovascular system. They can also be caused by more minor ailments, such as allergies.
Feeling low
Feeling low is a natural human emotion but it can also be a sign of mental illness. It’s common to experience sadness, grief or a lack of energy and motivation if you receive bad news but if you’re struggling to pinpoint a cause, or you’ve been feeling low for weeks or months, speak to your doctor. It’s often more difficult to detect and diagnose mental health disorders because the symptoms aren’t always obvious and people sometimes assume that what they’re going through is ‘normal.’ Many of us are also more reluctant to reach out when it comes to our mental health. It’s important to realize that mental well-being is as critical as physical health.
There are several treatment options, therapies and self-help methods that can be used to treat conditions like anxiety and depression. Doctors and therapists often recommend a combination of treatments to address root causes and alleviate symptoms. This may include taking medication and going to counseling or group support sessions, for example.
Severe or persistent headaches
Headaches are one of the most common ailments. Usually, when you have a headache, you can take a pill and your pain will subside. If this is the case, there’s probably nothing to worry about. Headaches are often linked to dehydration, tiredness, stress, poor posture and eyesight issues. They can also be a side-effect of drinking too much alcohol. If you have recurrent headaches, or you experience crippling pain, it’s essential to schedule an appointment with your doctor. Severe headaches can be caused by minor issues, but they may also be a symptom of brain tumors or trauma in rare cases.
Lumps and abnormal swelling
It’s very common to experience lumps and swelling and inflammation if you’ve been injured or you’ve been stung or bitten. Your body’s immune system jumps into action, which triggers an immune response, causing swelling. If you detect lumps, or you have swelling without an obvious cause, it’s wise to get checked out. Lumps and inflammation can be a sign of cancer. In the very unlikely event that a lump turns out to be cancerous, the sooner it is detected, the higher the chance of successful treatment.
Chronic pain
It is estimated that around 50 million US adults live with chronic pain. There are multiple causes of long-term pain, including accidents and injuries, health conditions such as arthritis, and aging. There may not be a cure for chronic pain, but there are often remedies or solutions that can help to ease discomfort. Examples include medication, cold and heat therapies, massage, mobility aids, physical therapy and alternative and complementary therapies, including chiropractic, acupuncture and osteopathy.
Everyone has days when they don’t feel like they’re firing on all cylinders, but it’s critical to be aware of potential red flags. There are some health warning signs that you shouldn’t ignore. If you notice any of the symptoms listed in this guide, it’s beneficial to seek advice. In most cases, there will be nothing to worry about, but it’s wise to err on the side of caution. Often, the sooner warning signs are detected and addressed, the better the outcome. From changes in bowel habits and long periods of feeling low to a lack of energy and tiredness and chronic pain, there is help out there.