Not many people actually enjoy going to the doctor, and to be honest, we have probably all put off a visit here and there. However, there are some instances where we shouldn’t delay seeking treatment.
Sometimes our body is giving us very clear indicators that something is wrong. If you are experiencing them, it’s better to get help sooner rather than later.
Below we are going to take a look at ten different signs and symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored.
Let’s get started.
Chest pain
Most people associate heart attacks with rapid pain to the chest that throws them to the ground. However, it’s essential to know that this isn’t always the case.
In some circumstances, pain can develop slowly and be more of an uncomfortable pressure. This may only last a few minutes before returning again.
If you or someone you know is experiencing chest pain that they usually wouldn’t, followed by other symptoms such as cold sweats or nausea, head down to the emergency room.
Rapid weight changes
Weight loss can be a good sign if you’ve been exercising and advised to lose weight. But, there are times when rapid changes, including weight gain, can be a cause for concern.
Intense fluctuations could be the result of an underlying medical condition, such as a digestive disorder.
If you’re experiencing this, it’s best to see a medical professional so that they can run the necessary tests. Check out these okc doctors to get started.
Toothaches
Sometimes we spend so much time worrying about our weight and diet that we forget to pay attention to our oral health. Our teeth are vital, and we have to take good care of them.
If you are experiencing painful toothaches, followed by bleeding and tender gums, you want to call up your dentist for an appointment. If you leave the issue too long, it could end up being a more challenging problem to fix.
Want to know how to maintain better oral hygiene? You can find more information here.
Weakness in one side of the body
Having weakness in one side of the body is one of the most significant indicators of a stroke. This occurs when blood supplied to your brain is interrupted or reduced.
In order to improve the chance of survival, you need to identify the symptoms as quickly as possible. The sooner you get to the ER, the sooner they can start treatment.
Alongside arm weakness, you may also experience face dropping and slurred speech.
Fatigue and excessive sleeping
Enjoying sleep is nothing to be concerned about. However, if you’re experiencing a lack of energy, and nothing seems to be helping, there has to be a reason. Excessive fatigue is often a sign of depression or another psychological disorder.
Alternatively, getting not enough sleep can also be harmful to your health. Speak to your GP to rule out any conditions. You may just need to get into a better cycle.
Intense thirst
If you’ve been reaching for your water bottle a lot more than you regularly would, then it’s another sign that you should visit your doctor. Excessive thirst is a common symptom of diabetes and occurs due to high blood sugar levels.
Of course, there are circumstances where it is entirely normal. For instance, if you’ve been more active or are pregnant, you may want to drink more. However, sudden changes are always better to be checked out.
Mole changes
For those of us that are blessed with a lot of moles and freckles, we probably don’t take much notice of them. However, it’s extremely important that we monitor them for changes.
If your once normal round mole has changed color, size, or shape, it could be an indicator of a very aggressive form of skin cancer. You’ll need to get it removed as soon as possible to prevent it from spreading.
When looking at your moles, remember to keep an eye out for:
– Asymmetry: Both halves don’t match.
– Borders: Uneven borders.
– Color: Variety of color rather than just one.
– Diameter: Growing larger than a pencil eraser.
– Evolution: Changes in all of the above.
Loss of appetite
Loss of appetite may seem like a harmless symptom to have, and while there are circumstances where it could be just an upset tummy, there are others where it could be a more severe problem.
If you haven’t been able to eat much over a few days, it could be that you are experiencing a metabolic disorder or some other problem with your gastro system. It’s best to get checked out before it causes further issues such as weight loss.
Hair loss
We all lose hair. In fact, most of us will shed around 50-100 of them a day! However, if you have been noticing clumps in your hairbrush, or more than a few falling out in the shower, you should go and visit your local GP.
Hair loss is a symptom of quite a few serious medical issues, including some autoimmune disorders. While it might not be something so severe, it’s better to get looked at, just in case.
Not feeling yourself
Finally, while some signs and symptoms are obvious, others may be a little harder to determine. It may be that you’re not feeling yourself and know that something isn’t right.
You could be confused, disorientated, unable to think, or unsure about your decisions. Sometimes these changes are due to mental health disorders or infections.
You should always trust your feelings and seek help if you don’t feel your best.
Final thoughts
And that’s it. These were ten body signs and symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored.
While you might be nervous about visiting the doctor or emergency room, you should know that these individuals are there to help. Even if nothing is wrong, it’s better to seek answers before it turns into a more complicated situation.
We only get one body, and we must look after it.
