There is no doubt that seeking medical attention early is a great way of detecting and preventing many fatal conditions. Not all can afford periodic medical checkup that’s why paying close attention to our body for new sensations is highly necessary.
While there are some ailments that can be solved ourselves like minor aches and cold, certain symptoms indicates the need of urgent medical attention. These symptoms might seem harmless but could be catastrophic if not evaluated and treated quickly.
1.) Chest Pains
Whether sudden or persistence shouldn’t be ignored especially accompanied by sweating, pressure and shortness of breath, should be evaluated by a medical professional. It doesn’t automatically mean something is terribly wrong but in this case, it could be an indicator of heart attack or even a blood clot.
2.) Unexplainable Weight loss
This should never be over looked. A weight loss of 5% or more over a relatively short period of time is a serious problem as this is one of the biggest symptom of cancer. Other possibilities include diabetes, depression, liver disease, overactive thyroid or malabsorption disorders.
3.) Sudden Onset of extreme pain in your head
Particularly if it feels worse than any headaches you’ve had before. It could mean a different thing.
4.) Sudden Confusion, inability to concentrate or behavior changes
Medical attention is definitely needed. It could be an indicator of a brain tumor, bleeding in brain, stroke or at the very least be a sign of low blood sugar or dehydration.
5.) Shortness of breath
Some factors like extreme physical activity can cause this. If you can’t catch your breath for extended period of time especially if accompanied with chest pain or gasping requires urgent medical attention. It could be a sign of a blood clot or pulmonary disease.
6.) Persistent Fever or one that is abnormally high
Any fever more than 103 degree(103F or 39.4C) is very high. Fever tells that your body is battling some kind of infection. A persistent fever indicate a hidden infection. Possibilities include urinary tract infection, meningitis or types of cancer like lymphomas or leukemia.
7.) Seeing flashes of light or oddities in your vision
Flashes could be presence of a large amount of floaters in your vision which could be a sign of a detached retina. It could also be migraine. It should be checked to avoid permanent loss of vision.
8.) Pelvis Pain
It could be sudden or sharp pain. Anyhow, you aren’t supposed to feel any pain. This pain could be a sign of appendicitis, kidney infection, hernia, nerve condition or possible broken pelvis incase of an injury.
9.) Excessive Urination
This could be a sign of diabetes, both type 1 and 2 or urinary tract infection. It should be checked by a physician sooner than later.
10.) Unexplained changes in bowel habits.
Persistent diarrhea or constipation, bloody or black coloured stools, etc, could be a signal of bacterial, viral or parasitic infection. It could also be a sign of colon cancer.
11.) Serious and sudden pain in your stomach
It could be blood flows issues. If accompanied by nausea and vomiting, could be a sign of painful gallstone. It must be examined by a medical professional.
12.) Persistent Cough
We all get this once in a while but one that doesnt seem to go away could be a kind of respiratory problem.
13.) Lots of Fatigue and always losing your balance
Always feeling tired no matter how much sleep you get isn’t normal. Falling and losing your balance unnecessarily could be a neurological problem. Medical attention should be sought.
