There are lots of ways to stay healthy, but one of the most
important is being observant. You can't always prevent illness, but you can
make sure your body gets treatment as soon as possible if you have an issue
that needs attention. Here are some common symptoms you should never ignore:
A lump or growth
If you have a lump or growth, see your doctor. It's
important not to self-diagnose a lump or growth as cancerous if it isn't.
However, it's also important that you don't ignore the possibility of cancer
altogether. Lumps and growths can be benign (noncancerous), but they can also
be malignant (cancerous). If left untreated, malignant lumps can spread
throughout the body and become life-threatening conditions like lymphoma or
leukemia.
Pain that doesn't go away
If you have pain that isn't relieved by resting or taking a
break, and it gets worse when you move, then this may be something to be
concerned about.
Pain that is not caused by an injury or trauma. If the
source of your discomfort isn't clear--like if it comes out of nowhere and has
no obvious cause--it's worth getting checked out by a doctor just to be safe.
Pain that persists for more than a week: If your aches last
longer than two weeks without any improvement or explanation (like an injury),
talk to your doctor about how best to proceed with treatment options like
physical therapy and medication management.
A change in a mole or skin lesion
Many skin lesions are benign and harmless. It's important to
keep an eye on them, though, and see a doctor if you notice any changes in the
size, shape or color of your mole.
If you notice anything unusual about your moles or other
skin lesions--even if they don't hurt--see a doctor right away.
Persistent cough or hoarseness
If you have a cough that persists for more than two weeks,
or if it gets worse over time, seek help from a doctor. Coughing up blood can
be a sign of bronchitis (inflammation of the airways) or pneumonia
(inflammation of the lungs).
If your cough wakes you up at night, take note: It may be
causing sleep apnea--a condition where breathing stops repeatedly during sleep
due to blockages in the airway or throat muscles. This can make it hard for
people who suffer from this problem to get enough oxygen into their
bloodstreams during slumber; if left untreated, it could lead to heart disease
and stroke risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes mellitus type 2.
Stomach pain, nausea and vomiting
If you have diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, it's time to see
a doctor. These symptoms are common signs of food poisoning; however, sudden
onset of these symptoms can be a sign of something more serious. If your child
experiences these symptoms along with other signs like fever and severe
abdominal pain, seek medical attention immediately.
Neurological problems
Neurological problems are one of the most common reasons
people visit the doctor, such as Briz Brain & Spine medical experts. A variety of
conditions can affect your nervous system and cause neurological symptoms. Some
of these conditions are serious, such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's
disease, while others are less serious and can be treated or managed with
medications or other therapies.
Neurological symptoms may include:
Changes in vision, such as double vision or blurred vision
Difficulty walking or controlling muscle movements (ataxia)
Slurred speech or difficulty speaking clearly
Severe headaches or migraines
Unusual bleeding
An unusual amount of blood in your urine or stool could be a
sign of colon or bowel cancer, or it might be caused by hemorrhoids or a
fissure (a tear in the rectum).
Unexplained weight loss
Weight loss that's sudden and unexplained could signal
cancer, but it could also indicate another serious illness such as heart
disease, diabetes or liver disease.
Fever with a rash
A fever is one of the most common reasons for a trip to the
doctor. It can be caused by many things, including the flu, chickenpox and even
a common cold. But if your child has a fever and a rash, it's time to get
worried.
Chest pain or shortness of breath
If you suddenly develop chest pain, especially if it's worse
when you breathe deeply, see a doctor. It could be a sign of a heart attack or
another serious problem.
Shortness of breath is also a major warning sign.
If you have trouble breathing or feel like you can't get
enough air in your lungs, get help immediately.
Hearing loss or ringing in the ears that lasts more than a day
If you experience hearing loss or ringing in the ears that
lasts more than a day, it could be a sign of something serious.
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) is usually not serious, but
it can be accompanied by pain, dizziness and vertigo. If you experience these
symptoms along with hearing loss and ringing in your ears--or if your tinnitus
gets worse-it's important to see a doctor right away.
Don't let your health issues go unnoticed. If you have any
of the symptoms listed above, see a doctor as soon as possible. It may just be
something minor or even nothing at all-but it's better to be safe than sorry!
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