6 Signs Of Poor Health That Should Not Be Left Unattended

Introduction

Prevention is better than cure- it’s also much cheaper. Indeed, preventing future illnesses and avoiding complications from existing illnesses are essential to maintain a sound mind and body. These 6 signs can indicate poor health that should not be left unattended. 

Sudden or Developing Chest Pain 

Most people who have a heart attack do not suddenly fall to the floor clutching their chest. Symptoms often appear slowly and patients may feel an unpleasant pressure, or pain in the center of the chest which lasts for a few minutes, disappears and returns. Symptoms can also be felt on the neck or arm. Women are more likely to experience symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, back and jaw pain and shortness of breath. It is not uncommon for a person experiencing a heart attack to break out in a cold sweat.

Shortness of Breath

Many conditions can affect your breathing or result in wheezing. Although most causes are dangerous and not easy to treat, if difficulty breathing is something new or worse than before, it can be a sign of something more serious. Urgent attention is also needed for people with  known medical conditions (such as asthma) for which regular sedatives (such as albuterol) do not work. Those with chest problems experiencing shortness of breath have to be extra careful. 

Weight Loss for No Reason

Weight loss can be expected if you exercise daily, maintain a healthy diet or even go on targeted diets for weight loss. However, if you just sit down without doing much and you seem to be losing weight while eating what you normally eat, check it out. Unexplained weight loss can be a sign of stress, depression, infections, cancer, digestive disorders or even a side effect of some medications (such as fluoxetine and levothyroxine). 

Abdominal Pain

There are many medical conditions that cause abdominal pain. Some are serious and some are less serious. Less serious causes include constipation, food allergies or intolerances, food poisoning, digestion problems, irritable bowel syndrome and gastric virus. More serious causes include cystitis, bowel obstruction, cancer, gastric ulcer, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) and kidney stones. 

Tenderness, Pain or Swelling in Legs

Almost all types of pain, swelling or tenderness in the lower limbs require further evaluation by a doctor. However, the causes vary in urgency and severity. Sudden symptoms, especially in one leg or symptoms with chest pain or breathing difficulty should be dealt seriously. These are all signs of a potential blood clot (such as DVT) and require a visit to your physician. Seek medical attention as soon as possible if swelling or pain gradually appears. Common causes include arthritis, drug side effects, heart failure, injuries, kidney problems, cardiovascular problems, or pregnancy. 

Blood in Feces, Urine or Non-Menstrual Bleeding 

Blood that appears when and where it shouldn’t is always a warning sign. Hemorrhoids, anal fissures, gastric ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer can cause blood to adhere to or get into the stool. Bright red blood usually indicates bleeding near the rectum and dark or tarred blood mixed with stool indicates further bleeding in the colon or small intestine. It can be a sign of  kidney, urinary or prostate problems. Alternatively, it may be the result of a bleeding disorder. Bleeding in postmenopausal women or constant bleeding in women of childbearing age always requires further investigation. Causes include uterine fibroids, hormonal agents (such as estrogen), cervical inflammation or infection, ectopic pregnancy or cancer. 

Conclusion

Don’t wait, act now! No one wants to get sick, but it happens to all of us from time to time. What all these symptoms have in common is that if you act quickly, your chances of survival are greatly increased. Some things can’t wait until tomorrow or next week. See your doctor today!