Doctor
It’s easy to forget the importance of taking care of your health. We’re always working and often forget what keeps us going – our minds and bodies.
But neglecting your body can have serious consequences, from muscle aches and pains to aching joints and eye strain, not to mention the effects on your mental health. So, if you want to lead a long, happy, healthy, and fulfilling life, it is time to start paying more attention to your health and taking appropriate steps to care for yourself.
When to Get Medical Help?
We often experience health symptoms that are not exactly alarming. For instance, a runny nose or a cough may not make you make a doctor’s appointment immediately. However, if such symptoms persist for a long time, it can indicate a bigger issue.
But despite knowing that, most of the time, we ignore our symptoms and keep powering through. Of course, the immediate solution to feeling better when you’re sick is going to the doctor. However, it may not be easy for everyone. People may not go to the doctor for many reasons. For instance, a lack of insurance may make it hard for people to afford medical help. In addition, the primary care shortage has made it harder for people to get medical attention in many parts of the country. Some people ignore health issues because of a lack of primary care providers, which can lead to worsening conditions.
So if you consistently neglect to go to the doctor, you might want to change that habit. And on that note, here are some warning signs you need to go to the doctor.
Unexpected weight loss
Who doesn’t love the feeling of suddenly sliding into clothes you usually struggled to wear? Almost everyone wants to lose that few extra pounds. But it can be a warning sign when you start losing weight without exercise or diet changes.
Many illnesses, such as digestive issues, diabetes, or depression, can cause you to lose weight. So, if you feel like you have recently lost weight without apparent reason, it may be a sign to see a doctor immediately.
A cough that won’t go away
Cough is a normal problem many of us deal with on and off. However, if you’ve tried every remedy in the book and the cough still doesn’t go away for a long time, it might be time to go to a doctor.
A persistent cough can indicate several issues. For instance, it can be a sign of Covid-19, mild asthma, or a reaction to drugs. In extreme cases, it can also be a sign of lung cancer.
Constant headaches
Headaches are also one of the most common symptoms many of us face. So whether you didn’t get enough sleep, got stuck in traffic, or stared at your laptop for too long, any such thing may cause a headache.
According to recent statistics, one in twenty adults experiences a headache daily or almost daily. However, just because it is expected does not mean it should go unnoticed. A headache can signify a small problem, such as eye strain, but it could also indicate bigger issues, such as infections, tumors, and brain trauma.
A new mole
Who doesn’t love a good tan along with some natural vitamin D? However, too much of something is not always good. Spending too much time tanning in the sun or at tanning salons may increase your risk of developing melanoma. However, it is treatable if it is detected at the right time.
So, checking yourself regularly for new or growing moles is necessary. It can also be a warning sign if the mole is itchy, red, bleeds, or has raggedy edges.
A persistent fever
It is normal to get an occasional fever. It is usually a sign that your body is trying to fight off an infection. However, an ongoing fever with a high temperature may indicate that you have a much more serious infection that requires proper medical attention.
Digestive problems
We’ve all eaten something delicious from a possibly questionable place and regretted it in the morning. There is no worse feeling than running to the bathroom repeatedly and feeling like someone just stomped on your stomach. So the occasional heartburn or food poisoning is normal, especially when there is a logical reason behind it. But the real issue starts when the digestive problem prolongs and doesn’t seem to disappear.
Even the most minor digestive problems may indicate a more serious underlying issue. Some common symptoms to look out for include:
- Frequent heartburn
- Vomiting with or without blood
- Feeling full after a few bites
- Constipation or diarrhea
So, if you have been feeling any of the above symptoms for a long time, it may be time to see a doctor.
Getting tired easily
Getting easily tired without doing much can also signal that something is off. Of course, it is normal to feel fatigued after a long day at work or if life has constantly been giving you lemons. But, if it goes on for too long, it may indicate a health issue such as thyroid problems or diabetes.
Fatigue does not only involve feeling tired; it may also include:
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Aching or sore muscles
- Irritability
- Feeling weak
- Low motivation
- Inability to concentrate
Appetite changes
Everyone wants to achieve enough self-control not to go for that last cookie or a slice of cake. But not wanting to eat or feeling full after a few bites when you have a normal appetite can be a warning sign of a health issue.
A change or loss of appetite may be an indicator of:
- Diabetes
- Ulcers
- A side effect of a medication
- Liver diseases
Concluding Thoughts
Getting sick is a normal part of life. It is normal to suffer from the occasional flu, cough, fever, or tiredness. But, the symptoms do not last long and simply go away with medication and some rest. The problem starts when you start feeling sick without reason, and the symptoms don’t disappear.
Little signs and symptoms that may otherwise go unnoticed are your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. So whether it’s a persistent cough, a strange mole, or anything else out of the ordinary, it is always necessary to check for unusual symptoms and get medical help. Most of the time, it may not be something serious; however, if it is, early detection and treatment will increase your chances of beating your illness.
