Every now and then, we feel a little under the weather. More often than not, we know the cause; it may be a sore throat, an upset stomach or maybe leg day at the gym was a little too much. However, there are times when our body might be trying to tell us something serious, that maybe we should go see a doctor rather than concocting homemade remedies. Such symptoms should not be dismissed; even they might turn out to be nothing, but only a physician can tell you that for sure.
Here are 6 symptoms you should take seriously:
Chest pain
The discomfort that feels like pressure or tightness, especially when it’s accompanied by pain radiating down the arm, nausea, sweating, etc. could be an indicator of a heart attack. It could also be a sign of an existing blood clot or heart disease. Even though every case of chest pain does not mean that there is a grave danger, but a physician should be consulted as soon as possible.
Unexplained Weight Loss
While it might make some of us happy, losing more than 5% of your weight in less than 6 months without working for it is not as pleasant as it sounds. It is one of the most prominent symptoms of several types of cancer whereas other possibilities might include diabetes or problems with the endocrine system.
High, persistent fever
While anything above 103° F calls for an immediate visit to the doctor, persistent fever even at a lower temperature should be checked out by the doctor. A persistent low-grade fever could be a sign of a sinus infection or of some cancers, such as lymphoma and leukemia. Other possibilities include a viral infection, which depending upon the bug and general health of the person might require hospitalization.
Flashes of light
Seeing flashes of light, unexplained bright spots, or other oddities in your vision is certainly a reason to see your doctor. These flashes or the presence of a large number of floaters in your vision could be a sign of a detached retina, which can quickly lead to permanent loss of vision
Sudden, intense headache
Seeking medical attention is always the smart move with a terrible, unexpected headache. These terrible headaches could be a sign of an aneurysm or even a burst blood vessel. There are also other possibilities such as meningitis or shingles.
Swelling in the legs
Swollen legs mean that fluid is accumulating that shouldn’t be there, and it may be a sign of heart failure, thyroid problems, or even vein problems. And if it is accompanied by pain in the back of your lower leg, it could be an indication of a blood clot. In any case, you should seek medical attention.
