Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

Published: Wednesday, January 9, 2008

By Wendi Hope Bishop, Editor

Wondering why that cough just won’t go away? Does it feel like you have a headache all of the time? Did a meal just upset your stomach … again? Often we believe we are invincible and the pains and symptoms we experience are insignificant and will go away on their own. However, even the most unobtrusive symptoms could be the beginning of something more serious.

For many people, a doctor visit is the last thing they want to interject into their busy days. So many people will ignore symptoms for days, months and, sadly, even years before seeking medical attention. By then, your options and chances for successful treatment have been reduced. Finding problems early and treating them head on will improve and maintain your health.

Severe headaches—Headaches, particularly those accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, stiff neck, weakness, numbness, nausea, vomiting, etc., need immediate attention. Some headaches that linger for days may point to conditions such as high blood pressure (hypertension) or cancer. An intense headache that develops “in a flash” could be a sign of bleeding in your brain, meningitis or an aneurysm as well as conditions such as stroke.
Chest pain—Any tightness or feeling of a heavy weight on your chest, particularly if it is felt in the arm or jaw, should be checked out. This can be the first symptom someone feels when having a heart attack. Sweating and difficulty breathing also may accompany the chest pain.
Change in bowel habits—If your stool is suddenly black and tarry, you are constipated or have diarrhea for more than two days, you should seek help. Various changes may signal pancreas or gallbladder problems; colon, rectal and anus cancers; irritable bowel syndrome; or lesions. A colonoscopy can detect many bowel conditions early on to help prevent further complications and reduce severity.
Coughing—“It’s just a cold or sinuses,” we often tell ourselves. “It will go away soon.” But many people will have persistent cough for months before seeking help. Although sinuses, allergies, colds and other less serious illness may be to blame, this symptom can be signaling a much more damaging illness, including asthma, congestive heart disease, obstructed airway, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or lung cancer.
Unexplained weight loss or gain—If you are dieting, you expect that you will lose weight. However, if you have not changed your eating habits and have gained or lost a significant amount of weight, there is cause for concern. Underlying medical illness may include gastrointestinal tract problems, thyroid problem, depression, diabetes, stomach cancer or ovarian cancer (weight gain).
Changes in a mole—Most people have some moles, but a change in a mole’s color, shape, size or texture could be signs of a deadly condition. These changes often are symptoms of melanoma. Early detection and removal is key to surviving this cancer, so all changes should be taken seriously. Practice skin self exams and make sure skin exams are part of your check ups.
Indigestion—Although it may seem that you are just eating too many spicy foods or too much food lately or are experiencing stress, indigestion can lead to severe conditions such as acid reflux disease and heartburn, esophageal cancer and Barrett’s Esophasgus. Try eating smaller portions, not eating spicy foods and caffeine and don’t lie down after eating. If that doesn’t help, call you doctor right away.
Lapses in speech, vision or speaking/movement control—This may be the onset of a stroke or heart attack. Seek immediate medical attention!

Don’t ignore the signals your body is sending you. Make sure you see a doctor if you suspect your symptom needs attention.

Call 1.877.UT.CARES (1.877.882.2737) to request an appointment.

Visit the Primary Care Network for further information.

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Symptoms You Should Never Ignore