There are various symptoms that a person may experience that should not be ignored and should even require seeking medical attention, such as unexplained weight loss or sudden flashes of light.
Chest pain, sudden loss of vision or speech, and severe stomach pain require immediate medical attention.
What about symptoms that are milder?
It can be difficult to know when to seek help, so here is a list of seven symptoms which need to be paid attention to, according to experts.
1. Weight loss without apparent cause
Losing weight unintentionally or without trying can be a sign of a medical problem. Unexplained weight loss can be caused by many conditions. These include an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), diabetes, depression, liver disease, cancer, or disorders that interfere with the way the body absorbs nutrients (malabsorption disorders).
If more than 5% of the body weight During the last 6 to 12 months, you should go for a medical check-up.
2. High or persistent fever
Fever appears to play a key role in fighting infections. A persistent fever may mean that you have an infection, even if it is not COVID-19If fever and other symptoms such as cough and fatigue occur, it is essential to contact a healthcare provider immediately for advice.
Your provider will likely recommend getting tested for COVID. If you have emergency symptoms such as difficulty breathing, you should seek care immediately.
Fever can also be a symptom of many other infectious diseases, from urinary tract infections to tuberculosis. Some medications can also cause fever.
3. Shortness of breath
Strenuous exercise, extreme temperatures, obesity, and high altitudes can all cause shortness of breath. It can also be a sign of another health problem, especially if it is sudden and severe.
Among the causes of shortness of breath These include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, and blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism).
Other causes can include heart and lung problems. Shortness of breath can also occur in the case of a panic attack, a sudden episode of intense anxiety that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause.
4. Unexplained changes in bowel habits
The aspects that are considered typical of bowel movements vary widely.
You should see a specialist if there are unexplained or unusual changes, for example:
• Bloody, dark, or tarry stools.
• Persistent diarrhea or constipation.
• Stomach pain that doesn’t go away.
Changes in bowel habits may be a sign of a bacterial infection (such as campylobacter or salmonella), a viral infection, or a parasitic infection. Other possible causes include irritable bowel disease and colon cancer.
5. Confusion or personality changes
Medical attention should be sought immediately if the following occur:
• Poor thinking skills
• Difficulty concentrating or paying attention
• Behavioral changes
These changes can be caused by various problemssuch as infections, dehydration, poor nutrition, mental illness or drugs.
6. Feeling of satiety after eating very little
If you tend to feel full too soon or after eating, eat less than usuala healthcare provider should be consulted. This sensation, known as early satiety, may be experienced along with nausea, vomiting, bloating, or weight loss.
Possible causes of early satiety include gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly known as GERD, and peptic ulcers. In some cases, a more serious problem, such as stomach cancer, could be a factor.
7. Flashes of light
Sometimes bright lights or flashing lights can be a sign of a migraine. In other cases, it can be a serious condition in which a thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye pulls away from its normal position (retinal detachment).
Prompt medical attention can prevent permanent vision loss.
To find U.S. Government health resources and information about health insurance and government assistance programs visit US.GOV
(With information from Mayo Clinic and the U.S. Department of Health)
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