Health problems can come with a staggering array of symptoms. Some are unique to a particular problem, some mimic the symptoms of others, and sometimes, there may be no symptoms at all.
Furthermore, some dangerous conditions present with symptoms so vague that they’re easy to dismiss as a benign phenomenon. Unfortunately, these problems can often be the most dangerous, simply because you’re likely to ignore them until it’s too late.
Here are some seemingly harmless symptoms that you can’t afford to ignore.
Getting Full With Little Food
If you find yourself getting full soon after you start eating and it’s not normal for you, you should see a doctor right away.
This problem might also feature bloating, abdominal pain, vomiting and nausea or weight loss. If you experience these, it’s important to let your doctor know about them. This issue can be caused by acid reflux, stomach ulcers, and, pancreatic, stomach or colon cancer.
Tooth Pain
Tooth pain can seem more like an annoyance than a sign of a health problem, but there are some very real threats associated with it. For instance, consistent pain in a molar can indicate certain heart problems.
Furthermore, tooth pain can be a sign that you’ve broken, cracked or otherwise damaged you tooth. If left untreated, it can do more than just cause discomfort. Delaying or ignoring treatment can, according to an emergency dentist, increase your risk of permanent damage. A cracked or broken tooth can become infected, which may lead to an abscess.
Abscesses in the head are medical emergencies because the bacteria from them can travel quickly to the brain, which may be fatal.
Light Flashes in Your Vision
Seeing flashes or bright spots of light in your vision is often associated with migraines. However, they can also be a sign of a detached retina, which can lead to permanent blindness. Seeking medical attention right away can help prevent this.
Unusual Changes in Bowel Habits
Different people have different bowel habits. If you notice any unexplained changes in your normal bowel habits, it’s essential to consult a doctor.
Deviations from your regular bowel habits can indicate the presence of harmful bacteria like salmonella or E. coli, parasites or a virus, which can be easily treated with medication. However, colon cancer or irritable bowel syndrome can also cause these symptoms, which are considerably more serious.
Feeling Out of Breath
Feeling out of breath can come from physical overexertion, excessive heat, respiratory infections, high altitude, panic attacks or being extremely overweight. That said, in the absence of these factors, it usually signifies a serious health problem.
If you’re short of breath for no obvious reason, particularly if it comes out of nowhere or is powerful and persistent, call 911.
Serious problems that can cause shortness of breath include tuberculosis, anaphylaxis, pneumonia, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung) or, most commonly, a heart attack.
Unusual Weight Loss
Many people would love to lose weight without any effort, but if it actually happens, it means something is wrong. If you’re not considered obese and you’ve experienced weight loss of 10 percent or more within a six month period, you’re advised to talk with your physician as soon as possible.
This problem can result from a variety of health issues, such as hyperthyroidism, depression, liver disorders, diabetes, gallbladder diseases, nutrient absorption disorders and cancer.
The symptoms of many serious or potentially life-threatening health problems can seem harmless, but it’s important not to ignore them. If you notice any of the symptoms discussed above, call your doctor or emergency medical services right away.
