FIVE SYMPTOMS YOU CAN'T IGNORE
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Everyone would quickly see a doctor if they were suffering from severe chest pain and difficulty in breathing, but there are other worrisome symptoms that might not appear so serious – and yet they deserve the same swift reaction.
Regardless of your state of health, you should recognise the potential risk represented by the following five common sets of symptoms.
Of course, these symptoms could amount to nothing, but it’s always best to make sure there’s no potentially severe medical condition. If there is, finding out quickly can only help in the treatment.
Excessive fatigue,
weight loss or loss of appetite
If you have a good reason for being tired, okay, but it’s not normal if minor physical effort exhausts you – or if you’re worn out for no apparent reason.
And if your fatigue is associated with weight loss and/or loss of appetite, something is definitely wrong. The unexplained loss of three or four kilograms within a short time also indicates you should see a doctor promptly.
Thyroid dysfunction, liver disease, depression and a tumour are among the possible causes.
Painless bleeding
If you’re bleeding for no obvious reason – especially if you feel no pain – see a physician. The blood can appear in your urine, spit, stools or vomit or as red splotches just beneath the skin (think spontaneous bruises).
Malignant tumours are usual pain-free at the outset as they gradually invade an organ and cause blood to be released.
Persistent fever
Fever is normally a symptom of illness, a defence mechanism against infection that subsides once its job is done. Fast-rising fever in children under three is a concern, of course, because it could trigger epilepsy-like convulsions.
But see the doctor if you have a fever that lasts five to seven days without any symptoms of infection, even if it’s easy to cope with. Fever alone could indicate underlying conditions as severe as blood disease and tuberculosis.
Digestive problems
Abnormal digestion can take several forms, including difficulty in swallowing, nausea and vomiting, feeling full sooner than usual, and having unusual bowels habits, such as alternating constipation and diarrhoea.
If you have these symptoms – particularly if you smoke or drink immoderately – get a medical check-up.
Sudden changes in vision
If you see flashes of light, suffer acute pain in either eye, or lose your vision even briefly, you should consult an ophthalmologist, especially if you’re short-sighted.
These symptoms could be due to a retinal detachment, which requires emergency surgery. There are many other possible causes that are always best assessed by a professional.
Dr Gerard Lalande is managing director of CEO-Health. In case of any medical concerns, he refers to and coordinates with top specialists in Thailand. He can be contacted at [email protected].
