If you’re anxious about your health, you might look for any sign that things are amiss. However, not every change in your body is something to worry about. Some changes are completely normal as you age, and some are temporary side effects of another change in your life.
Other times, though, they could be a warning sign of something more serious on the horizon. It can be hard to know which changes in your body cause concern and which ones you can ignore. Read on to see if any of these red flags apply to you and what you should do next time it happens again.
Continuously Tired
You might get tired after a hectic few weeks or a bad night’s sleep, but it could be a sign of an underlying health issue when continually tired. There are many causes of fatigue, including sleep disorders, medications, and chronic illnesses like anemia or thyroid disease.
If you’re experiencing persistent fatigue, it’s essential to see your doctor to rule out any serious medical issues. If you have questions about your fatigue, you can also speak with a sleep specialist.
Losing Weight Without Trying
Losing weight is often a goal for many people, but if you’re losing weight without trying and are experiencing other symptoms, it could be a sign of something more serious. Some possible causes include gastrointestinal issues, hormonal imbalances, and medication side effects.
If your doctor can’t find a source for your weight loss, they might order further testing, such as a blood test or endoscopy. If you lose weight without trying or experience diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain due to another change in your life, you should speak with your doctor. They might recommend changing your diet or adjusting your medication to help treat the symptoms.
Shortness of Breath
When shortness of breath is a new symptom, it’s essential to find out what’s causing it and what treatment options are available. If it happens suddenly and you know there’s no reason for it, it could be a sign of a severe health problem. Some of the most common causes of shortness of breath include heart disease, asthma, COPD, and anemia.
If you’re experiencing shortness of breath, you should visit your doctor as soon as possible. They’ll be able to perform a few tests to find out what’s happening, such as asthma testing and treatment if asthma is confirmed or chest X-rays and blood tests to identify the cause of your shortness of breath.
Chest Pains
If you experience sudden and severe pain in your chest, it could be a sign of a heart attack. While chest pain is often associated with heart disease, other potential causes include stress, muscle soreness, and indigestion. If you feel like you have a heart attack, seek medical attention immediately.
If you experience sudden and severe pain in your chest, it could be a sign of a heart attack. While chest pain is often associated with heart disease, other potential causes include stress, muscle soreness, and indigestion. If you feel like you have a heart attack, seek medical attention immediately.
Blood in Stools and Urine
Blood in the stool can be a sign of hemorrhoids or an inflamed or torn colon, while blood in urine could result from a urinary tract infection or a bladder tumor. If you notice blood in your stools or urine, you should talk to your doctor to rule out any serious causes. Blood in your stool or urine could signify a more serious medical condition. Your doctor will likely perform tests to rule out any serious causes.
Vision Changes
Changes in your vision could be a sign of eye disease. Eye diseases, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, often develop without warning signs. You should talk to your doctor if you notice any new visual changes, such as blurred vision, cloudiness, or increased sensitivity to light. You should also contact your doctor if you feel a sudden and intense headache or strange sensation in your eyes, as these can also be signs of a severe eye condition. If you notice any changes in your vision, talk to your doctor. They can help rule out serious causes and recommend treatment as necessary.
Conclusion
If you feel like something is off with your health, trust your instincts. If you notice any changes, even if they seem small, it could signify a more serious issue. It’s essential to communicate with your doctor about any health concerns you have so they can help rule out any serious causes. It’s also important to remember that some changes are expected as you get older, so be sure to discuss any changes with your doctor.