Doctors reveal 27 symptoms that could signal serious trouble
Dr. Jennifer Maynard of the Mayo Clinic and other experts warn that a few illnesses must be treated quickly, so knowing when to consult a doctor is important to stay safe, as per the Prevention report. Maynard said, 'Certain illnesses and injuries should be evaluated and treated within a narrow time frame—often the sooner, the better,' as quoted in the report.
ALSO READ: Could Air Canada flight attendants' strike ruin your summer vacation plans? Here's what travelers need to know Here are 27 warning signs that indicate that your body may be in real trouble, as complied by the Prevention report.Could signal a stroke, so seek emergency help immediately, ideally within 60 minutes, as per the report.
Dehydration can set in fast, so it's better to get help if symptoms last more than 1 day or worsen, as reported in the Prevention report.Stitches are most effective within 12 to 19 hours. Infection risk rises quickly.ALSO READ: Traverse City Walmart Stabbing: 11 injured, suspect in custody as police probe motive — social media flooded with videos, imagesMay be a broken bone. Get an X-ray as soon as possible to avoid long-term damage.Could be shingles. Antivirals work best within 48 to 72 hours.May signal an STI. Quick treatment prevents complications like infertility.
Talk to a fertility expert if trying for 6 to 12 months without success, as reported in the Prevention report.Could indicate ovarian cancer or an endocrine or autoimmune issue, according to Dr. Kecia Gaither, M.D., OB/GYN and maternal fetal medicine physician, as reported in the Prevention report.Might be a heart issue, not just indigestion. Especially concerning in women.Watch for asymmetry, color changes, or growth, which are possible signs of melanoma.Can signal thyroid disease, vitamin deficiencies, or autoimmune problems, as reported in the Prevention report.Spotting outside your period, or after menopause, needs evaluation. Could be uterine cancer.May point to diabetes, especially with fatigue or nausea.Lumps, swelling, nipple discharge, or skin dimpling can indicate breast cancer.Could be a subtle sign of heart disease, especially in women.May signal a stroke, aneurysm, or brain tumor. Don't try to sleep it off.May indicate internal bleeding. Seek urgent care.Could be caused by infection, blood clots, or heart issues.Ongoing exhaustion could be a sign of anemia, thyroid disease, or mental health conditions.Often linked to UTIs or diabetes, especially with burning or thirst.Could point to mental health struggles or hormonal shifts.May signal cancer, thyroid dysfunction, or emotional distress.Fast belly weight gain can mean heart or liver issues, as reported in the Prevention report.
Can be a sign of a stroke or diabetes.Persistent swelling may signal heart, kidney, or liver issues, as reported in the Prevention report.Can relate to depression or underlying illness. Get checked if it's unusual.If you're not thinking clearly, it could signal infection or a neurological issue, as reported in the Prevention report. I'm losing weight without trying, should I see a doctor?Absolutely. Unexplained weight loss can sometimes be an early sign of serious conditions, as per the Prevention report.
Is it normal to feel thirstier than usual? Not always. Constant thirst, especially with frequent peeing or fatigue, can be a sign of diabetes, as per the Prevention report.
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Hernias When an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in your abdominal wall, it's called a hernia. You might notice a bulge and feel pain when you cough, lift, or even laugh too hard. It's not just annoying—it can become serious if not treated. Serious conditions to watch for Cancer Ongoing belly pain that doesn't go away could point to something serious like cancer. Tumors in the pancreas, liver, or intestines often don't show symptoms early on, but when pain shows up, especially if it gets worse over time, it's time to see a doctor. Vascular problems Chronic mesenteric ischemia is a rare but serious condition where blood flow to your intestines gets restricted. You'll often feel cramping pain after eating because your digestive system isn't getting enough oxygen. It's sneaky but dangerous if missed. Appendicitis Starts as a dull ache around your belly button and then suddenly shifts to the lower right side—that's the classic sign of appendicitis. It can come with nausea, fever, and a sense that something's not right. It's a medical emergency, so don't wait it out. A 2014 systematic review published in Family Practice highlighted that about a third of abdominal pain cases have no definitive diagnosis after initial evaluation, underscoring the complexity and diagnostic challenge clinicians face. Still, the most common diagnoses among U.S. primary care patients presenting with abdominal pain were gastroenteritis (7-19%), irritable bowel syndrome (3-13%), urological causes like kidney infections or stones (5%), and gastritis (5%). More recent gastroenterology research emphasizes the need to consider less obvious causes like vascular diseases—for example, median arcuate ligament syndrome (a rare compression of an artery) and chronic mesenteric ischemia, both of which can cause persistent or recurrent abdominal pain. These are less common but can be overlooked, especially if a patient has risk factors like smoking, diabetes, or heart disease common in US populations. Why is it important to know this? In the US, where lifestyle factors such as high-fat diets, obesity, and sedentary living are prevalent, risks for digestive and vascular causes of abdominal pain may be higher. For instance, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which can cause liver pain, is on the rise and can lead to more serious liver damage if left unchecked. Similarly, obesity and diabetes increase risk for gallstones and vascular issues that cause chronic abdominal symptoms. If your abdominal pain is persistent, worsening, associated with symptoms like unintentional weight loss, vomiting, blood in stool or urine, jaundice (yellowing of eyes/skin), fever, or changes in bowel habits lasting more than a few weeks, seek medical help. These could be signs of serious underlying diseases needing prompt diagnosis and treatment. Primary care physicians often use a combination of detailed history, physical exams, lab tests, imaging (ultrasound, CT scans), and sometimes endoscopies to find the cause. They may refer you to gastroenterologists, surgeons, or other specialists for more advanced care. Lifestyle and prevention tips Though causes can be varied, there are some general tips for better gut and abdominal health: Eat a balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables. Stay hydrated and exercise regularly. Limit excessive use of NSAIDs, alcohol, and smoking. Manage chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Report new or persistent pain to a healthcare provider.
