I'm a WebMD doctor — the 5 symptom combos you should get checked ASAP

New York Post

2 days ago

We've all done it: You plug your aches and pains into WebMD's Symptom Checker, see that it could be either 'cancer' or 'seasonal allergies,' and promptly close out the window and decide to ignore whatever issues brought you there in the first place.
Sometimes, what ails you really isn't a big deal and will clear up on its own — but how do you know when it's actually more serious and you should see a professional? One of the site's very own experts says it's all in the combination.
'As a doctor, I know that symptoms often don't exist in isolation, especially the most concerning ones,' Neha Pathak, a member of WebMD's Medical Team, told The Post. 'Sometimes it's not just one symptom, but a cluster that signals a serious health problem.
Pathak broke down five symptom combinations that often equate to a severe ailment — which you should 'get checked ASAP.'
5 A doctor at WebMD revealed which symptoms combinations actually need to be checked out ASAP.
WebMD
1. Chest pain + shortness of breath + dizziness/nausea
'If you're experiencing chest pain along with shortness of breath and dizziness it could indicate a heart attack or other dangerous cardiac issue,' said Pathak.
An estimated 805,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Pathak notes that for women in particual, nausea can accompany these cardiac symptoms and concerningly, this symptom is often dismissed as heartburn or regular stomach upset.
'This cluster of symptoms demands immediate medical attention to prevent life-threatening complications. It could also point to lung problems or a blood clot.'
Shortness of breath — when you struggle to get enough oxygen, making you breathe harder, faster or deeper than usual — typically stems from heart or lung conditions, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The symptom may begin suddenly or last longer. Common causes include a heart attack, an irregular heartbeat or heart failure.
The NJ Cardiovascular Institute urges seeking medical help if shortness of breath is accompanied by swelling of the ankles and feet, breathing troubles when laying flat, chills, cough, high fever or wheezing.
5 An estimated 805,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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2. Severe headache + vision changes + nausea/vomiting
If you get migraines, this one may be a regular occurrence — but if not, it could be something more serious.
Severe headache coupled with nausea and vision changes 'may signal a neurological emergency like a stroke or increased pressure inside the skull. This combination of symptoms requires urgent care to assess for a serious condition in the brain,' said Pathak
A stroke strikes when blood flow to the brain is blocked or a blood vessel bursts, spilling blood into the brain.
A third of US adults have at least one of the top stroke risk factors: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity or diabetes. Age, sex, ethnicity and genetics can also influence your chances, according to the CDC.
5 A stroke strikes when blood flow to the brain is blocked or a blood vessel bursts, spilling blood into the brain.
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3. Unexplained weight loss + fatigue + loss of appetite
Another red flag? A combined drop in weight, energy and appetite which could indicate hyperthyroidism or cancer.
'If you're losing weight unintentionally, feeling extremely tired, and notice a loss of appetite, it could be a sign of a serious illness like cancer, thyroid problems, or a blood disorder,' she said.
'These symptoms, when combined, should prompt a visit to your doctor to rule out potentially serious underlying conditions.'
To reduce cancer risk, experts advice the adoption of a healthy, whole-foods based diet, an active lifestyle, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, following up on concerning symptoms and completing cancer-appropriate screenings for their age group.
5 WebMD doctor Neha Pathak told The Post that these five symptom combos could spell disaster.
WebMD
4. Sudden numbness or weakness (on one side) + difficulty speaking + facial drop
Pathak stressed that while this unholy trinity is the classic warning sign of a stoke, suddenly experiencing any one of these symptoms warrants urgent medical attention.
'Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body, combined with difficulty speaking or facial drooping, should never be ignored,' she warned. 'Time is crucial for treating strokes, so patients need medical help immediately.'
Every year, more than 795,000 Americans suffer a stroke — that's one every 40 seconds. It claims roughly 140,000 lives annually, making up 1 in 20 deaths nationwide, and is a leading cause of disability.
5 If you experience this combination of abdominal pain, nausea and fever, Pathak recommends seeking medical treatment immediately.
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5. Severe abdominal pain + nausea/vomiting +/- fever
'If you're dealing with severe abdominal pain and nausea, with or without fever could mean a serious infection, like appendicitis, a gallbladder problem, or a gastrointestinal issue that could require surgery,' said Pathak.
Around 7% of Americans will get appendicitis in their lifetime. Appendicitis occurs which the appendix becomes inflamed, and sometimes requires surgery, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The appendix is a pouch that sticks out from the colon and can become inflamed and filled with pus due to a virus, infection or parasite. When ruptured, if not treated, it can be life-threatening.
To rule out appendicitis, some experts recommend the 'jump test,' wherein patients are asked to jump and if the action causes them to double over in pain, appendicitis is a likely culprit.
If you experience this combination of abdominal pain, nausea and fever, Pathak recommends seeking medical treatment immediately.
'These symptoms often signal a need for urgent care, so people shouldn't wait to get checked.'