The 5 Health symptoms you shouldn't ignore

culled from:bodyandsoul.com.au
A lot of people tend to dismiss their health complaints as being unimportant because they think they could not be caused by anything serious and they are not worth troubling the doctor over. They are fearful of being labelled a hypochondriac so they keep their symptoms to themselves, suffering in silence. But sometimes those little niggling symptoms that you are sweeping under the carpet could be the first sign of a bigger, more serious issues. What are the health symptoms that actually require a follow up with a doctor?

1. Irregular bowel movements

Blood in the bowels motions or black, tarry stools should never be ignored as they definitely could indicate something serious. While bright red blood on the toilet paper or in the bowl could be caused by something reasonably simple and benign such as hemorrhoids or an anal fissure, it could also signify bowel cancer. Tarry, black stools may represent denatured blood from a bleeding peptic ulcer or some other serious abnormality in the upper gastrointestinal tract. It is important to see your doctor without delay if you experience these symptoms. Hopefully it will not turn out to be cancer but it is always best to check it out as it could mean the difference between managing a cancer early with successful outcomes, versus discovering it too late.

2. Unintentional weight loss

Whilst many of us may wish to lose weight, losing it inexplicably (without really trying) can potentially be indicative of a number of health conditions. Malabsorption from the gastrointestinal tract, thyroid overactivity or in some cases cancer can all result in unintended weight loss. Depression and anxiety, difficulty swallowing, nausea and vomiting may also be associated with weight loss, although the cause may be somewhat less mysterious. If you (or someone you care about) seem to be fading away see your doctor without delay.

3. Visual disturbances

Double vision, blurred vision or defects in your visual fields should always be checked out as soon as possible. While it is possible that there is a more benign explanation, these symptoms could in some cases indicate anything from a brain tumour or aneurysm to glaucoma, macular degeneration or a nerve problem - all of which should be seen to sooner rather than later.

4. Troubles swallowing

Difficulty swallowing or vomiting warrant prompt medical review especially if they are persistent. They could indicate an obstruction - in the oesophagus or further down in the intestine or bowel - that needs urgent attention. In addition, anything that interferes with swallowing could result quite rapidly in dehydration that in itself can be seriously debilitating (or even fatal).

5. A cough that won't go away

Cough is a very common symptom that accompanies many a cold and flu. However if your cough is persistent, if you are bringing up blood or if your cough is unexplained and not accompanied by the usual cold and flu symptoms, you should see your doctor without delay, since cough - in particular coughing up blood - can in some cases indicate lung disease, including lung cancer.