9 signs of poor health that you just should not ignore

There are instances when a seemingly insignificant health quirk may be your body’s way of showing warning signs of a more serious medical disease or condition. That’s why listening to your body carefully is always a good idea, especially when your body develops sudden changes. 

To understand this, HealthShots got in touch with Dr Praveen Gupta, principal director and head, department of Neurology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram. The expert says multiple signs and symptoms can raise an alarm for serious health concerns if we are sensitive towards them. 

So, if you see yourself in any of the following unhealthy conditions, make an appointment with your doctor: 

1. Rapid weight loss

Dr Gupta says, “A weight loss of more than 10% of body weight over a 6-month period is usually defined as a weight loss of concern and should result in a serious investigation to evaluate the cause of the weight loss as this could be a symptom of diabetes, a tumor, or a chronic ongoing infection.”

2. Mood swings

Getting cranky thanks to frequent mood swings? But don’t underestimate mood swings because it can point towards more serious mental health issues such as bipolar disorder, dysthymia, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD). 

3. Headache

While migraine or long-standing headache is very common it is usually not serious. But be vigilant. “Any headache which is of short duration, worse at night or early morning, persistent and not responding to oral pain killers associated with fever, visual symptoms, any weakness in hand and legs can be a sign of severe disorder like tumor or meningitis,” says Dr Gupta. 

4. Fatigue

Fatigue can be treated with a good diet and rest but continuous tiredness or fatigue can be a disorder which is known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). So make an appointment with a doctor and get the correct diagnosis soon. 

Also, read: Is your 9-to-5 job making you tired? It’s time to fuel your fatigue with these 3 foods

5. Persistent cough

Dr Gupta says, “A persistent cough is accompanied by weight loss, low grade fever, fatigue can be a symptom of a serious disorder, and a chest X-ray to evaluate the same is mandatory. It could be a sign of chronic infection like tuberculosis or tumors.”

6. Chest pain

Call your doctor immediately if you experience a sudden feeling of pressure, squeezing, tightness or crushing under your breastbone – the pain that spreads to your jaw, left arm or back, accompanied by shortness of breath and very low heart rate. This is not normal ladies, and in some cases, it can be a heart attack!

Also, read: Suffering from chest pain? These are 12 myths and facts you must be aware of

7. Mild or persistent fever

Persistent low grade fever of 99 or 100 is always a sign of chronic infection, inflammatory disorders. Dr Gupta says, “If it occurs in conjunction with weight loss or joint pains, and/or abdominal pain, it could be a sign of infection or inflammation of that organ.”

8. Slow healing

Diabetes slows down the process of cell regeneration and hence, slows down the process of healing. 

10. Joint pains

Persistent joint pains with swelling of joints or weight loss or rashes could be the first sign of inflammatory disorder.

These are common symptoms which sometimes we ignore in our day-to-day life, but these can guide us to diagnosis of potentially serious disorders. Remember, early detection is the second step towards cure, after prevention.