Every once in a while, you probably experience some kind of health concern, whether it’s a cut, a broken bone, or some kind of bug. Most of the time, these types of issues aren’t anything to be concerned about. However, sometimes serious illnesses start with small, seemingly innocent symptoms.
If you’re experiencing any of the following health issues, you may want to see a doctor and get checked out.
1. A Persistent Cough
Everyone coughs periodically, and sometimes a cough can last for days or even weeks. However, if you have a persistent cough that lasts longer than a few weeks, that’s a good reason to see a doctor. It might just be a lingering cold, it could be from smoking, but it may also be a sign of a more serious health condition.
For example, with pleural mesothelioma, some of the first telltale signs mimic pneumonia. This includes fluid build-up in the lungs and a persistent cough. You might not think anything is wrong at first and only later realize your cough hasn’t gone away and is getting worse. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, and it can’t be cured, only treated.
A persistent cough could also genuinely be a sign of pneumonia or something else that causes fluid to accumulate in the lungs. It’s hard to know just from one symptom, and that’s why it’s important to see a doctor.
2. Recurring Migraines
Migraines are awful to deal with, and most people never have to experience them more than once or twice in their lifetime, if at all. When you have migraine headaches happening frequently, it could be a sign of a larger health problem. It can also be the result of chemical sensitivity, mold sensitivity, or even a tumor.
Many people with migraines never figure out the cause, but there are several effective medications that can provide relief. Still, there’s a chance you might find the source, so don’t ignore recurring migraines.
3. Shortness of Breath
Unless you have a known health condition, like asthma or COPD, that limits your ability to breathe properly and clearly, shortness of breath can indicate another health problem. For example, it can be difficult to breathe with a broken or cracked rib or other similar injury. It can also be a sign of cardiovascular disease. If you find yourself out of breath fast from walking or climbing stairs and that isn’t your normal experience, see a doctor immediately.
4. Blurry Vision
Blurred vision is commonly caused by high blood pressure, which may be temporary, or may not. If you have high blood pressure and it isn’t currently being controlled, that might be causing blurred vision. However, if you don’t have a history of high blood pressure and blurred vision isn’t normal for you, then make sure to get examined by a doctor to see what could be the cause. You may have had a stroke or if you’re pregnant, it could be preeclampsia.
Another common cause is diabetes. With diabetic retinopathy, high blood sugar damages the blood vessels in the retina, which can cause the macula to swell and excessive blood vessels to be produced. If left untreated, it can result in floaters and permanent vision loss.
5. Loss of Balance
Your body’s equilibrium controls your ability to balance, and it’s important not to ignore any issues with balance because it can negatively impact you. For example, if you get on a ladder, you can lose your balance, fall, and injure yourself. You also might fall while walking and doing normal everyday activities. Worse, if your equilibrium is off, you might misjudge turning corners and distances while driving, which can cause an accident.
6. A Cut that Keeps Getting Worse
While a cut at first glance may seem like no big deal, if it hurts and looks like it’s getting worse or not healing, it might be infected. Most of the time, cuts are easy to manage and they don’t take long to heal. You know your body best, so if something isn’t quite right, go to the ER or make an appointment with your doctor. However, never ignore a worsening cut. People have lost limbs because of infections and it’s not something to take lightly.
It’s also possible that a cut won’t heal because it’s too deep and requires stitches. A doctor will sterilize and close your wound properly if that’s what’s necessary.
Don’t Wait to See a Doctor
Don’t try to tough it out or avoid seeing a doctor when you need medical attention. Getting treated is the best thing you can do for your health and peace of mind.
