16 Symptoms Not To Ignore

Loss of interest in life

If you or family members suspect you may be depressed, why suffer unnecessarily? We are no longer in the fourteenth century and depression can be treated. Most people who commit suicide suffer from depression. Go and speak to your doctor about therapy and medication before you get to these levels of desperation.

Genital sores

These are usually a symptom of a sexually transmitted disease. They should not be ignored, as this disease can be passed on to others, regardless of what it might be doing to you.

Chronic exhaustion

Between working nine-to-five and keeping the family going, most people are tired, and not surprisingly. But when you suddenly feel as if getting out of bed in the morning is a major undertaking, something could be wrong. It may be depression, or the exhaustion could be a symptom of other ailments.

New moles

Most people have moles somewhere on their bodies. If a mole changes its colour, shape or size, it could be turning nasty. It will not go away by itself and if left untreated, can ultimately become life-threatening.
Also, watch out for new moles.

Fever

If your temperature fluctuates between high and normal for no reason, find out what's wrong. If you have a high fever for more than three days, visit your doctor.

Breathing difficulties

Sudden onset of breathing difficulties could signify many things - from asthma to an allergic reaction, to name but two. It should be remembered that untreated asthma can kill. Breathing problems can quickly become life-threatening. Don't ignore it.

Constant urination

Everyone urinates a few times per day, but when you start getting up three or four times during the night to go to the toilet, something is wrong. It could be prostate problems, the onset of Type 2 diabetes or a bladder infection.

Bumps and lumps

Whether we're talking swollen glands or lumps under the skin, these should never be ignored. Better be safe than sorry. It may be something benign like a mild infection or a pimple or boil, but then again, it may not. Do something about it.

Night sweats

Sweating at night is not normal - it could be a symptom of tuberculosis, Aids or Hodgkin's disease, which is a lymphatic cancer. Do something about it.

Rectal bleeding

If your stools are dark in colour and you become aware of the fact that you regularly bleed from the anus, make that appointment. It could be any of a number of things, from benign (bleeding piles) to serious (colon cancer), but don't take any chances.

Disclaimer

This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or for the care that you receive from your doctor or other health professionals. If you are concerned about your health you should consult your doctor.

This information has been reproduced with kind permission Zahra Publishing, publishers of Easy Health. www.easyhealth.ie.