10 Common Symptoms You Should Never Ignore According to WebMD

Introduction

We all experience physical and mental symptoms from time to time. While some are harmless and go away on their own, others may indicate a serious underlying health condition that requires prompt medical attention. WebMD, one of the most trusted and reliable health resources online, has identified 10 common symptoms that you should never ignore. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at each of these symptoms and what they might indicate.

Chest Pain

Chest pain can be a symptom of several health conditions, including heart attack, angina, acid reflux, and pneumonia. If you experience a sharp, intense pain in your chest that lasts more than a few minutes, especially if it’s accompanied by sweating, shortness of breath, or nausea, seek immediate medical attention.

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, including gastritis, appendicitis, gallstones, and kidney stones. If you experience severe or persistent abdominal pain, especially if it’s accompanied by fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, consult your doctor as soon as possible.

Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath can be a sign of several serious conditions, including asthma, heart attack, and pulmonary embolism. If you experience sudden, severe shortness of breath, especially if it’s accompanied by chest pain, go to the emergency room immediately.

Headaches

Headaches are a common symptom and can be caused by several factors, including tension, dehydration, and sinusitis. However, if you experience severe or persistent headaches, especially if they’re accompanied by vomiting, vision changes, or neck stiffness, see your doctor.

Vision Changes

Vision changes can be a sign of several serious conditions, including stroke, retinal detachment, and glaucoma. If you experience sudden, severe vision changes, such as blurred or double vision, blind spots, or flashing lights, go to the emergency room immediately.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Unexplained weight loss can be a symptom of several health conditions, including cancer, thyroid problems, and untreated diabetes. If you experience a significant, unintentional weight loss, see your doctor as soon as possible.

Fatigue

Fatigue can be caused by several factors, including sleep deprivation, stress, and depression. However, if you experience persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest, especially if it’s accompanied by unexplained weight loss, see your doctor.

Changes in Bowel Habits

Changes in bowel habits can be a symptom of several health conditions, including bowel obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease, and colon cancer. If you experience persistent changes in your bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or blood in your stool, see your doctor.

Urinary Problems

Urinary problems can be caused by several factors, including urinary tract infection, kidney stones, and prostate problems. If you experience persistent urinary symptoms, such as pain or burning during urination, frequent urination, or blood in your urine, see your doctor.

Mood Changes

Mood changes can be a symptom of several mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. If you experience persistent mood changes, such as feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or irritability, see your doctor.

Conclusion

Ignoring these 10 symptoms can lead to serious health consequences. If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention. Talk to your doctor about your concerns and get the proper diagnosis and treatment you need. Remember, early detection and timely treatment can make a big difference in your overall health and well-being.