How often do you ignore little niggling health concerns? While not all illnesses and problems need to be checked upon by a medical professional, some issues do need checking, and neglecting to get seen by a doctor can be detrimental to your health.
But how do you distinguish between instances where self-care can remedy the problem, and you need the intervention of proper medical care? It's not always clear, and with one in five Americans not having visited a doctor in the previous five years, according to one poll, there is a real possibility that people are living with health issues that need to be investigated.
Read on to discover 6 health concerns you shouldn't ignore.
Sudden Unintentional Weight Loss
Weight fluctuations are normal, but when you experience sudden, unintentional weight loss, it's time to pay attention. A 5% or more drop in your body weight within six months can indicate a serious underlying health issue. The potential causes of unexplained weight loss are numerous, ranging from stress and depression to more severe concerns like cancer, diabetes, or thyroid disorders.
If you are actively trying to lose weight, then this isn't something you need to have checked out. But if you aren't changing your diet, eating around the same amount as usual, and not increasing exercise, then it can be a cause for concern. Track your loss via scales or your clothing, and book that appointment today to get some answers about your weight loss.
Ongoing Heartburn and Reflux
Heartburn and acid reflux are common complaints, often triggered by certain foods, alcohol, or stress. However, if you find yourself experiencing persistent heartburn or reflux, taking these symptoms seriously is essential. Chronic heartburn can be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition that can lead to more severe health problems such as esophageal ulcers, scarring, and even cancer. It is caused by the valve at the lower end of the esophagus not closing correctly, usually caused by a hiatal hernia.
GERD information indicates that treatment can come in different forms. From lifestyle and diet changes, cutting out trigger foods and drinks, and eating a healthier diet with fewer processed foods. To take over-the-counter medications or seek further medical treatments to resolve the issue.
GERD can dramatically impact your quality and give you increased pain, and make eating uncomfortable. While it can be tempting to brush off heartburn or reflux, if it is ongoing, then it's definitely worth getting checked out.
Decline in Mental Health
Often people experiencing changes in mental health either don't realize how much it is affecting them or work hard to conceal they're struggling with mental health issues.
However, if you feel you are experiencing any changes in your mood, are struggling with things you usually had no issue with, or are having thoughts of self-harming or suicide, it is imperative that you talk to your doctor to help you get the treatment you need.
This can be in the form of medication, behavioral therapies, talking therapies, or more to find something that works for you to enhance your mental health and get you feeling more like yourself. If you cannot talk to a doctor, confide in someone you trust or call one of the many helplines available for people struggling with mental health.
Increased Thirst and Urination
Talking about issues such as changes in your bladder habits can often cause embarrassment. But it needn't be if you are struggling with changes in how often you go to the toilet. If this change comes with increased thirst, this could be a cause for concern.
Increased thirst and urination may seem like minor inconveniences, but they can be warning signs of more significant health issues. Diabetes is one such condition where the body is unable to properly regulate blood sugar levels, leading to excessive thirst and frequent urination as the body tries to flush out excess glucose. Other potential causes of increased thirst and urination include kidney problems, hormone imbalances, and some medications.
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is something many people experience gradually. Although that's not to say sudden hearing loss does not occur, in many cases, the loss is gradual, and people compensate over time, meaning they don't realize how much their hearing has changed over time.
While hearing loss is often a normal part of aging, it doesn't mean it must go untreated. Hearing loss can be caused by many issues, from an ear infection to loud noise damaging the ear's internal workings, to age-related issues. Hearing loss, to an extent, can negatively affect your quality of life and lead to isolation, depression, frustration, and behavior changes. It can also speed up cognitive decline too.
Sores or Wounds That Won't Heal
Most minor cuts and scrapes heal on their own with proper care, but when a sore or wound refuses to heal, it's essential to pay attention. Non-healing sores can indicate numerous underlying health issues, ranging from poor circulation and diabetes to skin cancer. By staying alert to changes in your skin and seeking medical advice for persistent wounds, you can help catch these issues early and improve your chances of successful treatment.
To care for non-healing sores, keep the area clean and dry, and avoid picking at or scratching the wound. If you're concerned about a persistent wound, consult your healthcare provider, who can help determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatments. In some cases, non-healing sores may require specialized wound care or additional interventions like surgery or medication to promote healing.
Conclusion
It can be tempting to overlook small niggling health owners and brush them off as nothing. However, these can often be the first signs that something is wrong, and ignoring them can lead to more significant, more complex health issues that are harder to treat.
So next time you put off going to the doctor, assess your health, think about the different issues you have been having, and get them checked out.
