Do you have a symptom or health issue that just won’t go away, no matter what you do? Have you tried over the counter medication, early nights, plenty of rest and it still won’t let up? While some common illnesses may ease up after a good night’s sleep there are other health issues that require prompt diagnosis and treatment. While it’s important not to jump to conclusions, you should get advice from a doctor if something doesn’t seem right.
Here, we explore symptoms that you just shouldn’t ignore.
1. Blurry or Misty Eyesight
If you’re experiencing blurry or misty eyesight, it could just be because you need to change your glasses prescription due to near or farsightedness. But sometimes, these symptoms can be a sign of serious health conditions, such as cataracts. This illness occurs when the lens inside your eye develops cloudy patches, causing blurry/misty vision, inability to see in low-light and colour fading. If this is the case, you may require cataract surgery to eradicate your symptoms. It’s vital to see a healthcare professional if you’re experiencing problems with your eyesight as they will be able to diagnose and treat your condition.
2. Blood in Urine
Have you spotted blood in your urine? It’s usually not caused by anything serious, but you must get it investigated by a doctor. This is still the case even if this is the first time this has happened and you aren’t experiencing any other issues. It’s important because blood in urine can be a symptom of cancer, which is easier to treat if it’s diagnosed early. It can also be caused by urinary tract infections or kidney stones.
3. Shortness of Breath
Feeling short of breath can be scary. As stated on the NHS website – if you’re short of breath and “your chest feels tight or heavy, you have pain that spreads to your arms, back, neck and jaw, or you feel or are being sick” call 999. This may be due to a heart attack or issues with your airways. If you’re not experiencing these symptoms, it’s still important to get it checked out by a doctor, especially if the issue has been going on for months or gets worse when you lay down or exercise. It may be happening because of a chest infection, asthma, anxiety attacks or a serious lung disease.
4. Chronic Indigestion/Acid Reflux
Sometimes, acid reflux can be normal and harmless, for instance if you’ve had a spicy curry. However if you’re experiencing acid reflux and/or indigestion regularly and it’s not related to a specific food you’re eating, it could be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). This can cause an uncomfortable burning sensation in your chest, bloating and hiccups. It’s important to speak to your doctor if you’re experiencing these symptoms so they can give you advice on what to do and what not to do, as well as any medication that may help.
If you are suffering with any of the above, it’s important not to panic, as it may be a common problem that’s easy to treat. But it’s still vital that you get checked out by a doctor if you notice something isn’t right, so they can help you on the road to recovery.
*collaborative post