When your body speaks, do you know how to listen? The human body is an intricate machine so well equipped it can let you know when something is amiss. Some specific physical symptoms are really warning signs of greater issues your body is struggling to overcome.
If you notice any of the following, Prevention magazine recommends that you take note and take action by discussing the changes with your primary care physician.
Unexplained Weight Loss
If you lose about 5 percent of your current body weight without trying over a six to 12 month time frame, share that information with your physician — especially if you’re older.
Stomach Pain
Abdominal pain lasting more than three days or pain that could be related to a traumatic injury can be a red flag. If it’s accompanied by chest pressure, nausea and vomiting, or if your abdomen is severely tender or distended, seek immediate medical help.
Persistent Shortness of Breath
If you feel shortness of breath after strenuous exercise, that’s normal. If it doesn’t go away once you stop the activity, that’s not normal, especially if you’re also experiencing chest pain, swelling in your feet or ankles, a high fever, chills and a cough, or your lips or fingertips turn blue.
Headache
A sudden, severe headache, or one that’s accompanied by weakness, numbness, dizziness, loss of balance, fever, shortness of breath, a stiff neck or severe nausea and vomiting, is cause for talking to your physician. You shouldn’t have more than three headaches weekly or headaches that can’t be resolved with over-the-counter medications.
Fever
A fever is common when your body is fighting an infection. If your temperature is 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher or you've had a fever for more than three days, see your physician.
Snoring
Nightly snoring or snoring that’s broken up by gasps and snorts can signal a serious disorder called sleep apnea.
Dark Stool
Let your doctor know about any red or maroon stools that are not related to a food you’ve recently eaten such as beets or foods containing red dyes. Black stool can be a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding from the stomach or an ulcer or cancer.
Irregular Spots on Skin
Moles that exhibit asymmetric borders, a scalloped or jagged edge, multiple colors or are 6 mm or larger need to be checked out, especially if they have changed shape or color and become itchy or painful.
If you’re experiencing these physical symptoms or others that are unusual for you, connect with a physician at Beaufort Memorial today.