It’s important to pay attention to your body and notice any changes in your daily symptoms. While most symptoms are nothing to worry about, some could be warning signs of a serious medical condition. Here are the red flags to watch out for.
Unexplained weight loss
If you’re not trying to lose weight, yet you find yourself losing weight without explanation, it’s a red flag. It could be a sign of an underlying medical condition such as cancer, diabetes, or thyroid problems.
It’s important to talk to your doctor if you lose more than 5% of your body weight in six months.
Persistent fatigue
Feeling tired after a long day is normal. But if you feel persistently fatigued even after rest, it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition such as sleep apnea, diabetes, or depression.
It’s important to talk to your doctor if you experience persistent fatigue, especially if it lasts for more than two weeks.
Chronic pain
Everyone experiences pain from time to time, but if you experience chronic pain that lasts for months, it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, or a nerve disorder.
It’s important to talk to your doctor if you experience chronic pain that interferes with your daily activities.
Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath could be a sign of an underlying medical condition such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure, or lung cancer.
It’s important to talk to your doctor if you experience shortness of breath, especially if it’s accompanied by chest pain, cough, or fever.
Chest pain
Chest pain could be a sign of an underlying medical condition such as a heart attack, angina, or pulmonary embolism.
It’s important to talk to your doctor if you experience chest pain, especially if it’s accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea.
Blood in stool
If you notice blood in your stool, it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition such as hemorrhoids, inflammatory bowel disease, or colon cancer.
It’s important to talk to your doctor if you notice blood in your stool, especially if it’s accompanied by abdominal pain, cramping, or changes in bowel movements.
Frequent urination
Frequent urination could be a sign of an underlying medical condition such as diabetes, urinary tract infection, or prostate problems.
It’s important to talk to your doctor if you experience frequent urination, especially if it’s accompanied by painful urination, blood in urine, or fever.
Sudden vision changes
If you experience sudden vision changes, such as blurriness, double vision, or loss of vision, it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition such as a stroke, migraine, or eye problems.
It’s important to talk to your doctor if you experience sudden vision changes.
Memory loss
Memory loss could be a sign of an underlying medical condition such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or depression.
It’s important to talk to your doctor if you experience memory loss, especially if it interferes with your daily activities.
Severe headache
If you experience a severe headache that comes on suddenly and is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, neck stiffness, or confusion, it could be a sign of a serious medical condition such as meningitis or encephalitis.
It’s important to seek medical attention immediately if you experience a severe headache.