There are certain signs and symptoms that are usually dismissed as harmless and insignificant. However, ignoring these signs can lead to serious health complications.

Ignoring these “harmless” signs can also make it more difficult for healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat underlying conditions.

Headaches

Many people experience headaches from time to time. Headaches can be caused by stress, dehydration, hunger, poor posture, and other factors. However, frequent and severe headaches that interfere with daily activities should not be ignored.

This could be a sign of an underlying health condition such as a brain tumor, high blood pressure, or meningitis.

Fatigue

Feeling tired and run down can be a sign of several health issues such as anemia, thyroid problems, sleep apnea, and depression.

If you are getting enough sleep and still feeling tired, you should talk to a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause.

Unexplained Weight Loss

If you’ve lost weight unintentionally, it could be a sign of an underlying health condition such as cancer, hyperthyroidism, or depression.

Don’t ignore significant weight loss, especially if you’re losing more than 10% of your body weight without an intentional change in diet or activity level.

Related Article Ten “normal” symptoms that may be a warning sign

Changes in Bowel Habits

Changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation, and blood in stool can be a sign of an underlying health condition such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or colon cancer.

Regular bowel movements should have a consistent color, frequency, and texture. Any significant changes should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Changes in Urination

Changes in urination habits such as pain, frequency, blood in urine, or difficulty starting could be a sign of an underlying health condition such as a urinary tract infection (UTI), prostate problems, or bladder cancer.

Pay attention to any changes in urination habits and seek medical attention if necessary.

Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath can be a sign of several underlying health conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or heart failure.

It is not uncommon to experience shortness of breath during exercise, but if it happens frequently and without physical exertion, it should be investigated by a healthcare professional.

Mental Health Changes

Changes in mental health such as depression, anxiety, and irritability should not be ignored. These changes can be signs of underlying health issues such as a thyroid problem or a hormone imbalance.

Mental health concerns should be discussed with a healthcare professional, as they can also be indicative of more serious conditions such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.