Changes in different parts of our body can be telltale signs of underlying health issues. Some of these signs are seen in the eyes, tongue, and nails. While some changes may be harmless, some others could indicate serious medical conditions.
In this article, we will discuss some warning signs to look out for in these body parts and when to see a doctor.
Changes in Eyes
While eyes often reveal a lot about our emotions, they can also be indicators of our health. Some changes in the eyes that could be warning signs include:.
Yellowing of the eyes
Yellowing of the eyes, also known as jaundice, is a common sign of liver disease. The yellowing is caused by a buildup of bilirubin, a waste product that is usually processed by the liver.
If the liver is unable to process bilirubin, it accumulates in the body and causes yellowing of the skin and eyes. Other symptoms of liver disease include fatigue, nausea, and abdominal pain.
Changes in vision
Changes in vision can occur due to various reasons. Some causes of changes in vision include migraines, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Changes in vision could include blurry or distorted vision, flashes of light, or sudden blindness.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should consult a doctor immediately.
Redness and itching
Redness and itching in the eyes could be due to allergies, eye infections, or dry eye syndrome. Dry eye syndrome is a condition that occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears to keep them lubricated.
This condition can cause redness, itching, and burning. Eye infections can cause pink eye or conjunctivitis, which is characterized by redness, itching, and discharge from the eyes. Allergies can also cause redness and itching in the eyes.
Changes in Tongue
The tongue is a muscular organ in the mouth that helps with taste, speech, and swallowing. Changes in the appearance or sensation of the tongue could indicate health issues. Some changes in the tongue to look out for include:.
White patches
White patches on the tongue could be indicative of thrush or candidiasis. Thrush is a fungal infection that occurs when the balance of bacteria in the mouth is disrupted.
The condition is common in people with weakened immune systems such as babies, older adults, and people with HIV/AIDS. Candidiasis can also cause white patches on the tongue. This condition is caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the mouth. Anyone experiencing white patches on the tongue should consult a doctor.
Redness or swelling
Redness or swelling of the tongue could be due to an allergic reaction or an infection. Some people may have a genetic condition called geographic tongue where the tongue appears to have patches that resemble a map.
While this condition is harmless, redness, and swelling could be indicative of underlying health issues. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should consult a doctor.
Changes in sensation
Changes in sensation on the tongue could occur due to various reasons, including nerve damage, nutritional deficiencies, or infections. Some people may experience a burning sensation on the tongue, a condition known as burning mouth syndrome.
This condition can be caused by anxiety, depression, hormonal imbalance, or a reaction to medication.
Changes in Nails
Nails can reveal a lot about our health. Changes in the appearance or texture of nails could indicate underlying medical conditions. Some changes in the nails to look out for include:.
Brittle or weak nails
Brittle or weak nails are often a sign of nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of vitamin B12, biotin, or iron. This condition can also occur due to aging, excessive exposure to water, or the use of harsh chemicals.
Discoloration of the nails
Nail discoloration could be indicative of various medical conditions such as liver disease, lung disease, or heart disease. Yellow or green nails could be a sign of fungal infection, while white nails could be due to anemia or kidney disease.
Anyone experiencing discoloration of the nails should consult a doctor.
Clubbing of the nails
Clubbing of the nails is a condition that occurs when the nails curve around the fingertips and the tissue surrounding the nails increases. This condition is often indicative of lung disease, heart disease, or liver disease.
Anyone experiencing clubbing of the nails should consult a doctor immediately.
Conclusion
Changes in the eyes, tongue, and nails can be warning signs of various health issues. While some changes may be harmless, others could be indicative of serious medical conditions that require immediate attention.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should consult a doctor promptly to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.