In most cases, people know when something is wrong with their health and when they need to take the necessary steps to address the issue. For example, if they are experiencing a fever, they will likely take medication to bring the fever down.
However, there are some cases where it can be difficult to tell whether a symptom is severe or not. That’s where seeing a doctor comes in. Certain signs indicate you should see a doctor immediately if you are experiencing them.
This is because some symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying problem that requires medical attention. So don’t wait – head to the nearest urgent care center and see a doctor as soon as possible. Here are eight signs to look out for:
Sign #1: Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is a widespread symptom that can have various causes. However, if you are experiencing any abdominal pain, whether in your stomach or your abdomen area, along with other symptoms, you should consult a doctor immediately.
The exact cause of abdominal pain is challenging to determine. Some causes include pancreatitis, gallstones, irritable bowel syndrome, appendicitis, and ectopic pregnancy. If you are experiencing abdominal pain, don’t ignore it. Speak to a doctor as soon as possible for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Sign #2: Chest Pain
Chest pain is also a common symptom that can have various causes like indigestion, acid reflux or heartburn, pneumothorax, pleurisy, pericarditis, among other things.
Even though chest pain is a common symptom, please don’t assume it’s nothing serious. Always seek medical attention as soon as possible if you are experiencing chest pain, even if it’s mild. The doctor can determine the exact cause of chest pain and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Sign #3: Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is often caused by anxiety or hyperventilation, but it could also be due to something more serious. If you feel like you can’t catch your breath or can’t breathe deeply enough, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Shortness of breath could also be due to asthma, pneumonia, heart attack, angina, pulmonary embolism, and other conditions.
Sign #4: Fainting Spells
A loss of consciousness is a severe symptom that requires immediate medical attention. If you have fainted recently, seek medical attention right away. This is because fainting could be indicative of an underlying medical condition.
Some conditions that might cause fainting spells include low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, cardiac arrhythmia, and epilepsy. So, suppose you are experiencing dizziness, nausea, sweating, blurred vision, or convulsions before fainting. In that case, it means that you may be having a dangerous condition like low blood sugar, cardiac arrhythmia, or sepsis.
Sign #5: Chest Discomfort
Chest discomfort is also a severe symptom that requires immediate medical attention. This can be caused by conditions like angina, coronary artery disease, pulmonary embolism, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and pneumonia.
Chest discomfort can also be caused by anxiety or hyperventilation. But doctors are more concerned with severe causes of chest pain. So, always seek medical attention right away if you are experiencing chest discomfort.
Sign #6: Vomiting Blood
Suppose you are experiencing vomiting blood or passing blood in your stool. In that case, this could indicate an underlying condition like ulcers, Celiac disease, peptic ulcer disease, esophageal varices, among others.
Vomiting blood could also indicate esophageal cancer, liver disease, ulcerative colitis, and various other conditions. So, if you are experiencing vomiting blood, don’t ignore it. Consult a doctor right away.
Sign #7: Swelling or Pain of an Extremity
Swelling or pain in your arms, legs, hands, or feet could be indicative of a much more severe condition. For example, swelling in the hands or feet could be due to coronary artery disease, deep venous thrombosis (DVT), sepsis, or a pulmonary embolism.
The pain and swelling in your arms could indicate inflammation in the lining of your heart, deep vein thrombosis, or cellulitis. That’s why you should always consult a doctor as soon as possible if you are experiencing pain or swelling in your arms, legs, hands, or feet.
Sign #8: Difficulty Swallowing
If you are experiencing difficulty swallowing, there is an increased risk of suffering from something serious. If you are experiencing difficulty swallowing, you should consult a doctor immediately.
This could indicate throat cancer, heart disease, esophagus cancer, or a severe mouth infection, pharynx, or larynx. It could also be indicative of a blockage in your esophagus.
As you can see, some symptoms like chest discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting blood require immediate medical attention. So, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, see a doctor as soon as possible.
