10 health signs you should not ignore

A common cold could mean just that — common cold or it could be a sign of something more uncommon, like lung cancer. Neha Ghosh tracks down 10 such medical conditions that might have serious repercussions on your health.

1
Sign: Recurrent coughing
It could simply mean that that last chilled glass of orangeade you had after a workout did not agree with your throat. Or it could be an indicator of something more serious. Dr Pramilla Roy informs us, “A cough isn’t usually a symptom of a life threatening illness but continuous coughing could indicate an obstructed airway, congestive heart disease, asthma or even lung cancer. If it persists for two weeks or more with no obvious medical explanation such as a cold, consult your doctor.”


2
Sign: Persistent, low-grade fever
It can indicate a number of ailments. Dr Roy explains, “A fever is a sign that your body is combating an underlying illness. In general cases a pill might do the trick but if it extends for a week or more, seek your doctor’s advice. An early diagnosis of the cause might just save you from some debilitating disease that may accompany it.”

3
Sign: Light-headedness or shortness of breath
Do you find yourself panting for breath? While it is normal after working out on the treadmill, it’s a sign of something serious if it happens suddenly when you are seated at your desk at work. “It could indicate pulmonary embolus, which is basically the blockage of an artery in the lungs by fat, air, blood clot or tumour cells. Symptoms include rapid breathing, feeling light-headed or short of breath when at rest. It requires immediate medical attention,” cautions the doctor.

4
Sign: Swollen eyes
“Something is wrong for sure and it’s better not to take any chances with your vision,” advises eye specialist Dr Arunabh Jha. “It could be an infection or allergic reaction and in the worst case scenario, it could be optic neurosis, a medical condition that affects the nerves in your eyes. Since eyes are every sensitive get them checked with an eye specialist immediately; it might just save your vision.”

5
Sign: Severe back pain
You have tried every possible remedy from applying heat to taking painkillers, but your backache just doesn’t quit. So how do you make it get off your back? At the root of pain are problems pertaining to muscles, ligaments and tendons. In case of back pain it may even suggest a weakness in the lower back. But can it mean something else as well? Dr Roy elaborates, “If back pain is severe and persistent, it could be an aneurysm. It’s a condition in which a sac is formed by the dilatation of the wall of an artery, vein or even heart. Pain subsides after your body’s main artery bursts. The pain could also stem from kidney stone. The best option is for you to consult your doctor and get a CT scan done to throw light on the exact condition.”

6
Sign: Persistent headache
In most cases it is attributed to migraine which can be alleviated by a painkiller. Under more unusual circumstances it could be a sign of brain tumour or brain haemorrhage. “There are no two ways about it. If your head hurts constantly or there is a persistent pounding, especially on one side of the head, accompanied by watery eyes or nausea, you must go visit your doctor now,” urges Dr Roy.

7
Sign: Sudden drastic weight loss
If you haven’t been dieting or working out which could explain the weight loss, it might suggest some abnormality of the endocrine, thyroid disorder, depression or diabetes. It’s better to consult a physician.

8
Sign: Your partner’s waistline measures more than 34 inches
If not now, he could face the problem of erectile dysfunction later in life. “Overweight men usually have clogged arteries which restrict the blood needed to get an erection. Take up a gym membership immediately and lose the flab around the waistline,” is Dr Roy’s advice.

9
Sign: Sudden sharp pain in the shoulders or neck
Pain is felt differently by men and women and can be interpreted differently too. In case of women symptoms of a heart attack may not be as severe as with men and may even be overshadowed by other, less obvious ones. These include discomfort or pain in other areas of the body such as the neck and shoulders, upper back or abdomen. The trick is to be aware of them and know when it occurs.

10
Sign: Painful urination
Relieving yourself may seem like a major task and your urine may even have a tint of red. Dr Roy states, “Painful urination and blood in the urine are common causes of cancer in men and smoking could aggravate the condition. It could also indicate bladder infection. Get a thorough check-up done immediately to avoid complications later.”


PS: This article was first published in Femina magazine.