HEALTH TIP NOT TO IGNORE

Chest pain, sudden loss of vision or speech, and severe
abdominal pain require immediate medical attention — but
what about more subtle red flags? It can be tough to know
what to do. Here’s a list of seven signs and symptoms
that merit attention.
No. 1: Unexplained weight loss
Losing weight without trying might sound like a dream
come true, but in reality it can signal a health problem. If
you’ve lost up to 10 percent of your weight during the past
six months — for instance, 15 pounds (7 kilograms) if you
weigh 150 pounds (68 kilograms) — consult your doctor.
An unexplained drop in weight could be caused by various
conditions — including overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
, diabetes, depression, liver disease, cancer or disorders
that interfere with how your body absorbs nutrients
(malabsorption disorders).
No. 2: Persistent or high fever
A fever isn’t necessarily a cause for alarm. Fever seems to
play a key role in fighting infection. If you’ve had a fever
for more than three days, however, get checked by your
doctor. Persistent fever can signal a hidden infection,
which could be anything from a urinary tract infection to
tuberculosis. In some cases, cancerous (malignant)
conditions — such as lymphomas — cause prolonged or
persistent fevers, as can some medications.
If you have a high fever — 103 F (39.4 C) or higher —
consult your doctor as soon as possible.
No. 3: Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath that feels more severe than what’s
caused by a stuffy nose or vigorous physical activity could
signal an underlying health problem. If you’re unable to get
your breath, or you’re gasping for air or wheezing, seek
emergency medical care. Feeling breathless when lying
down also is a symptom that needs to be evaluated
promptly.
Causes for breathlessness may include chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia,
a blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism), as well as
other heart and lung problems. Difficulty breathing can also
occur with panic attacks — episodes of intense anxiety
that can cause rapid heart rate, sweating, shortness of
breath and other physical symptoms
No. 4: Unexplained changes in bowel habits
What’s considered normal for bowel movements varies
widely. Consult your doctor if you notice unusual or
unexplained changes in what’s normal for you, such as:
Bloody, black or tarry-colored stools.
Persistent diarrhea or constipation.
Unexplained urges to have a bowel movement.
Changes in bowel habits could signal a bacterial infection
— such as campylobacter or salmonella — or a viral or
parasitic infection.
Other possible causes include irritable bowel syndrome and
colon cancer.
No. 5: Confusion or personality changes
Seek medical attention if you have:
Sudden confused thinking.
Confusion about time or place (disorientation).
Sudden problems with concentration or memory.
Sudden personality or behavior changes, such as becoming
aggressive.
Changes in behavior or thinking could be caused by many
problems, including infection, anemia, low blood sugar,
dehydration or mental health conditions. Sometimes
medications contribute to confusion or personality
changes.
No. 6: Feeling full after eating very little
If you consistently feel full sooner than normal or after
eating less than usual, get checked by your doctor. This
feeling, known as early satiety, also may be accompanied
by nausea, vomiting, bloating, fever, and weight loss or
gain. If so, be sure to tell your doctor about these signs
and symptoms as well.
Possible causes of early satiety include gastroesophageal
reflux disease, commonly known as GERD, and irritable
bowel syndrome. In some cases, a more serious problem
— such as pancreatic cancer — could be a factor.
No. 7: Flashes of light
Bright spots or flashes of light and other visual
disturbances sometimes indicate a migraine. In other
cases, sudden flashing lights could signal retinal
detachment. Immediate medical care can help prevent
permanent vision loss.