5 Health Concerns that You Need to Tell Your Doctor About ASAP
We all experience the odd symptom from time to time.
Living in a fast-paced and stress-filled environment can take its toll quickly, but it is crucial to know when to see a doctor about a symptom that is concerning you. Despite what some people may think, doctors aren’t only there for major things like broken bones or severe illnesses.
Whatever you are going through, if you feel uneasy about your symptoms then you should see a doctor. Peace of mind is an important thing.
If your symptom is any one of the five listed below, make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as you can:
Table of Contents
1. Changes in Mental Status
A sudden onset of mental fogginess or confusion is not normal – no matter how quickly it resolves.
Confusion may occur suddenly or slowly over time, depending on the underlying cause. Most of the time, these episodes only last for a short period and then go away. Unfortunately, for many older people, these episodes are a sign of something more significant and incurable.
If you or a loved one suddenly start to experience a change in mental status, whether sudden or over time, consult your family healthcare practitioner.
2. Fainting
Fainting is defined as a brief loss of consciousness caused by a drop in blood flow to the brain.
Episodes of fainting or syncope (the medical term) typically last for a few minutes only and the fainter quickly recovers from it. Fainting can be related to pain, fear, stress, or a more serious medical condition.
Fainting should never be ignored, as it can be an indicator of something that requires immediate medical attention.
3. A New Mole
Spending time outdoors in the summer is one of life’s greatest pleasures.
Not only is it good for your body physically by recharging your body’s supply of bone-friendly vitamin D. That only applies if you obey the golden rules of sun safety, including limiting exposure time and using a high SPF sun protection cream.
Spending too much time in the sun has a darker side, including a significant increase in your risk of skin cancer. If you have recently found a new mole or noticed that an existing mole has started to grow, show it to your concierge doctor.
To learn more about the services of a concierge doctor, you can click here.
4. Bluish Skin Tone
Red blood cells are meant to carry a full supply of oxygen to the body. Those blood cells are bright red, and that is what gives healthy people a pinkish glow.
When there is a lack of oxygen in the blood, a bluish color develops on the skin or mucous membranes (lips, inside the eyes, and gumlines). That is known in the medical community as cyanosis.
That can develop suddenly, along with other concerning symptoms such as shortness of breath, and can be caused by blood clots, drug overdoses, and other serious issues. Call your doctor immediately if you spot this symptom on you or a loved one.
5. Unexplained Weight Loss
Losing weight without trying may seem like you have won the lottery, but often, it can be an indication of a more insidious underlying issue.
That does not mean you should panic – just because it can be a symptom of the big C does not automatically make it so. An unexplained drop in weight can also be a sign of thyroid issues, diabetes, and depression.
To be on the safe side, if you have experienced a drop of more than 10% of your body weight in the last 4 to 6 months and you are not obese, make an appointment with your doctor.
To End
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, try not to panic.
More often than not, these symptoms are treatable – but the sooner you can get a diagnosis, the sooner you can begin treatment.