10 health symptoms and signs you should never ignore

What signs and symptoms warrant medical attention? — Photo courtesy of Jacob Wackerhausen / iStock Via Getty Images Plus

We often have days where we don’t feel good. Maybe it’s a headache, an upset stomach, or running a fever. In many cases, those signs and symptoms resolve with a good night’s sleep, a better diet, or the passing of a 48-hour virus. However, sometimes they linger, no matter what we do to counter them. In these instances, it’s wise to reach out to your doctor to rule out an underlying condition that warrants medical intervention.

We asked doctors to shed light on the differences between signs and symptoms and which ones we should never ignore. Here’s what they had to say.

What’s the difference between signs and symptoms?

It’s important to know the difference. Signs can be observed by others, while symptoms only can be observed by the person experiencing them.

Examples of signs

• Swelling
• Red, inflamed skin
• Wheezing
• Fast heartbeat
• Fever

Examples of symptoms

• Shortness of breath
• Blurry vision
• Abdominal pain
• Itching
• Fatigue

Now let’s take a closer look at 10 signs and symptoms you shouldn’t ignore, especially if they’re unusual or persistent. Next to prevention, early detection is a huge step toward maintaining good health.

Chest pain and shortness of breath

Chest pain is among the symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored — Photo courtesy of brizmaker / iStock Via Getty Images Plus

People should never ignore chest pain and shortness of breath, especially if they occur with activity, says Dr. Faraz Kerendi, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons in Austin, Texas.

“These could signify underlying heart disease that may lead to a heart attack or heart failure,” he says. “If you experience these symptoms, seek treatment from your doctor, or if the symptoms are severe and persistent, go to the ER immediately.”

Persistent headaches

Headaches happen for a variety of reasons, including sleep deprivation, stress, hunger, dehydration, congestion, or a reaction to caffeine or alcohol. But they also can be a symptom of something that warrants medical care. For instance, changes in hormone levels due to pregnancy or perimenopause can cause recurring headaches in women.

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Fever

Fevers typically occur when your body is fighting off an infection or illness; it’s a natural defense mechanism. When the virus resolves, so does the fever. However, if a fever continues for several days or is accompanied by such symptoms as vomiting, sore throat, stiff neck, or a feeling of confusion, it’s wise to seek medical care.

Severe or persistent vomiting

Vomiting is not uncommon if your stomach is upset. We’ve all had bouts of food poisoning that have left us exhausted on the bathroom floor. But if the vomiting is accompanied by chest pain, high fever, or several abdominal pain — or if the vomit has blood in it — it’s best to seek medical attention. Also, prolonged vomiting could indicate an infection that requires antibiotics to restore your health.

Unexplained weight loss

Unexplained significant weight loss could signal underlying issues, like ulcerative colitis — Photo courtesy of EyeEm Mobile GmbH / iStock Via Getty Images Plus

While many of us would be thrilled to discover we’ve lost some weight, if you lose significant weight without any changes to your diet or exercise routine, it could indicate an underlying condition that warrants a doctor’s visit to rule out digestive issues or more serious conditions.

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Blood in the urine or stool

Blood in the urine or stool should be addressed by your doctor as soon as possible. Blood in the urine could indicate a urinary tract infection, kidney stones, or gallbladder disease. Blood in the stool, which can present as bright red or dark black, could result from a number of issues.

“The most common cause is hemorrhoids, typically resulting in bright red blood,” says Dr. Anton Bilchik, a surgical oncologist, chief of medicine, and director of gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary at Providence Saint John’s Cancer Institute, in Santa Monica, Calif. He adds that it could also indicate “benign conditions” that warrant medical treatment, like diverticular disease and inflammatory bowel disease.

Sudden numbness or weakness

If you suddenly find it hard to move or control your arms or legs, particularly on one side of your body, it could indicate that you’re having a stroke. Other signs and symptoms of stroke include sudden confusion, trouble speaking, drooping on one side of the face, loss of balance, severe headache, or sudden onset of vision problems. The time between onset of signs and symptoms and medical intervention is critical with a stroke, so call 9-1-1 if you or someone else is experiencing these signs or symptoms.

Fatigue

We all get tired. The normal stresses of life can deplete your energy. However, if you often feel tired in your bones and it doesn’t improve after a good night’s sleep or two, there could be something more going on. Fatigue can be a symptom of such conditions as diabetes, heart disease, anemia, sleep apnea, depression, thyroid issues, or kidney disease.

Abdominal pain

Stomach aches may occur if you ate too much or something that didn’t agree with you. However, severe or persistent abdominal pain could signal something more serious. This includes appendicitis, gallstones, intestinal blockage, stomach flu, ulcers, or endometriosis. Seeking medical attention can help you get to the root cause.

Severe mood swings

People often overlook or ignore signs and symptoms of mental health issues, but they’re equally important to physical symptoms and deserve your attention.

“It’s not uncommon for everyone to experience lethargy, angry outbursts, or loss of interest in pleasurable activities from time to time,” says Dr. David Cutler, a family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center. However, when these symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, it might be worth seeking the support of a mental health professional to rule out clinical depression and other conditions that can improve under the guidance of expert care.