Don’t Take a Turn for the Worse: When Common Ailments Turn Serious

Life is full of bumps and bruises, and even the healthiest among us suffer the occasional headache, sore throat or skin rash. Usually, your immune system resolves these problems with a little time and TLC—perhaps with the help of an over-the-counter remedy.

However, from time to time, you may have symptoms that trigger concern or worry. It doesn’t make sense to live in fear, so here are a few tips for when you should definitely seek medical attention.

General Symptoms That Should Prompt Medical Attention

Sudden onset of severe symptoms, such as pain, fever or bleeding
The problem persists long after you think it should have resolved
Common symptoms are accompanied by additional symptoms (that may not seem to be related), such as a headache with vision disturbances or trouble speaking
Blood when you cough, vomit, urinate or move your bowels
Trouble breathing

Specific Symptoms That Should Prompt Medical Attention

Severe headache, especially if it comes on suddenly or is accompanied by fever, neurological problems or other symptoms
Sore throat with a fever that lasts longer than a week; you have trouble breathing or your sore throat is accompanied by a swollen throat or tongue, stiff neck, rash or drooling; red, sandpaper-like rash on your chest and neck
Cough that persists beyond eight weeks; you’re coughing up thick, greenish-yellow, bloody or pink-tinged phlegm; you’re choking, wheezing, or having trouble swallowing or breathing; your cough is accompanied by a fever
Strong, persistent urge to pee; burning sensation when you urinate; your urine is cloudy or red/pink colored
Sudden, sharp abdominal pain, especially if it’s accompanied by pain in the chest, neck or shoulders; throwing up blood or blood in the stools; a stiff abdomen
Your period lasts longer than seven days or is extremely heavy, (requiring you to change a tampon or pad more frequently than every two hours); you have large clots
Itching, rashes or hives that don’t go away on their own after a few days; a new mole, or a change in an old mole
Chest pain that is accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, lightheadedness (call 911—you may be having a heart attack!)
Unintentionally losing 10 pounds or 5 percent of your normal body weight over six to 12 months, especially if accompanied by other symptoms
Marked changes in personality, eating or sleeping patterns; thinking or talking about suicide; substance abuse
Anything that just doesn’t feel right to YOU

The A, B, C, D, Es of Melanoma

Many of us have moles. If you notice a change in an existing mole, or a new mole, get it checked out.

Asymmetry—the two halves of a mole are different
Border—the edges of the mole are uneven
Color—having a variety of colors
Diameter—larger than the tip of an eraser
Evolving—mole changes over time

Top Signs of Colon Cancer

A change in bowel habits
Blood (either bright red or very dark) in the stool
Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty all the way
Stools that are narrower than usual
Frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness, or cramps
Weight loss for no known reason
Feeling very tired
Vomiting

ACTION ITEMS
Become familiar with symptoms of common ailments that require you to visit your healthcare provider for evaluation. It’s not healthy to live in fear, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.