5 Health Symptoms You Should Never Overlook

Many of us don’t have the time to head to the doctor every time we have a cold, or aren’t feeling well. However, you can never be too safe when it comes to your health. Overlooking common health related issues, such as chest pain, loss of vision, or appetite, may lead to further complications down the road. Check out these 6 health symptoms you should never overlook:

• Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight might not seem like an urgent symptom, but unexplainably losing weight may be caused by a serious underlying health issues such as depression, cancer, or liver disease. The Mayo Clinic suggests you speak with your health care provider if you have lost more than 5% of your overall body weight within a 6-12 week period.
• Persistent or high fever: While a low grade fever isn’t something to be alarmed about, the raised temperature is an indication of some kind of infection or illness. You should visit your health care provider if you have a temperature of over 103F, or if you have had a fever that has lasted for more than three days.
• Shortness of breath: While it may be harder to catch your breath after vigorous exercise or in extreme temperatures, experiencing shortness of breath during other times may be an indication of an underlying health issue. If you experience shortness of breath that comes on suddenly or without reason you should seek medical care immediately.
• Changes in bowels: Changes in bowels may be a result of issues such as bacterial infections, cancer, or salmonella infection. If you notice a change in your normal bowl habits; or if your bowels are black, bloody, or if you have persistent diarrhea or constipation, you should contact your health care provider.
• Changes in appetite: If you notice a change in your appetite, or if you feel full after eating less than usual, you should contact your physician. This symptom may also present itself along with nausea, vomiting, bloating or weight loss and may be a result of health issues such as peptic ulcers, pancreatic cancer, or gastro-related illnesses.