The darker meaning of your common health woes!
09:27 11 November 2009
Many of us delay in seeking medical advice about our health complaints as we don't want to waste the doctor's time. And while you are right not to make an appointment every time you get a little sniffle, there are some symptoms where you should seek instant advice.
Here is a guide to the symptoms you should never ignore and what they could mean:
Persistent cough
At this time of the year a cough is most likely the culprit of irritation in the airways caused by the common cold or flu virus. However, if your symptoms don't clear after a week or so it's time to get them checked out.
What it could mean:
A persistent cough could indicate chest infections, undiagnosed asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema (dilated air sacs) and other lung diseases.
In extreme circumstances it could be a precursor to heart failure or throat cancer.
Top tip: Book an appointment with your GP if you cough up mucky phlegm or any blood.
Sore throat
Again, a sore throat is most likely the result of a cold or flu and can usually heal after about four days. However if it persists for longer than this it could be a sign of something more worrying. Be sure to tell your GP if you experience a sore throat or hoarseness in the voice for longer than three weeks.
What it could mean:
Stubborn sore throats could be caused by a bacterial infection. It could also be a sign of low immunity, or blood disorders that require treatment.
Similarly hoarseness, even without a sore throat, should be investigated further so your GP can rule out a warty growth on the vocal chords or even the possibility of cancer.
Top tip: Dentists can now detect most non-symptomatic mouth cancers - an excellent reason for regular check-ups.
Ulcers
We all get ulcers from time to time and often they are a simple irritation of the lining of the mouth, sometimes caused by biting the soft tissue.
What it could mean:
Mouth ulcers can be linked with stress. They could also be the result of the herpes simplex viral infection or hypersensitivity to a common mouth bacterium called haemolytic streptococcus.
A deficiency in vitamins B2, B3, B6, B12, folic acid, C and iron have also been linked with this common complaint. Recurrent mouth ulcers are sometimes a sign of coeliac condition (sensitivity to gluten in the diet), inflammatory bowel diseases or other immune problems.
Seek medical advice if ulcers keep coming back or last more than 3 weeks to rule out mouth cancer.
Top tip: Avoiding certain toothpastes containing the detergent sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) may help, according to some researchers. Applying aloe vera gel can also promote healing, as can oral gels like Gengigel (available from your pharmacist).
Neon pink gums
Healthy gums are pale pink. If however yours are bright pink or red, there could be a problem.
What it could mean:
Red or bright pink gums could signal damage beneath the gum line or long-term irritation and swelling. This can be a result of a build up in bacteria and toxins from plaque and tartar, which damage gum tissues and cause inflammation.
Top tip: Another surprising cause of this symptom could be teeth clenching. This can occur at night or when youÂ’re stressed during the day, putting lots of pressure on the gums and causing them to redden.
Try wearing a dental mouth guard, it could do as much for your gums as flossing and mouthwash – ask your dentist about how to get the best fit.
Pain in the shoulder or torso
If you've had a knock to the area, then the reason is obvious. Also, you could be suffering from severe heartburn, but if the pain is extreme or lasts for a long period of time, you should go to your doctor to investigate the problem further.
What it could mean:
Severe chest pain beneath the rib cage, a backache and or shooting pains in the right shoulder could be symptoms of a heart attack. A tightening in the chest is also a classic sign; go to the hospital to get checked out.
Excessive pain in the torso could also mean more than a bad case of trapped wind. Gallstones can form when the gallbladder, which is responsible for breaking down fats in foods, doesn't empty properly. Gallstones can be extremely painful and are twice as common in women, especially during pregnancy, due to their heightened levels of oestrogen - the hormone increases the concentration of cholesterol in the gallbladder and decreases the organÂ’s ability to do its job.
If you experience the pain particularly after having a high-fat meal, talk to your doctor about the possibility of gallstones.
Top tip: Diet can have a huge impact on the severity of gallstones. By eating more low-fat, high-fibre foods, such as cucumbers, sweet potatoes and beetroot, the gallbladder doesn't have to work as hard and so the pain is likely to be less. Avoid high-fat, high-cholesterol foods like red meat and chips, as these worsen the gallstones and cholesterol connection.
Five symptoms you should never ignore:
- Sudden unexplained loss in weight, appetite or energy
- Blood in unusual circumstances – in saliva, phlegm, urine, stools, from the nipple, between periods or after sex
- Any new lumps or changes in skin texture, puckering on the skin surface especially in the armpit area or breast
- Noticeable change in bowel habits
- Persistent headaches, dizziness or new skin sensations, such as pins and needles