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Taking care of ourselves is crucial, and regular trips to your GP are part of that. However, many of us still avoid going to the doctor, with only around 62% of Americans getting an annual physical. This is why it’s even more essential to observe your body for changes. What you might “blow off” could be an indicator of a severe medical condition.
In this article, we are going to take a look at ten different signs that show it’s time to go to the doctor. Want to learn more? Then keep on reading.
You have trouble concentrating
Sometimes, we all get a bit confused, which could be due to something as simple as fatigue. However, if you have noticed that you are struggling to remember things or find it challenging to stay focused, there may be something more to it. Dementia, Alzheimer’s, low oxygen saturation, or even an infection could be the cause of your difficulty concentrating.
You’re losing weight
While losing weight can be a good thing, especially if you have been trying, it can also be a symptom. If you notice dramatic changes without altering your diet or workout, you should visit your doctor ASAP and explain the situation. While it may be nothing, there are many diseases and medical conditions that could explain it, including:
– Addison’s disease
– Celiac disease
– Cancer
– Crohn’s disease
– Dementia
– Diabetes
– HIV/AIDS
You have persistent headaches
There are many reasons for headaches, and getting the odd one once a day is no cause for concern. Stress, eye strain, or being dehydrated can all be the cause. However, if they won’t ease, it’s best to book an appointment at somewhere like these Oklahoma City doctors offices. In severe cases, they may be caused by infections, injuries, and brain tumors.
You feel extra emotional
Sometimes we are so caught up in taking care of our physical health that we forget how important it is to check on our mental wellbeing as well. While we are all human and have emotions, being extremely sad might be from a mental illness.
Depression and anxiety are things that should be taken seriously, and a doctor can help you get on the right track. A few other mental conditions that can affect your emotions include:
– OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder)
– Bipolar disorder
– Schizophrenia
You’re having digestive problems
Stomach pain is one thing that we have all had at one point in our life. In fact, for many of us, it’s completely normal to have a tummy ache after eating a big meal. However, extreme discomfort that happens frequently should be assessed. It could be from a medical condition or food allergy.
You have a fever that won’t ease
We all get sick, and even the common cold might cause a slight fever. However, if you can’t seem to get it under control and it has lasted for more than a few days, you want to get checked out. If they are persistent, it could be a sign that your body is fighting an ongoing infection that requires medication and treatment.
Your skin has changed appearance
Our skin is a good indicator of our health, so if you have noticed any drastic changes, it could be because of an underlying condition. This is why it’s important to check yourself thoroughly, especially if you have moles or freckles. Skin cancer can be hard to detect and affects 1 in 5 Americans before they reach the age of 70. Here are a few of the most common types and how to identify them:
– Melanoma – the most deadly form of skin cancer that spreads when left untreated. It can appear anywhere on an exciting spot or new spot. It will change in color, size, and shape.
– Nodular melanoma – Appears raised and even in color (either pink, red, brown, or black). They may begin to bleed and crust over time.
– Basal cell carcinoma – Least dangerous form appearing as either red or pale. They grow slowly in areas exposed to the sun.
You feel out of breath (without exercising)
Getting out of breath is normal after running around or completing a workout. However, you shouldn’t be feeling that way if you’ve walked to the other side of the room. Conditions such as asthma and bronchitis could be the cause of it, and a doctor can confirm this. It may also be a symptom of other more severe conditions such as emphysema, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
You get dizzy all the time
While being dizzy might seem unimportant at first, it’s something that should be addressed ASAP. You never know when one of your episodes will turn into something more, putting you at risk of a fall. High blood pressure, malnutrition, and low oxygen levels are just a few of the potential causes, and this list goes on and on. You want to get checked and undergo the necessary tests so you can rule them out.
You’ve had a procedure and feel like something’s off
Lastly, if you have had a recent medical procedure and don’t feel quite right, visiting your GP for a check-up is a must. We all react differently to surgery, and while everything might have gone to plan, there are always risks. You might find your body reacts badly to a particular medication or that you have been exposed to an infection. Trust us when we say it’s better to get on top of the issue before it escalates into something worse.
And that’s it. These were ten signs that showed it was time to go to the doctor. However, it’s important to remember that these are not the only reasons you should book an appointment. If you notice any changes in your well-being (both physically and mentally), it’s best to get seen by a professional. This way, you can either rule out a condition or receive the necessary treatment as soon as possible.
