Life has its ups and downs, and our bodies can have their aches and pains. This is especially true as we get older or as we try to live a healthier and more active lifestyle. We can become accustomed to ignoring a lot of symptoms, waiting for things to blow over or not expecting them to be more than a temporary annoyance. However, there are some that are always worth checking out, whether because they’re an indicator of something serious that needs your attention, or something that’s a lot more fixable than you might realise.
Chest Pain Or Discomfort
The number one example of a symptom you should never ignore. While sometimes it may be caused by indigestion or muscle strain, it can also signal something far more serious, such as heart disease or a potential heart attack. You should be especially mindful of any pain or discomfort that comes with tightness, pressure, or pain that also reaches the arm, neck, or jaw. These should always be checked out by a doctor, and if they come during exercise or with shortness of breath, they should be treated as an emergency.
Bleeding Gums When Brushing
While not as immediate an emergency as chest pain, bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease, which you should begin to treat as soon as you’re able. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss, jawbone loss, and can even contribute to heart disease and diabetes. An appointment with your dentist and using the right oral hygiene products can help clear up the issue entirely.
A Change In Your Hearing
If you have a sudden change in your hearing, or even gradual shifts that you’re starting to notice, it could be age-related decline, excess exposure to noise, or something else entirely. Muffled sounds, difficulty following conversations or ringing in your ears should prompt you to get a hearing test as soon as you can. Left untreated, hearing problems can worsen and affect communication, mental health, and overall quality of life. Regular hearing tests and early interventions, such as earwax removal or hearing aids, can make a huge difference.
Changes In Your Sleep Pattern
We all occasionally have a bad night’s sleep. However, if you routinely struggle to fall asleep, wake up frequently, or feel tired after a full night’s rest, it could be a sign of insomnia, sleep apnea, thyroid issues, or even depression. We can experience a lot of changes in our sleep as we get older, so it’s important to stay on top of it.
Unexplained Weight Loss
While a little less fat around the belly might seem like something to celebrate, unexplained weight loss can be an indicator of a host of issues, including diabetes, thyroid disorders, and in some cases, cancer. If you notice weight changes or extreme tiredness without a clear reason, schedule a checkup. Doctors can run simple tests to rule out or diagnose underlying causes or detect issues early to be able to better treat them.
In all honesty, you should avoid ignoring any new symptom, no matter how minor it might be. In the meantime, make sure that you’re at least not sleeping on the examples named above.
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