Do I need to see a doctor? The question is frequently posed. Contrary to what you may believe, visiting the doctor isn’t always necessary for serious conditions or accidents. Keep in mind that for many diseases, early detection might result in better results. Continue reading to learn 13 warning indications that it’s time to contact the doctor, including when your cough is severe enough to require one.
Remember that this is by no means an exhaustive list, and if something seems off to you, it’s a good idea to get checked out by a doctor. In addition, trust your gut.
1. CHANGES IN BOWELS HABITS.
It’s a good idea to discuss any abrupt changes in your bowel habits with your doctors, such as constipation, diarrhoea, or black stools.
2. COUGH THAT DOESN’T AWAY.
While coughs come and go, they should never be ignored if they are persistent, severe, last for more than a few weeks, or produce blood. Smokers and former smokers should take extra care to get any persistent coughs examined.
3. YOUR FEVER IS CONSISTENTLY HIGH.
Your body naturally fights infection in part by producing a fever. Call your doctor if your fever is higher than 103 Fahrenheit (39.4 Celsius) or if it lasts more than three days. There may be a more serious infection at work.
4. YOU’RE BREATHING RARELY.
All of these common causes of shortness of breath — high altitude, vigorous exercise, obesity, and extreme heat — contribute to it. Ask your doctor about the possibility of asthma, bronchitis, or another ailment if none of these is the source of your shortness of breath, especially if the symptoms appear suddenly and strongly.
5. YOU GO THROUGH SEVERE ABDOMINAL, PELVIC, OR CHEST PAIN
An underlying condition that necessitates medical treatment can be indicated by abnormal, severe, and persistent pain in the chest, abdomen, or pelvic. Examples include appendicitis or kidney infection when the pain is in the pelvis, gallstones when the pain is in the belly (particularly if it is accompanied by nausea and vomiting), and heart attack when the pain is in the chest.
6. CHRONIC WEARINESS AND FATIGUE
If you consistently nod off during the day or never feel rested even after a good night’s sleep, you may have a sleep condition that necessitates a trip to the doctor.
7. VISION CHANGES.
Serious difficulties with your eye health could be indicated by blurry vision, unexpected flashes of light, floaters in the eye, gradual vision loss, and itchy and watery eyes.
8. A RASPY VOICE.
a change in voice quality, persistent nasal and throat irritation, earaches, ear discharge, ringing in the ears, or decreased hearing are symptoms that may require medical care.
9. YOU FEEL CONFUSED OR YOUR MOOD CHANGES
Both physical diseases like an infection or drug interaction and mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression, can cause mood swings and unexpected bewilderment. Be on the lookout for issues with concentration or thinking, inconsistent sleeping patterns, and depressive or anxious feelings.
10. YOU THINK YOU MAY BE CONCUSSED.
If you’ve hit your head or landed on it, keep an eye out for concussion symptoms. Consult your doctor if any of these symptoms worsen, which might include trouble concentrating, headaches, irritability, and changes in sleep patterns.
11. YOUR MOOD CHANGES OR YOU FEEL CONFUSED.
Mood swings and unanticipated confusion can be brought on by mental health issues like worry or melancholy as well as physical illnesses like an infection or drug combination. Be alert for problems with memory or attention, irregular sleeping habits, and melancholy or worrisome feelings.
12. UNEXPECTED WEIGHT LOSS.
Unexpected weight loss may be a sign of cancer, diabetes, depression, infections, digestive issues, or even an infection.
13. HEADACHE.
A headache that is more severe than usual comes on suddenly and is accompanied by other symptoms that may require medical attention. Headaches are fairly common. If you develop a headache after suffering a significant head injury, if it gradually worsens over several days, if it doesn’t go away, or if it is made worse by lying down, coughing, or sneezing, consult a doctor
