Know Your Health Warning Signs

Know Your Health Warning Signs. Elderly people should always be aware of their own body conditions. And seek early medical advice in case they notice any abnormal signs or experience discomfort. So then, the doctor will conduct a health assessment and check-up to make an accurate
diagnosis. Hence, do not delay or leave it until the next scheduled
follow-up date. Here, the following are some common warning signs:

Detect Dementia Early

Know Your Health Warning Signs. Dementia is a form of degenerative disease affecting brain cells, causing a decline in cognitive function. It is not a normal part of ageing. Patients will progressively develop signs from
memory loss to total loss of self-care ability. Early detection of
dementia allows proper diagnosis and treatment of patients, and
help to maintain their self-care ability. Family members should
look out for any progressive difficulties experienced by the older
members of their family in their daily lives (e.g. requiring others’
help in daily tasks), as well as any changes in their behaviour or
mood. For example:

Heart Attack

Know Your Health Warning Signs. Chest pain or tightness (may feel like pressure), numbness
or pain over neck and/or shoulder, especially upon exertion
or emotional upset. This may be accompanied with
sweating, nausea, shortness of breath or dizziness. These
can be signs of an impending heart attack and one should
seek medical attention at the Hospital Emergency
Department immediately

Stroke

Sudden onset of weakness or numbness (even though
transient), especially if it affects one side of the body, can be
signs of a stroke. One should seek medical attention at the
Hospital Emergency Department immediately

Tearing sensation

Know Your Health Warning Signs. If you feel a tearing sensation in your back, you may think you’ve pulled a muscle. But if you haven’t done any physical activity to cause a muscle injury, this sensation might be much more serious. It could be a rupture of the aorta. An aorta rupture can give the sensation of sudden, severe, stabbing pain in the back. If this type of pain persists for more than 20 minutes and it’s accompanied by nausea, seek immediate medical attention.

Tingling in the arms or other extremities

Know Your Health Warning Signs. Therefore, a tingling sensation in your hands, arms, legs or feet is not only uncomfortable but also a cause for concern. But tingling is easy to ignore, as it is a sign from the body of illness. Here, tingling is related to circulation problems and diseases such as anemia, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and Buerger’s disease. Consequently, a condition of the arteries and veins. For example, tingling in the feet may also be a sign of kidney issues.

However, if tingling is your only symptom, you can wait to see your regular doctor to investigate. But a tingling sensation that lasts for more than an hour. And is accompanied by other symptoms like dizziness and nausea requires immediate medical help.

 Dizziness

Dizziness or lightheadedness can be caused by disturbances in the brain, the gastrointestinal system, vision or the inner ear. For example, dizziness is one of the most common symptoms that cause people to seek medical attention.

Above all, if you feel dizzy for more than an hour and develop other symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, seek medical attention. So then, dizziness is also related to several other health issues, including high blood pressure, low blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease, anemia, dehydration and heart conditions.                                                                          

Sweating

Incidently, excessive sweating may be caused by a variety of factors, including hot flashes, exercise, stress, excess weight or even spicy food. Furthermore, Heavy sweating may also be a sign of thyroid problems, diabetes or heart issues. As a result, if you are sweating more than usual, you don’t need to call emergency, but you should consult a physician to rule out a serious underlying medical condition.

Numbness

Numbness in the face, arms or legs can be a very serious sign, especially if the feeling is on one side of the body, as this could indicate a stroke. This symptom may be accompanied by sudden confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding, as well as blurred vision.

Numbness is also associated with several other illnesses, including Lyme disease, Guillain-Barre syndrome and diabetes, and a herniated disk. No matter what the cause, numbness should always be investigated, and if it is accompanied by other symptoms of a stroke, call an ambulance immediately.

Swelling

Swelling is usually due to inflammation or a buildup of fluid and may result from a range of conditions. The most common reason for swollen feet or ankles is poor circulation. In older people, it could mean their blood vessels are weakening. It could also be an indication of a blood clot blocking the veins.

One of the more serious conditions associated with swelling is edema, which happens when an abnormal amount of fluid builds up in the body. Edema can damage the heart, make you feel weak when walking and cause swollen ankles.

Always investigate the cause of any type of swelling. And if you experience swollen ankles, make an appointment with your doctor right away.

Other Signs To Be Aware Of

1. Unexplained Bleeding
2. Persistent High Fever
3. Persistent cough, increased cough or blood in sputum
4. Lump(s) on the body even if painless
5. Change in bowel habit (such as diarrhoea or constipation for over two weeks), abdominal pain, mucus or blood in stool
6. . Post-menopausal vaginal bleeding
7. An obvious change in the appearance of a wart, mole or an un-healing wound or ulcer
8. Unexplained weight loss
9. Persistent low mood (for over two weeks), lost interest in hobbies and activities, or sleep disturbance
10. Difficulty in swallowing

In Conclusion

When serious health symptoms occur, an ambulance is the quickest way to receive immediate attention. Emergency medical technicians can provide immediate care at the scene and in the ambulance. If you drive yourself or someone else to the hospital, there will be an emergency room wait and precious time may be lost.

Important Note *

Remember that everyone is different, and it is ultimately YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to find what your body responds to. So please do your due diligence before trying anything new, including getting Medical Advice to ensure your safety and peace of mind.

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