Life is often busy and many signs of physical health issues can be easily overlooked. The demands of work and family activities can distract you from underlying developing symptoms for quite a while. It is tempting to look away from potential problems and focus on other projects, but your health concerns will catch up with your ability to push through discomfort. Be an active participant in optimizing your well-being by addressing health issues proactively. Keep an eye out for these signs that you should talk to your doctor.

1. Dizziness 

There are numerous causes of common dizziness in daily life. It can be normal to feel dizzy once in a while when you stand up too quickly. Frequent or worsening dizziness can be a significant concern. A form of dysautonomia called postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome can cause fainting or conscious blackouts. Your doctor may talk to you about maintaining hydration, cardiac conditioning, undergoing a tilt table test, and trying blood pressure medications. A full cardiac evaluation can give you peace of mind before you begin a new exercise routine.

2. Headache 

Dehydration and too much screen time can cause daily headaches. Try lowering the brightness on your computer monitor and drinking at least two large bottles of water every day. Sudden and sharp headaches can be signs of neurological events and must not be ignored. The worst headache of your life or changes in your ability to speak can be a sign of a stroke.  If you experience chronic migraines, your primary physician may be able to refer you to a headache specialist.

3. Nausea

Chronic nausea can be a red flag for a food allergy or acid reflux. Track whether you are eating the same types of foods every time you experience nausea and consider your emotional stress level, as anxiety can worsen nausea. Your doctors may be able to determine your allergy or recommend an antacid medication.

4. Rash

A rash can be a sign of an external source of irritation or an internal issue. Take note of the size of your rash, the color, whether it is raised, and how fast it is spreading. Triggers such as extreme heat, poisonous plants, rough fabrics, adhesives, and irritating cosmetic creams can be isolated and avoided. A painful or weeping rash can be a sign of infection and needs medical attention.

5. Chest Tightness

A frequently tight chest can be a sign of a serious pulmonary or cardiac issue. Any acute symptom that makes you feel unsafe warrants medical attention. Chest tightness can be a sign of asthma, anaphylaxis, a cardiac event, or a panic attack. Thorough medical testing can lead your doctor to make the appropriate intervention, which may be lifesaving.

6. Spine and Joint Pain

Severe spinal and joint pain can alert you to injuries and autoimmune illnesses. Think about whether you may have an injury from overexercising or straining your body on the job. A family history of arthritis or other rheumatic diseases can help your doctor to back an accurate diagnosis when there is no sign of an injury on imaging.

7. Unexplained Bruising 

New or frequent bruising can be a sign of abnormal blood clotting, anemic, or another systemic illness. Ask your doctor for help if you have unexplained bruising or oddly large and dark bruising. our doctor may prescribe iron supplements for anemia and order blood tests or female or male health tests to check for signs of underlying disease.

8. Cold Hands and Feet

Cold hands and feet can be signs of poor circulation of malnutrition. Talk to your doctor about your concerns and how you can address the root cause. You may need to add foods to your diet or undergo a cardiac evaluation.

9. Swollen Lips

Pay attention to swollen lips as a sign of an allergic reaction that can also impact your airway. Go to your doctor for assistance in isolating your specific allergy and creating a safety plan to avoid future exposure.

Your health is a priceless asset and protecting your wellness is an essential part of building a bright future.