Ten medical symptoms to take to the doctor
‘Ignore it and it’ll go away’ is a common reaction to unexplained symptoms like an ache or a pain, or perhaps a bout of nausea or indigestion.
That approach can be quite sensible – doctors often take this approach with patients too. And many symptoms do seem to disappear as mysteriously as they arose – with no treatment.
On the other hand, some symptoms are warnings of serious underlying disease and something must be done about them – urgently.
Researchers from the Mayo clinic in the US have compiled a list of the 10 symptoms that require immediate medical attention, because they’re likely to indicate serious disease.
Unexplained weight loss
Persistent fever
Unexplained changes in bowel habits
Chest pain
Sudden unexplained headaches – especially in people over 50
Sudden loss of function
Confusion
Shortness of breath
Flashing lights
Hot, red or swollen joints
These are the red light symptoms, says the Mayo Clinic. Don’t ignore them; they won’t go away. Instead you should get a doctor’s opinion as soon as possible – the longer you leave it, the more likely it is that it could turn nasty.
