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It’s easy to become a hypochondriac on the web, but we also know not every sniffle or itch is the symptom of some horrible affliction. It’s difficult to find the right balance of informed concern over certain symptoms and injuries without jumping to the worst conclusions, while also addressing things which require legitimate medical attention.
Knowing when to see your doctor and when to let your body heal itself can save you from potentially worsening your condition, so we compiled a quick tip list of afflictions, symptoms and injuries you may not know are serious enough for medical evaluation. If you’re exhibiting any of these signs, consider seeking professional diagnosis and treatment.
1. Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a serious condition that many people do not take seriously or know of the symptoms. It occurs on hot days when a person cannot regulate their body temperature, sustaining a prolonged temperature over 104 degrees. The elderly are most susceptible, but it also happens to young people who over exert themselves in the heat. Symptoms include:
• Rapid Breathing and Elevated Heart Rate: Present without physical exertion as your body attempts to cool itself.
• Headache: From increased blood pressure and dehydration.
• Nausea and Vomiting: An upset stomach coupled with nausea.
• Altered Behavior: Confusion, delirium, seizures and even comas can result from heatstroke.
If you suspect someone is suffering from heatstroke, do your best to cool them down however you can on your way to get immediate medical attention. Heatstroke can cause serious and permanent damage to your vital organs, including your brain.
2. The Flu
As adults, we can sometimes turn a blind eye to serious illnesses because we think they are too minor to interrupt our lives. You know what we mean- I can’t miss work over a little cough! Unfortunately, what you may perceive as a harmless flu or little bug can become dangerous quickly.
The flu can bring several complications if you are not careful, including:
• Sinusitis
• Ear Infections
• Pregnancy Complications
• Pneumonia
The flu is one of the leading causes of pneumonia and is often overlooked because the symptoms are very similar. Here is a helpful chart describing the different symptoms of each and how to determine if your flu has escalated to something even more urgent.
To get a flu evaluation or vaccination in the San Diego area, visit Perlman Clinic’s Hillcrest Location for immediate care.
3. Minor Head Injuries
With all the media coverage over concussions and sports, most people are on the lookout for serious head injuries that may result in permanent damage to the sufferer. Did you know even minor head injuries can be just as serious? Especially for elderly individuals and those taking blood-thinning drugs, minor head injuries can cause major bleeding and other damage.
- These are the signs a head injury, no matter how minor, should be evaluated by a professional:
- Bruising around the eyes or behind the ears
- Bleeding from the ear
- Fluid from ears or nose
- Vomiting
- Persistent, significant headache
- Neck or back pain
4.Blood in Stool
It may lead to an uncomfortable talk with your healthcare professional, but if you have blood in your stool it is critical you determine the cause. Blood in the stool can appear black or red, and be accompanied by mucus. The reasons for blood in your stool are serious and include but are not limited to
- Peptic Ulcers
- Colitis
- Polyps or Cancer
- Anal Fissures
- Intestinal Tears
Do not hesitate to seek medical attention if you find yourself with this unfortunate symptoms
5.Bad Tooth Ache
Everyone’s experienced an ache-y or sensitive tooth one in a while, or has even had cavities. Tooth pain can be serious when it becomes an infection, however, called an abscess. Dental abscesses are accompanied by:
- Swollen gums and surrounding tissue
- Intense, throbbing tooth pain
- Fever
- Nausea
- Infection draining at tooth
If you’re experiencing these symptoms with your tooth ache, seek medical attention because dental abscesses have the potential to spread the infection to your brain. They are a serious condition which can get worse if left untreated.
Stay Informed
The more you know, the more prepared you can be in case you or a loved one comes down with a serious ailment or injury. Knowing when to act is half the battle, so stay informed to keep you and your family safe.
