Do you take your health seriously, or do you brush concerns under the rug and pop an antacid or two to keep things at bay and get on with your day? If it is the latter (replacing antacids with any OTC medications), then perhaps it’s time to book a checkup and get a full MOT from your doctor. Because as you get older, your body will naturally go through changes and become more susceptible to illnesses, injuries, and even the odd serious health condition too. And for some of these issues, you might not realize anything is wrong until it’s too late.
If you are not convinced that you really need both regular checkups and prompt attention to any niggling health concerns, then consider the signs and symptoms that most definitely won’t be resolved by over-the-counter (OTC) medication and that require medical care.
Chest Pains, Palpitations and Breathlessness
A racing pulse is normal after exercise or physical exercise, as is being out of breath. However, if you experience any of these symptoms, along with chest pain that occurs without physical exertion, it’s time to call for medical assistance. If the symptoms are severe or you are in doubt, call 911 for emergency assistance. If the symptoms are less severe, you should still get an appointment with your doctor for issues that are concerning but not immediately life-threatening. You may require more intensive tests, such as an ECG or a holter monitor test, to check heart activity. Additionally, you may need x-rays to obtain a clear picture of your lungs and blood workups. However, any issues related to your heart, chest, or breathing should not be ignored.
Numbness
It should go without saying that no part of your body should feel numb or have no sensation, and if this is happening to you, it’s a serious issue that requires further investigation. You may be experiencing nerve compression, an injury you are unaware of or underestimating the severity of, or a blockage that is stopping or limiting the blood supply to the area. All are serious, and all need medical attention. Neglecting these symptoms could lead to serious health issues, especially if you are diabetic, as this will make the problem much worse and can compromise your health.
Fainting/Lightheadedness
There are multiple reasons as to why you might feel lightheaded. You could have an infection or virus that is making you feel this way, or you could have simply gone too long without eating or drinking or are too hot. But it can also be a sign something else is going on too. Especially if you frequently lose consciousness when you feel lightheaded. You’ll need a comprehensive workup from your doctor to determine the root cause of your symptoms. It may be a blood pressure issue, where your blood pressure drops when you stand up or after sitting for too long. You might find your symptoms are caused by dehydration, anxiety, low blood sugar, or even a side effect of medication you might be taking, so it’s well worth talking to your doctor so they can conduct appropriate tests.
