I’m a GP – seven health symptoms people dismiss too easily

Life gets so busy that it can be hard to keep track of everything. From our work responsibilities to our finances and family activities, the list goes on. And sometimes, our health falls to the bottom of that list, or things are so hectic that even if we notice certain symptoms or changes, we go into denial and think it is nothing. This can obviously be very detrimental to us: our bodies and brains are trying to signal that something may need attention or investigating. So, it is no bad thing to have a reminder of some of the symptoms that you should never ignore, and that are likely to need a trip to the doctor for an assessment. 1. Early morning waking You might just put this down to ageing or lifestyle, but if this is occurring persistently, it can indicate something more significant. Low mood, anxiety and depression, as well as some other mental health conditions, can cause you to wake much earlier than you would like or expect. It may also be because of nocturia (needing to pass urine at night), which can be a sign of a bladder or prostate problems, diabetes or a cardiovascular issue. Menopause may also cause sleep disturbance as well as breathing problems such as obstructive sleep apnoea. Shorts 2. Losing weight unintentionally We think about losing weight as a good thing for our health, and it is if we are losing a sensible amount slowly and intentionally. But if you find your clothes are unexpectedly looser, that your appetite is reduced or people are noticing that you have lost weight when you haven’t been trying, this is a red flag that needs urgent assessment by your doctor. It may signal a significant mental health problem such as depression, an overactive thyroid, diabetes, bowel and digestive conditions such as coeliac or inflammatory bowel disease, or even an underlying cancer. Keeping an eye on your weight and getting a timely medical assessment when you need it could save your life. 3. Persistent or significant snoring If we have had a few too many drinks, are sleeping on our backs or have had a recent cold, we are all prone to snore a little. But persistent snoring can be a sign that we are overweight, or that we need to make some lifestyle changes, such as giving up smoking. It can even signal a more significant medical condition, such as obstructive sleep apnoea. This is where our airways become blocked temporarily while we sleep, causing us to stop breathing and wake with a start (even though you may not be aware of it). This condition can be diagnosed and managed, so it is worth seeing your doctor if your partner is complaining that they can’t get a good night’s sleep because of your snoring. 4. Feeling tired all the time Feeling tired is so common in our busy world that it can be an easy symptom to dismiss. But if you are feeling tired constantly, no matter how much sleep or rest you get, that needs to be investigated. It could be a symptom of low iron, low thyroid hormone, depression or anxiety, a specific vitamin deficiency such as B12, a serious medical condition such as autoimmune disorders or even some nervous system conditions or cancers. Don’t ignore snoring a lot or being tired all the time (Photo: urbazon/Getty/iStockphoto) 5. Lumps and swellings We can easily forget to do the basic check-ups at home and self-examine for any lumps or bumps. This is especially important when it comes to breast and testicular lumps, swellings or changes. It is also important to check all over your body for any new lumps, bumps or swellings. Some of these could be harmless or benign, but it is important to check. They could be a sign of enlarged lymph glands, an abscess or infection, a collection of fluid (cyst) or sometimes even cancer. Any new lump, bump or swelling needs investigation to exclude anything significant. 6. Changes in bowel habits Most of us are not used to discussing what goes on in the bathroom and there is still some stigma around talking about it, but there shouldn’t be. If you find you have a persistent change in your bowel habit, are going to the lavatory more often, feel you haven’t emptied your bowels properly, or have tummy pain, bleeding from your bottom or in your stool, any lumps you can feel or weight loss, then see your doctor for an assessment. Don’t let the fear of feeling embarrassed delay you. 7. Brain fog We can all feel that some days are a bit challenging cognitively, especially if we have had a bad night’s sleep, but persistent brain fog is different and should not be ignored. Brain fog can mean different things to different people but, in general, it can include symptoms of feeling overwhelmed mentally, difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, problems thinking clearly, difficulties finding words or mental fatigue. This can be a sign of several potential underlying medical conditions, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, the menopause or perimenopause, depression or anxiety, or some autoimmune disorders or inflammatory conditions.