#HealthBytes: Subtle warning signs your body is alarming you about
What's the story
It is often easier to identify the signals from a faulty gadget than warning signs that our body is giving us. You will be surprised at how subtle changes that we often dismiss as normal could point at a severe underlying condition. Here are some of the most common bodily changes and symptoms that we often ignore, but should always be taken seriously.
Weight loss
Sudden and unexplained weight loss can indicate depression, cancer
Losing weight when you are not trying to can feel like a dream come true, but in reality, it is a red flag that you must not ignore. Unexplained weight loss can indicate mental illnesses such as depression. Losing a couple of pounds in a few months can also be a sign of severe ailments such as leukemia, pancreatic, stomach, esophageal, or lung cancer.
Bowel movement
Take notice of sudden variations in bowel and bladder movement
Occasional irregularities in bowel and bladder movement should not be a cause of worry, but when the problem persists, it can indicate a serious condition. Persistent diarrhea can be an indicator of gall bladder stones. Changes in bowel habits can also indicate irritable bowel disease or colon cancer. An increase in the urgency to urinate could be due to severe bladder or kidney infections.
Mole
Irregularly sized moles that are increasing in size
Moles that are small and round in shape are extremely common and do not usually indicate an underlying condition. However, sudden appearances of irregularly shaped and asymmetrical moles that are also growing in size can point to a serious condition like melanoma. Self-examining your entire body for irregularities is thus important to identify any subtle signs like these that could go unnoticed.
Teeth erosion
GERD alert! Damage of the teeth enamel and teeth discoloration
Teeth erosion or damage of the tooth enamel often goes unnoticed, as patients do not experience any pain. However, dental erosion is at most times an indicator of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). If you notice a discoloration in the teeth along with thinning enamel or a sudden sensitivity in your teeth, you might want to consult a dentist and a gastrointestinal (GI) specialist.