Parents tend to take
their children to the doctor at the earliest sign of illness. But it's easy to
forget that, even as adults, some sicknesses need medical attention. If any of
these signs appear, it's probably best to head to a physician.
Difficulty Breathing
Having a bit of
congestion during a cold is normal. But when this symptom escalates, especially
if it becomes difficult to pull in air, it can be the sign of either an intense
cold or something entirely different. At its worse, this can be the sign of an
infection where medical attention is time sensitive.
Persistent Vomiting
Similarly to
congestion, vomiting is only a serious symptom if it is intense or persistent.
Continued vomiting is a sign that there is something dangerous in the body that
needs to be quickly expelled, and thus, it can be a symptom of serious
complications. Also, in cases of prolonged vomiting, the body can become
seriously dehydrated and malnourished. A physician can address underlying
problems before the situation becomes too drastic.
Severe Allergies or
Asthma
Especially in the case
of children, severe allergies or asthma can be the sign of something far more
dangerous. Although asthma or allergy problems aren't uncommon, if they seem
more severe than usual, it may be a sign that the body is masking a serious
viral infection. It may be difficult to tell the difference between severe
allergies, asthma, or an acute infection, but a professional will be able to
assess the underlying causes of the symptoms.
"At-Risk"
Candidates
Certain conditions may
predispose individuals to be more susceptible to certain serious complications.
If a loved one is in one of those categories, even seemingly innocuous symptoms
like a persistent cough can be the sign of something particularly
life-threatening. Therefore, people in these categories may find it safe to
visit the doctor more often. This includes those who smoke regularly as well as
those with compromised immune systems, whether from age or a condition that
compromises one's immunity. In these cases, it's safe to err on the side of
caution and visit a physician on a regular basis.
Symptoms Lasting Longer
Than Seven Days
As a general rule of
thumb, if any symptom persists for more than a week, it's time to have it
examined. This can include obvious indicators like a fever as well as more
subtle problems like a dull chest pain or back ache. If the body shows the same
symptoms for such a long time, it shows that it's having difficulty fighting
them. Medical intervention may speed the healing process.
In general, it's best
to be cautious and self-aware when dealing with potentially harmful medical
problems. Any of these five indicators are a good sign that it's time to
schedule an appointment with a physician.
