Continuous chest discomfort, unexpected vision loss, intense abdominal pain all require urgent attention. What about less obvious signs? Tricky to decide if an emergency? Here are 7 key warning signs.
Losing weight, without trying, signals health issues -- thyroid imbalance, diabetes, mood disorders, cancer, liver issues, says Mayo Clinic. Shed 5 per cent of your body weight in 6-12 months? See a doctor!
Discomfort extending into the left arm can be a warning sign of a cardiac event, states WebMD. It can begin in the chest and move outward. In some cases, arm pain alone has been linked to a heart issue.
A high temperature may point to various infections, like UTIs or even TB, and can also be triggered by certain medications, explains Mayo Clinic. Contact a doctor if fever reaches 103°F or lasts beyond 3 days.
Sudden discomfort in the lower leg, like a cramp, might indicate a clot, according to Cleveland Clinic. If the ache disappears quickly and doesn’t return, it’s less likely to be serious. Blood clot signs typically persist.
A high-pitched noise while breathing may be asthma, lung trouble, a strong allergy, chemical irritation, or infections like bronchitis/pneumonia, per WebMD. Seek medical advice if this occurs.
Sudden loss of strength/sensation in the face, arm, leg -- particularly on one side -- may be a stroke, says WebMD. Other signs: Trouble speaking, blurred vision, unsteadiness, confusion, a sharp headache that appears abruptly. Seek urgent help!
A sensation of fullness quicker than usual might stem from conditions like acid reflux or stomach ulcers. In rare cases, it could point to something more severe, like gastric cancer, states Mayo Clinic.