At Intercoastal Medical Group, we understand that it is often easy to rationalize, or find an excuse to avoid doing something you may not want to do. And many people simply put off going to see the doctor because they are just too busy.
Others worry that they are being silly, or that their symptoms are not that serious, even if they have been going on for some time. Some people wait until their symptoms become difficult to ignore. The simple truth of the matter is that if you have a symptom, anything out of ordinary, you should check with your doctor. There are some surprising reasons to visit your primary care physician that are sometimes overlooked.
Surprising symptoms you shouldn’t ignore.
- Unexplained weight loss – Many times stepping on the scale to see lower numbers is something to rejoice. However, it can be a major cause for concern if you haven’t been purposefully trying to lose weight. Unexpected weight loss does not necessarily mean anything is really wrong, but this can also signal a serious medical condition such as cancer.
- Excessive urination – Most everyone has to get up in the middle of the night to go the bathroom at times. This can be aggravating when trying to sleep, but generally nothing to worry about. It is when that once a night turns into 3 or 4 times per night that we need to be more concerned. Excessive urination can be a sign of diabetes or other disorders, including high blood pressure. It should be checked out by a qualified physician, especially if you also have excessive thirst or other symptoms.
- Belly bloat – we have all had this, we ate too much of our favorite unhealthy meal and suddenly we feel like the Goodyear Blimp. This is normal. However, if you are feeling that way on a daily basis, it’s time to see your doctor.
- Shortness of Breath – Being out of shape could be a cause of shortness of breath, but don’t just pass this symptom off. This possibly benign symptom could be anything from asthma to a pulmonary embolism, to acid reflux. Talk to your doctor as soon as possible, the sooner he or she can run tests the better.
- Sudden Confusion – We all have that moment where we walk into a room and forget what we went in for, but if you experience sudden confusion, personality changes, aggression, or an inability to concentrate, make an appointment with your doctor immediately. It may be an infection, a medication you are taking, low blood sugar, or dehydration. If you are also experiencing slurred speech, numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, this could mean a stroke, you must get medical help immediately. If it is a stroke, there is only about a 2 to 3-hour window before brain damage is irreversible.
Sometimes we ignore symptoms hoping they will go away, but our bodies are trying to tell us something, and it is important that we convey those messages to our Primary Care Physicians, so they can insure we live a longer, healthier life. If you, or a loved one is having any of the symptoms mentioned above, or if you have questions about when to see a doctor, please call an Intercoastal Medical Group office or request an appointment online with one of our highly qualified, primary care doctors today. Intercoastal Medical Group: dedicated to providing quality healthcare to the Sarasota and Manatee County areas.
