Slow-Healing Bruise or Sore
If you notice a bruise or sore that isn't healing, you may just be accident-prone. However, if a bruise or sore takes longer than two weeks to heal, you should see your doctor. It could signal a vascular problem, says Dr. Elsa Grace Giardina. She adds that it is also a common symptom of diabetes...
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In diabetics, this is caused by sugar leeching blood fluid and making the blood thicker. That, in turn, makes it more difficult for the healing white blood cells to travel to the infection. Slow-healing bruises can also signal immunological deficiencies, so be sure to monitor your bumps and scrapes.
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Cough
If you have a cough it's most likely just a cold, or an upper respiratory infection. But when is a cough not just a cough? There are two things to look for in a cough - persistence and recurrence, says Dr. Giardina. If your cough keeps recurring for a significant period of time, you should alert your doctor.
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A cough that persists for more than 10 days could be a sign of something more, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or heart failure. If you're a smoker, it could be a sign of a malignancy in the lungs. If you smoke, Dr. Giardina adds, it's extremely important to get a chest x-ray every three years.
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Palpitations
Drinking too much caffeine or energy drinks, or an extremely salty diet can cause heart palpitations. And, of course, anxiety. So when should you be concerned? If a patient is complaining of heart palpitations as well as getting lightheaded or dizzy, it may be an electrical abnormality in the heart, says Giardina.
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Arrhythmia, the abnormal beating of the heart, can cause palpitations. Many cases of arrhythmia are minor, but if you have atrial fibrillation it can be fatal - increasing your risk for stroke or blood clots. This is particularly dangerous for people with a history of heart disease. Seek medical attention immediately if you are concerned, especially if you are experiencing chest pains, dizziness or fainting.
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Pain or Swelling
Giardina warns that pain or swelling accompanied by a red-hot feeling or tenderness along the vein could be a serious condition called thrombophlebitis, which occurs when a blood clot causes swelling, most often in the legs. The highest incidence of it is associated with oral contraceptives, adds Giardina.
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"If you're taking an oral contraceptive, that increases your risk of thrombophlebitis 100-fold," she adds. It can also signal deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which may be caused by prolonged inactivity. This is particularly dangerous because it is a clot deep in your vein. These clots can become dislodged and travel to your lungs, causing an embolism.
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Forgetting/Slurring Words
Everyone has a memory lapse now and again. This is especially common when you're sleep deprived. However, if you're having trouble repeating a simple sentence or you're slurring your speech, you may be experiencing a stroke.
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If you suspect someone is having a stroke, ask them to smile, raise both arms and repeat a sentence. If speech is slurred, one side of the face droops while smiling or one arm drifts downward when both are raised, call the doctor immediately. If any of these symptoms occur suddenly, you should call 999 immediately. Your risk is greater if you are over 55 and have a family history of stroke.
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