You feel cold all the time
If you feel cold even when the heating is blasting and your fingers feel icy when you get in from outdoors, there could be lots of things going on. Not only are cold extremities a symptom of anaemia and low blood pressure, but feeling constantly chilly is also an indication of low thyroid production.
You’ve started acting out your nightmares
While the odd bad dream is totally normal, if you’ve begun experiencing sudden vivid nightmares that you sometimes wake up from having acted out, it might not be so innocuous. If you aren’t experiencing heightened anxiety and haven’t recently gone through a traumatic event, intense nightmares could be an early warning sign of Parkinson’s disease.
You feel spaced out and forgetful
Feeling tired after a long day at work or occasionally vacant and unfocused is totally normal and nothing to be concerned about. With that said, if you struggle to pull yourself into the present most days and feel exhausted no matter how much sleep you get, you could be dealing with hypothyroidism. Fatigue, low mood and low energy are all symptoms of an under-active thyroid.
Your teeth are yellowed and sensitive
If you practise good oral hygiene and brush your teeth often, you might be surprised or frustrated to find that they’re continuously yellow. If this discolouration is accompanied by sensitivity, this could be an early sign that you have gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Since pain is often a part of GERD, people not experiencing discomfort may not realise they have the disease.
Your mouth always tastes sour
Likewise, if you drink plenty of water, brush your teeth regularly and use breath mints, but you still find that your mouth tastes consistently bitter or sour, then there could be a medical explanation. Barrett’s esophagus is a serious complication of GERD and involves the oesophagus lining becoming irritated and inflamed from repeated exposure to stomach acid.
You’re thirsty no matter how much you drink
It’s nothing notable if you feel extra thirsty after getting off a plane or following a lot of salty and sugary snacks. If thirst that can’t be quenched is a daily reality for you though, it might be time to make an appointment with your doctor. One of the first warning signs of diabetes is increased thirst, especially if it occurs alongside blurry vision.
You feel angry for no reason
There’s a difference between being irritated when annoying or inconvenient things happen and feeling constantly angry for reasons you can’t explain. If you’re experiencing the latter, it could be that you’re in the midst of a depressive spell or spiral and just can’t see it. Anger is an often unnoticed or misdiagnosed symptom of depression that many don’t associate with the illness.
Your elbows and knees are rashy or blistered
If you intermittently develop a rash across your elbows and knees that is itchy and occasionally blistering, then you might be dealing with celiac disease. Though these two things might seem unconnected, gluten intolerance often manifests as an uncomfortable rash, so check to see whether it appears after you consume bread or pasta.
Your feet and knees are puffy
Swollen feet and knees can be a consequence of just standing up for too long at your job, but they can also have a different cause. Heart failure, liver disease and kidney disease all cause fluid build-up in the body, which in turn can lead to swollen, enlarged and puffy knees and feet as the fluid drains downwards.
Your fingernails go over the fingertip
Maybe the most bizarre symptom that could be caused by a serious medical issue is nail clubbing, where the fingertips become strangely enlarged and the fingernails begin growing over the top of the finger. This problem is caused by low oxygen in the blood, and so can serve as an early warning sign of lung disease.
You have unintentionally lost weight
Losing weight when you’re intentionally trying to shed a few pounds is one thing, but if you find yourself dropping weight without any effort, it might be a sign of an underlying health issue. Unexplained and unintended weight loss could be linked to conditions such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or even cancer.
You’ve noticed excessive hair loss
Noticing a few extra hairs in your brush is normal, but if you’re finding clumps of hair falling out regularly, it could be a cause for concern. Sudden hair loss can be associated with conditions like alopecia areata, hormonal imbalances, or nutritional deficiencies. Your doctor can help identify the root cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
You feel weak and fatigued
Experiencing continuous weakness and fatigue, even when you’re getting enough rest and eating well, might be pointing towards a potential health issue. It’s possible that you’re dealing with conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, anemia, or even autoimmune disorders. Don’t ignore these signs, as if left untreated, they can drastically impact your everyday life.
You’re experiencing persistent headaches
Experiencing occasional headaches is common, but if you find yourself dealing with persistent and frequent head pain, it could be a sign of an underlying issue. Chronic headaches might be linked to migraines, tension headaches, or even more severe conditions like brain tumors.
You’ve noticed changes in your menstrual cycle
Some fluctuations in your menstrual cycle are a natural part of being a woman. However, dramatic changes like skipped periods, heavier-than-usual bleeding, or inconsistent cycles shouldn’t be brushed off. Hormonal imbalances, thyroid issues, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) could be the culprits.
You experience continual indigestion
Occasional indigestion? We’ve all been there. But if it’s happening often, or you’re finding yourself reaching for antacids after every meal, it’s time to pay attention. Persistent indigestion or heartburn may signal a deeper issue, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, or even gallstones.
You notice shifting patterns in your urination habits
It’s crucial to tune into your body’s rhythms, including how often you’re going to the bathroom. If you find yourself frequently dashing to the toilet, even during the night, or struggling to urinate, it might be more than just an inconvenience. These could be signs of issues ranging from urinary tract infections to prostate problems in men or even diabetes.
You have unexplained chest discomfort during exercise
Feeling some strain on your chest during intense workouts is normal, but if you notice persistent discomfort or shortness of breath during exercise, it might be cause for concern. These symptoms could indicate cardiovascular problems, such as angina or even heart disease.
Your skin is itchy and red
Dealing with occasional itchy skin due to dry weather is one thing, but if you experience persistent itchiness and redness, it might be more than just a reaction to external factors. Conditions like eczema or psoriasis can cause chronic skin irritation, and a dermatologist can help diagnose and manage these issues effectively.
You have noticed sudden changes in your behavior
If you or your loved ones notice abrupt and drastic changes in your mood or behavior, it’s essential to take these signs seriously. Such changes could be linked to mental health disorders, neurological conditions, or even the side effects of certain medications.
You have a heavy feeling in your chest
Experiencing chest pain or a consistent feeling of pressure is not something to be taken lightly. Often associated with heart-related concerns, it can also be a sign of other issues like acid reflux, anxiety, or a simple muscle strain. This sensation in your chest is your body’s way of waving a red flag, so don’t ignore it.
You’re experiencing regular stomach aches
Experiencing occasional stomach aches is common, but if you have recurring and unexplained abdominal pain, it’s time to get it checked out. This persistent discomfort could indicate gastrointestinal issues like ulcers, gallstones, or even inflammatory bowel disease.
You’re having trouble falling asleep
While it’s not uncommon to face a difficult night trying to fall asleep occasionally, a consistent struggle might indicate a deeper issue. Your body could be trying to alert you to a potential health concern. Persistent difficulty falling asleep can be associated with several sleep or health disorders, including but not limited to insomnia, restless leg syndrome, or mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
You’re experiencing disrupted sleep
Similarly, frequently waking up in the middle of the night and finding it hard to fall back asleep could signal a problem. This can be due to a range of factors, from stress and lifestyle choices like late-night caffeine or alcohol consumption to underlying health conditions such as sleep apnea. It’s more than just waking up feeling exhausted – chronic disruptions in your sleep cycle can pave the way for more severe health complications.
Your joint areas are swollen
If you’re discovering unexplained swelling in areas like your fingers, wrists, or knees, don’t overlook it. This unexpected inflammation could be your body’s way of flagging an underlying condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis, which involves the immune system attacking the joints.
You’re battling frequent diarrhea
Our bodies have their unique rhythms, but a sudden onset of persistent diarrhea could be your body signaling a deeper issue. This isn’t just about discomfort – it could be indicative of gastrointestinal conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). So, it’s worth noting if these symptoms persist.
Chronic constipation becomes your norm
Occasional constipation is one thing, but if you’re consistently having difficulty with bowel movements, your body might be trying to tell you something. Chronic constipation could hint at conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or an imbalance in your gut flora. It’s more than just an inconvenience – if these struggles persist, they might be highlighting an underlying issue.
You are regularly feeling on edge
While it’s normal to experience occasional bouts of anxiety, persistent feelings of nervousness and unease could be an indication of an anxiety disorder. Anxiety can significantly impact your daily life and overall well-being if left untreated.
You notice mysterious bruises appearing
Suddenly sporting unexplained bruises or realizing that you’re bruising at the slightest knock? It could be more than just a clumsy moment. It might be a hint that your blood clotting or platelet function isn’t performing as it should. Conditions like thrombocytopenia or hemophilia are potential causes behind this easy bruising.
You’ve noticed changes in your vision
Sudden changes in your vision, whether it’s a blurry haze clouding your sight or unexpected flashes of light, can be quite alarming. These aren’t mere optical illusions. They could hint at serious conditions such as glaucoma, or even suggest neurological complications like migraines. So, if your eyes start playing tricks on you, it’s time to take notice.
You notice new or changing moles
It’s important to become familiar with your skin and any moles you may have. Most are perfectly harmless, but sudden changes in size, shape, or color can serve as an early alarm bell for skin cancer. Keep an eye out and don’t hesitate to have any suspicious changes evaluated.
You’re experiencing frequent night sweats
Regularly waking up drenched, even when the room temperature is comfortable, could suggest something more than just a too thick blanket. Night sweats can be linked to various conditions – from infections and hormonal imbalances to mental health disorders like anxiety and depression, or even certain types of cancer.
Your muscles are twitching regularly
It’s normal to feel the odd muscle twitch here and there, usually no cause for concern. But if these twitches persist, happening more frequently and across different parts of your body, it may be your body’s way of sounding an alarm. This could potentially be an early sign of neurological disorders such as ALS or multiple sclerosis.
You’re battling with bad breath
Sometimes, a stubborn case of bad breath isn’t just a lingering reminder of your last meal. It could hint at deeper issues. Underlying dental conditions like gum disease, or even systemic concerns such as respiratory infections or liver problems, could be the hidden culprits behind your persistent bad breath. So, if your toothbrush isn’t cutting it, it might be worth investigating further.
You are having difficulty swallowing
We’ve all experienced a moment where food seems to “go down the wrong pipe,” especially when eating in a hurry. But if swallowing starts to feel like a continual challenge, it might be time to pay attention. This ongoing difficulty could be a sign of something more serious, such as GERD, esophageal narrowing, anxiety, or even throat cancer.
Your handwriting looks different
If you notice significant changes in your handwriting, especially if it becomes smaller and more cramped, it might be a sign of essential tremor or Parkinson’s disease. These neurological issues can influence your fine motor skills, often unveiling themselves first through changes in handwriting.
You have little to no appetite
Feeling consistently indifferent towards food or experiencing a diminished desire to eat could be your body’s cry for help. While the occasional loss of appetite can stem from stress or minor illnesses, if it’s persistent, it might signal serious conditions such as gastrointestinal issues, hormonal imbalances, depression, certain medications, or infections.
You experience regular chest infections
If you’re constantly coming down with chest infections like pneumonia or bronchitis, your body could be flagging an underlying issue. This might point towards a weakened immune system or a lurking respiratory condition. Such infections can be especially troublesome for older adults or those already dealing with chronic health issues.
Your voice is hoarse
Have you noticed your voice sounds scratchy for a while now, or perhaps that sore throat seems to be outstaying its welcome? Don’t brush it off. Persistent hoarseness or a lingering sore throat could be linked to conditions like acid reflux, allergies, or in rare instances, throat cancer. So, if the discomfort keeps you company for over two weeks, it’s time to investigate further.
You’re experiencing brain fog
Ever find yourself straining to focus on once easy tasks or experiencing memory lapses more often? This could be a sign of underlying cognitive concerns. Difficulty concentrating or feeling like you’re constantly in a fog can be tied to a variety of conditions, from stress, anxiety, and depression to hormonal imbalances or even neurological disorders.
Your eyes are always dry
Dry eyes are common among people who spend a lot of time staring at computer screens. However, the condition is typically not serious. Sjögren’s syndrome, on the other hand, is a serious autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the tear-secreting glands in your eyes and mouth. It can also lead to chronic dry eye issues and make it difficult to speak clearly.
You’ve noticed white spots on your tongue
You may have leukoplakia if you notice small, white patches in your mouth or on your tongue. The white patches are often caused by smoking or chewing tobacco, and if they are not treated properly, they can turn into mouth cancer.
Your face is puffy
If you notice that your face is puffy or swollen, and you also have thinning hair and muscle weakness, you may have hypothyroidism. This common endocrine disorder is often caused by your thyroid gland not producing enough hormones. If you have hypothyroidism, it’s important to treat it so that you don’t develop serious conditions like infertility and heart disease.
You’ve gained weight and you don’t know why
If you’ve been eating the same foods and exercising regularly but suddenly start gaining weight, you may have hypothyroidism. The thyroid gland regulates metabolism; when it doesn’t produce enough of the hormone thyroxine, your BMR slows down, which can lead to weight gain.
You’re always exhausted
If you’ve been feeling sudden and extreme tiredness that makes it hard to carry out day-to-day activities, this could be due to fibromyalgia, a condition that causes pain all over your body. Fibromyalgia also makes it difficult to sleep and remember things properly.
You’re always applying lip balm
If you apply lip balm constantly, it’s possible that you have an underlying health condition. A deficiency of vitamin A or E can cause dry, chapped lips. It’s a good idea to consult your doctor for some lab tests and then make a few dietary changes to ensure that you’re getting the nutrients you need.
You’re craving salt
People experience a variety of strange cravings, including for salt. One unusual craving that could indicate a serious medical problem is a desire to eat large amounts of salt. One disease associated with this craving is Addison’s disease, an autoimmune disorder where the adrenal glands do not produce enough natural hormones. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor if tests are necessary.
Your eyes are frequently bloodshot
If your eyes are red and irritated after a night out, it’s probably just because you’ve been rubbing them. But if they’re constantly bloodshot, that could be a sign of conjunctivitis. It’s caused by a virus that passes through the air or by touching an infected person. Conjunctivitis is highly contagious, so see a doctor as soon as possible to get antibiotic eye drops.
You’ve noticed a black line on your fingernails
If you notice a dark spot or line under one of your nails, it’s possible that you have a type of skin cancer called acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM). Acral lentiginous melanoma typically appears in places that are exposed to the sun, such as under your fingernails or on the palms of your hands, and is most common in African Americans or people with Asian heritage.
Your cough won’t disappear
Coughing is a natural symptom of infections and colds. But if you have a persistent cough that won’t go away, even though you’ve never had allergies or breathing problems, it could be a sign of lung cancer or another type of cancer.
Your gums are inflamed
Gum disease is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. The link has to do with inflammation in the body, which is triggered when gum disease goes untreated. Regular cleanings by a dentist can help prevent gum disease. A 2014 study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that people with heart disease or type 2 diabetes who were treated for gum disease were less likely to be hospitalized than those who weren’t.
You’re feeling more forgetful
If you’re having trouble remembering names or grocery lists, it could be due to stress or fatigue. If you still feel tired after a full night’s sleep and are still foggy, it may signal that something hormonal – like an underactive thyroid – is the culprit. Other signs of low thyroid function include always feeling cold, low libido and a loss of taste for food.
You’ve noticed unusual discharge
Ignoring symptoms and hoping they’ll go away can lead to serious consequences, especially after you’ve had sex with a new partner. Ignoring STIs can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which can lead to infertility. The longer you wait to begin treatment for an infection, the greater your odds of complications.
You get regular mouth sores
If canker sores are a common occurrence in your mouth, you could be one of the 25 percent of people who get them because of lupus. Lupus is an inflammatory disease that causes the body to attack its own tissue, resulting in rashes, joint pain and damage to vital organs.
Your joints feel weaker than normal
Numbness or weakness in one or more of your limbs accompanied by blurred vision and slurred speech may indicate multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease that affects your brain and spinal cord. Multiple sclerosis is a progressive, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. It has no cure, but treatments can help manage symptoms.
You’re craving ice
If you crave ice instead of ice cream, it may be a sign that your body needs more iron. The reason? People who have a serious deficiency in iron often experience pica – a disorder characterized by intense cravings for non-food items like dirt, paper and yes, ice. Talk to your doctor about treatment, but adding iron-rich foods and vitamin C to your diet will help.
You’re shrinking
It’s hard to believe, but you’ve lost an inch since your last doctor’s visit. Osteoporosis might be the cause of your bone loss. To maintain healthy bones, it’s important to stay active, avoid medications that contribute to bone loss, eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, and maintain a healthy weight.
Your stomach rumbles after eating
Every now and then, your intestines make a rumbling sound. This is normal and usually means you are hungry. However, if the sound persists even when you have just eaten or are not hungry – or if it is accompanied by pain – see a doctor immediately.
You snore
Snoring is not only annoying to those around you, but it can also be a sign of a serious health condition. Snoring is linked to sleep apnea and other ailments. It’s important to bring your snoring to the attention of your doctor, as it could be a symptom of a more serious condition.
Your nails are changing colour
If you notice your nails are a different color than usual, talk to your doctor. It could be a harmless side effect, or it could be a sign of something more serious. If your fingernails are blue, that may mean you’re not getting enough oxygen. If they’re white, it could be liver disease. Yellow can mean infection; dusky red could signify heart disease.
Your ring finger is longer than your index finger
A new study suggests that the length of your ring finger could be a predictor of osteoarthritis, especially if it’s longer than your index finger. Researchers were unable to identify a specific cause for the increase. But maintaining a regular exercise routine and a healthy weight can help you offset any potential predispositions.
You’ve noticed wrinkles in unusual places
Wrinkles are often just a sign of aging. However one study published in The Journals of Gerontology found that high blood pressure can cause them. The study found that women with wrinkles in areas typically sheltered from the sun, like the upper arms, were more likely to have high blood pressure. If this is true for you, it may be time to talk to your doctor.
Your urine is dark with a strong smell
Checking your urine in the morning can be a good way to check on your overall health. If you notice that your urine is dark-coloured, it may mean that you are dehydrated or that you are experiencing problems with one of your vital organs. Your urine should be a pale yellow colour, with no strong odor.
The whites of your eyes are no longer white
If you see a yellowish tinge in the whites of your eyes, it may be a sign that something is wrong with your gallbladder, liver, pancreas or bile ducts. Red eyes can also be a sign of poor health. While eye drops can relieve the immediate discomfort, they won’t correct some of the underlying causes.
Your nails are always breaking
Your nails can give you clues about the state of your health. Brittle or ridged nails, for instance, can be a sign of nutritional deficiencies or medical conditions like psoriasis or thyroid disorders. If your nails are looking a little different than normal, it’s important to talk to your doctor about it.
Your belly button is hurting
It’s true: people with Crohn’s disease can experience pain behind the belly button. But that’s not the only indicator of the illness. Most people who have Crohn’s will also have severe diarrhea and fatigue, and may lose weight because of the disease.
Sex has become painful
If you experience pain during intercourse, there may be a number of possible explanations: dryness, an allergic reaction, endometriosis, urinary tract infections and yeast infections. There are also some STDs that can cause pain during sex. One of these is vaginismus, which is a severe tightening of the muscles in your most sensitive of areas.
Your flow is full of clots
Periods can vary from month to month and even from one woman to another. And if you spot a clot every once in a while, that’s totally normal. But if you’re in the midst of a heavy period and golf-ball-sized clots are forming, it could be a sign of uterine fibroids – non-cancerous growths that develop in your uterus and cause abnormal bleeding.
Your lips are cracked
Cracked lips are a symptom of dehydration. When your body is dehydrated, it can’t function properly and the skin becomes dry and irritated. If your lips feel dry, drink plenty of water. Dehydration can lead to a serious illness like pneumonia or the flu.
You’ve noticed your testicles are enlarged
The male reproductive organs are very delicate and can be quite sensitive. It’s natural for men to feel self-conscious about this area, but it’s important to make sure that nothing is wrong. Testicular cancer is most common in men under 40, but young men are more likely than older men to ignore symptoms and put off seeking medical care.