Long before we get professionally diagnosed with an illness, our body actually gives us warning signs! As they may be rather subtle, it can be quite natural for us to overlook them and move on with our daily routine.
However, some minor symptoms can be indicators of severe medical conditions. Hence, it’s imperative for you to know what exactly to look out for so you can notice the early signs before the sickness further develops. In some cases, such as a stroke, it can be a matter of life and death.
Here are some signs of underlying health issues that you definitely shouldn’t ignore.
1. Heartburn
Anytime you experience a burning sensation in your chest after a meal or at night, your mother would probably be the first to tell you that your body is feeling “heaty”. This is also known as heartburn. If you’re lying down on the bed, then the pain can be so intense that you’d have to sit up in an attempt for it to subside.
On an occasional basis, there’s no need to get worried over heartburn. The pain can typically be relieved with over-the-counter medications and changes in your lifestyle. But when it occurs for up to twice a week, despite taking medication, then it can be a sign for you to seek medical care.
2. Numbness
Numbness, mainly if it only occurs exclusively on one side of the body, can be a severe indicator of stroke. Alternatively, it can also be associated with other diseases like diabetes. No matter what, you should always get it investigated every time you experience a numbing sensation.
3. Bad breath
Many factors lead to bad breath. It could be the food you eat, poor oral health habits or smoking cigarettes. But did you know that it can also be a sign of other health issues?
When your bad breath is persistent, or if there’s always a bad taste in your mouth, then it could be a red flag signalling gum disease, which is caused by the buildup of plaque on the teeth. If gum disease is left untreated, it could lead to damage in both the gums and jawbone. Bad breath can also be due to cavities, bronchitis and many other diseases and illnesses.
4. Chapped lips
In our sunny Singapore, dry lips may seem like a norm, but it’s nothing that can’t be solved with lip balm. But when your lips continue to appear all dried up and cracked despite taking preventive measures, then you can consider a visit to the dermatologist.
Sometimes, it can be because of dehydration or malnutrition, which requires serious attention from a doctor. Notably, it signals the lack of B vitamins in your system, which puts you at risk of anaemia.
Conclusion
If you urgently require medic services, you can quickly request for a private ambulance in Singapore through MyCLNQ, a mobile application with an array of digital telehealth services for your healthcare needs!
Even though we’ve transitioned to Phase 2 of post-Circuit Breaker, some people are still wary of leaving their house to stay safe. Instead of scheduling an in-person appointment, you now have the option of seeing a doctor online, directly through your mobile phone! While it is important to keep vigilant on any COVID-19 symptoms, it is also crucial to pay attention to your overall health and check for other worrying signs that may indicate a health concern.