Have you ever experienced back pain and feared you had cancer? The majority of the time, a muscular discomfort is caused by a faulty mattress or excessive tennis play. Occasionally, however, vague or widespread symptoms may be the initial indications of a serious sickness or condition requiring additional study. Here are five indicators your body is trying to alert you that something is wrong.
Dizziness
It is possible to become dizzy if you stand up too quickly or if you are somewhat dehydrated. But vertigo — the sense that the room is spinning — and lightheadedness may also indicate a problem with your brain, your gastrointestinal system, your vision, or your inner ear.
Dr. Sharat Honnatti, a physician in Bangalore, India, explains, "Many medical conditions can lead to vertigo, or a simple condition like anxiety can also cause vertigo." "Low hemoglobin content, called anemia, also causes dizziness."
An inner ear viral infection could produce transient vertigo. "High blood pressure, low blood pressure, and extremely low levels of pressure can also cause dizziness, fatigue, and general weakness," explains Honnatti.
In addition to high or low blood sugar, diabetes, thyroid disorders, and cardiovascular problems may also cause vertigo. If the dizziness persists or is accompanied by nausea or vomiting, consult a physician.
Sweating Excessively
Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, can be caused by menopause, obesity, excessive exercise, worry or stress, and even eating foods that are excessively spicy, according to the AARP. However, profuse perspiration may also signal thyroid disorders, diabetes, or cardiac difficulties.
Dr. Adam Friedman, professor and interim chair of dermatology at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, defines hyperhidrosis as excessive sweating.
"It is four to five times more than what your body requires for temperature regulation... It might be hot or chilly, says Friedman. "It does not matter if you are upset, anxious, or just relaxing and watching television; you will sweat profusely. Because the neurons that transmit sweating signals are in overdrive."
He continues, "However, secondary hyperhidrosis is often caused by an underlying medical problem. It could be diabetes, hyperthyroidism, some infections, or even cancer, as well as certain medications such as meds for high blood pressure or antidepressants.
You Feel Cold Constantly
If you are cold, you may need to adjust the thermostat. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a prolonged feeling of chilliness may signal a number of health issues, including hypothyroidism, anemia, poor blood circulation, or insufficient body fat.
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces insufficient hormones to control metabolism and body temperature. Dr. Janet Morgan, an internal medicine expert at Beachwood Family Health and Surgery Center in Ohio, explains, "It's part of thermoregulation, the process by which your body regulates your temperature to maintain a normal range." "When you sleep, for instance, your body slows down to conserve energy and cools itself."
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, may also be to blame, according to Dr. Eric Berg, a chiropractor in Alexandria, Virginia. The solution is not to consume six meals a day or sugar when blood sugar levels are low. He says that iron deficiency and vitamin deficits are further factors.
You Shed Pounds Unintentionally
Inexplicable weight loss is typically indicative of a more serious condition than skipping a few meals.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can be a symptom of stomach cancer, a thyroid problem, Crohn's disease, a cardiovascular problem, Addison's disease, Parkinson's disease, AIDS, gastrointestinal problems, dental problems, depression or anxiety, side effects of prescription medications, celiac disease, diabetes, a parasitic infection, drug abuse, undiagnosed eating disorders, pancreatic enlargement, alcohol abuse, swallowing problems, or dementia.
To decide which it is, you and your doctor will look for further symptoms that point to a particular disease or condition.
There Are Spots on Your Skin.
Moles or spots on your skin that are unusual may or may not indicate skin cancer. If moles or freckles are round, symmetrical, and stable, you are likely healthy. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, if the spots are new, developing, asymmetrical, or lack obvious borders, they may be an indication of melanoma, a fatal form of skin cancer.
"Skin cancer is the most prevalent cancer in the world. According to Dr. Keira L. Barr, a dermatologist and chief wellness officer at Resilient Health Institute, skin cancer is on the rise in the U.S. "Each year, there are more new cases of skin cancer than of all other cancers combined." You have the capacity to save your own life by just "partying" every month in your birthday suit and searching for "uninvited guests."
Even irregular noncancerous moles may indicate an increased risk of skin cancer, according to the foundation. The foundation recommends familiarizing oneself with one's skin, keeping track of moles, and routinely examining for changes.