Taking good care of your health is the cornerstone of a long and happy life, especially as you age. Health is something that cannot be taken for granted and that money cannot fix. Even if you are doing all the right things, health issues due to genetics or the environment can still arise. Oftentimes,, your body will show certain symptoms that indicate compromised health. Research states that 96% of Americans have invisible chronic medical conditions. That said, here are signs to look out for to determine your health status.
Excessive Fatigue
It’s not unusual to feel tired after stressful activity or a long day. You can also experience fatigue when you don’t get adequate sleep or skip meals constantly. However, consistent fatigue isn’t normal and can signify a hidden illness. For instance, fibromyalgia triggers fatigue, as people can’t get enough sleep due to constant muscle and soft tissue pains. Diabetes can also cause high blood sugar due to low insulin levels, resulting in concentration loss, tiredness, and irritation. You may find yourself experiencing daytime fatigue often if you have sleep apnea. Chronic fatigue syndrome, which affects many Americans, is also another cause. Depression, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle can also trigger consistent fatigue.
Fortunately, you can overcome perpetual fatigue with the right steps. For instance, taking an OTC pain reliever can help reduce fibromyalgia pains and improve your sleep. Also, engaging in constant physical activity can boost your energy levels, so keep this in mind. If you lead a particularly stressful life, you need to identify your stress triggers and implement stress-control measures for the best results. If you’re not sure of what’s causing perpetual fatigue, a visit to your healthcare provider is essential. Your doctor will effectively diagnose the underlying condition causing your tiredness and the best treatment options.
Changes in Hair Color or Texture
Your hair is a substantial part of your physical appearance. It enhances your beauty while complementing your unique features. Moreover, it helps you achieve a certain look and improves your overall confidence. But did you know that your hair can reveal your health status? Your hair’s texture or color can indicate a hidden illness. For instance, brittle hair can signify Cushing syndrome, a medical condition triggered by excess cortisol. Also, you may be experiencing thinning or shedding hair if you have anemia or thyroid disease. If you’re experiencing hair loss, it may result from protein deficiency. White or yellow flakes can also indicate psoriasis or dandruff.
Negative changes in your hair can affect your self-esteem, making it important to seek the best solutions. For instance, you can control dandruff by cleaning your hair regularly to reduce skin cell and oil buildup. Additionally, eating a healthy diet and developing a suitable hair care routine will help prevent dandruff. Likewise, you can visit your healthcare providers if you suspect drastic changes to your hair. Your doctor will likely recommend increasing your protein intake if you have protein deficiency. Other treatment options will be administered if your hair condition is due to thyroid disease or anemia.
Skin Changes
Your skin acts as a barrier to prevent various pathogens that can jeopardize your health from entering. It is also the largest organ in the body and helps you maintain a healthy temperature regardless of the weather. Although some skin blemishes can be corrected by applying tips and products for skincare online, some changes could mean that you have a hidden medical condition. For example, constant itchy skin could signify lymphoma and liver diseases like hepatitis and liver cirrhosis. Also, if you notice excessive facial hair or have cystic acne that doesn’t clear with regular treatment, you may be dealing with PCOS. Likewise, people with hypothyroidism can experience dry and ashy skin, while cutaneous lupus can cause round skin lesions. Diabetes can cause areas of hyperpigmentation and slow-healing ulcers, while yellow bumps can mean you have high cholesterol levels.
Your healthcare provider should be your go-to when you notice disturbing changes to your skin. After thorough tests, they would alert you of the underlying cause and how to treat it. For instance, if you have cutaneous lupus, your healthcare provider will likely advise that you avoid fluorescent lighting and sunlight as you may be sensitive to them. Medications and injections can also help, so keep this in mind.
Unexplainable Weight Loss
Losing weight is a dream come true for many. You get to wear your dream attires and get a toned physique. However, rapid and unexplainable weight loss can be a cause of concern. While it can be triggered by stressful situations, others can alert you of a hidden medical condition. For example, muscle loss can cause muscle weakness, smaller limbs, and rapid weight loss. Likewise, rheumatoid arthritis can trigger chronic inflammation that speeds up metabolism, reducing overall weight. Other medical conditions to consider are depression, IBS, COPD, tuberculosis, etc.
Fortunately, you can reverse this and regain a healthy weight with the proper treatments. For instance, exercise and healthy eating can help you regain your muscles. You also need to undergo tests to decipher what is causing rapid weight loss. This will help your doctors to administer the right treatments.
Shortness of Breath
It’s not unusual to experience breathlessness after sprinting or performing a strenuous task. However, you may need your doctor if you frequently experience chest tightness, labored breathing, wheezing, coughing, health palpitations, and feeling of being smothered. These symptoms could be triggered by COPD, obesity, asthma, heart conditions interstitial pulmonary fibrosis. Likewise, anemia can trigger breathlessness and tiredness due to inadequate hemoglobin that carries oxygen to the cells.
Fortunately, you can control breathlessness with certain home remedies. For instance, practicing pursed-lip breathing, standing with a supported back, and sleeping in a relaxed position can alleviate the uncomfortable feeling. However, consulting your doctor will help you get a more lasting solution.
Indeed, your body can give signs to alert you of underlying illnesses, saving your life and protecting your health. As such, it’s prudent to take immediate action when you notice these signs for the best results.
