There are plenty of telltale signs associated with serious health issues that many people know about. For example, sudden numbness in the arm, leg or face could signal a stroke or an unusual lump on the breast could indicate breast cancer. However, there are some health conditions that have more subtle signs that can easily be missed. In fact, many health problems are hiding in plain sight but are easily masquerading behind fatigue (that we may blame on long hours at work) or even frequent bathroom visits (that we blame on drinking too much water). In some cases, the signs of a serious illness may not even be noticable at all.
So how do you know if your subtle symptoms are signs of something serious or not?
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it could be that your body is trying to signal that something is wrong.
Changes to your hair
Your hair can provide many signs about your health. If you are noticing unexplained hair loss or more strands falling out on your pillow than usual (it’s common for humans to shred around 100 strands per day) then this could indicate some sort of nutritional deficiency. In many cases, sudden hair loss and thinning (if not pregnant or on medication known to cause hair loss) signals a deficiency in protein and/or essential fatty acids. Hair loss and thinning may also occur if you’re not consuming enough iron, zinc, selenium, vitamin c, copper and manganese. Thyroid conditions and bowel diseases may also result in sudden hair loss.
While a change in diet may help to improve hair thinning, always consult your doctor prior to purchasing a multivitamin or significantly changing your eating habits.
Bad breath
Sure, most of us can confess to having bad breath in the mornings or after eating garlic! But persistent bad breath is usually a good indication that your oral health is in need of a closer inspection. It’s generally a classic symptom of periodontal disease (gum disease) caused by a buildup of plaque on the teeth. If you’re still experiencing chronic bad breath even after dental treatment, then it may be a sign of something more serious. Diseases, such as some cancers and metabolic disorders can cause a distinctive unpleasant odour. Chronic gut issues such as IBS and GERD may also cause bad breath.
Frequent urination
Before blaming that bottle of water for your constant needing to pee, be mindful what this subtle symptom might indicate. Frequent urination is a symptom that is associated with many illnesses. However, in many cases it can be caused by a muscular issue, such as overactive bladder syndrome or a weak or overactive pelvic floor. It can also signal the onset of type 2 diabetes. An estimated 1.2 million Australians have diabetes, but around 50% of existing cases don’t even know they have it. So if you are noticing that you are having to make a lot of trips to the toilet even during the night, then it’s a good idea to consult your doctor who can assess your symptoms properly.
Constant fatigue
We all experience fatigue at one time or another. The daily stresses of life can quickly lead to tiredness and burn out, causing us to feel drained and in need of sleep. But chronic fatigue can be a sign of several illnesses, including chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, cancer, heart disease, sleep apnea and COVID-19. If you’re experiencing fatigue that doesn’t seem to go away even after a good night’s sleep then make an appointment with your doctor who can help get to the bottom of it.
Unexplained weight loss/weight gain
Losing weight without any effort may seem like a blessing! But if this weight loss has come on suddenly and without following any drastic changes to your diet/exercise routine, then you may be experiencing a deeper, underlying issue. Similarly, unexpected weight (even if you’re being diligent with exercise and following a balanced diet) could be a signal that something is not right. Unexpected weight loss can indicate things like ovarian cancer or an autoimmune disease. It also happens most often with pancreatic, stomach, esophageal, and lung cancers. If you have unexpected weight gain alongside bloating and feelings of fullness, then it may be indicative of kidney disease, hypothyroidism or polycystic ovary syndrome.
Tremors
Have you noticed any changes to your handwriting, lately? Spilling cups of tea or coffee more often or noticing a subtle shake when you hold your hand out? Tremors might be a telling early symptom of Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s happens when nerve cells in the brain become damaged or die off. Tremors and unexplained rhythmic shaking is one early red flag of Parkinson’s disease, alongside loss of smell and intense dreams where you lash about in your sleep. Tremors can also be a sign of nerve damage, an overactive thyroid and even severe stress or anxiety. If you are experiencing unexplained tremors or shaking, the earlier you see a doctor the better.
Always feeling cold
Are you always the person in your friendship group who has to wear a hoodie or cover up in a blanket even when it’s fine out? Always feeling cold is a sign of cold intolerance, which may be due to hypothyroidism. If you notice that your hands and feet are numb and blue alongside feeling cold, then this can also indicate Raynaud’s disease, peripheral artery disease or even anaemia. If you’re feeling cold even when it’s not cold outside and it’s a common occurrence for you, then visit your doctor for an assessment.
Frequent fungal infections
Recurrant athlete’s foot and yeast infections is an embarrassing and unpleasant experience. While in many cases it’s due to wearing damp clothing (staying in those sweaty workout clothes or sitting around in your swimsuit after swimming) frequent fungal infections can also be an early sign of chronic illness. Fungal infections are often one of the first signs of diabetes, but it can also be a symptom of a weakened immune system.
It smells, itches or burns..down there
Downstairs issues are probably the most awkward to address. Which is why many people avoid seeing a health care provider despite noticing unusual symptoms down below. Bacterial infections are common among men and women, however, women seem to be most affected. If you have noticed that something doesn’t smell right or that your vaginal odour becomes unpleasant post-sex or after your period, you may have a common bacterial infection known as bacterial vaginosis. Some women may assume it’s just a normal reaction to sex but don’t realise that it’s an infection that requires treatment. If you are also experiencing itching, burning or unusual discharge then you should visit your doctor or gyno to rule out any STI’s and be given the proper treatment.
New marks on the skin
Notice a mark on your skin that wasn’t there before? While changes in the appearance of your skin may be a sign of the ageing process, it can also be a telltale sign of skin cancer. New marks on the skin often dismissed as moles or freckles may turn out to be a melanoma – a life-threatening form of skin cancer. The problem is, skin cancer can be difficult to catch as not all marks are the same, with many appearing as a normal sun spot. The best way to determine whether a new mark on your skin is harmful or not is by following the ABCDE’s: asymmetrical; borders of the mark are uneven or raised; colour is uneven; diameter is larger than a pencil eraser; evolving – the mark is changing in shape, size or texture. Catching melanoma early is key as it can be treated. But when caught late, they are the number one cause of death among skin cancers.
Difficulty swallowing
If you have a cold or flu, difficulty swallowing is often a common symptom. But if you’re not sick and still have difficulty swallowing then this can be a sign of esophageal cancer. While this symptom doesn’t usually occur until the cancer is at its more advanced stage, it is still worth visiting your doctor if you are noticing that you have trouble swallowing but have no other symptoms. There is also a condition known as dysphagia, which is a medical term for swallowing difficulties. Dysphagia can occur in otherwise healthy people yet it affects their ability to swallow foods and drinks, some unable to swallow at all. Dysphagia can be caused by damage to nerves following an accident or injury as well as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).
Frequent gas
Passing wind is a normal reaction for all humans, particularly after eating certain foods. It is normal for people to break wind up to 14 times per day. But if you have excess gas on a regular basis then it could be that your body is signalling a problem inside the bowel and digestive system. Excess gas is often a symptom of chronic intestinal conditions such as Chron’s disease, IBS, diverticulitis and ulcerative colitis. It may also signal more serious issues including bowel and colon cancer especially if it is accompanied with cramps and a feeling of fullness. There can actually be no early symptoms in its early stages, which is why it’s important for anyone over the age of 45 to get a bowel screen – especially if you have family history of bowel or colon cancer. Similarly, chronic bouts of constipation may not just be due to poor diet - it could be a sign of underlying conditions including hypothyroidism, diabetes, or a possible bowel obstruction.
Reddening of skin
If you notice redness or darkened skin in your calf or thigh, don’t just shrug it off – especially if it occurs after a long-haul flight or being stationary for a prolonged time. This is a subtle yet telltale symptom of a serious condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If the reddening is accompanied with swollen feet, ankles or legs, cramping or pain (especially when feet are flexed) and it feels warm or hot to touch then visit your emergency department straight away. DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein (often the leg). DVT happens when blood flow is restricted, either by prolonged hours sitting without moving or by an injury or damage to a vein during surgery. If not caught early, the blood clot can break off and travel up toward the lung, causing a pulmonary embolism which can be fatal. Unfortunately, DVT is often misdiagnosed by patients who mistakenly believe their symptoms are a result of a pulled muscle. A DVT or PE may not occur until a few days or weeks after travel or surgery.
Persistent headaches, migraines
Nearly half of adults worldwide experience headaches in some capacity. Because they’re so common, they aren’t viewed as being anything too serious. Unfortunately, headaches can be a worrying symptom, especially if they’re persistent. If you experience frequent headaches and they’re accompanied with nausea, vomiting or changes to your vision, then this could signal a stroke or some cancers. Chronic daily headaches or migraines can also signal infection such as meningitis. Headaches with no other symptoms can also signal high blood pressure. Visit your doctor for a complete health check to rule out anything sinister and to give you the treatment option you need.
Don’t ignore these symptoms
The human body is highly intelligent. If something is wrong, it can signal you to attention through a number of symptoms. Sometimes, however, signs and symptoms of illness can be subtle and hard to miss. Everything from a skin rash to a headache can easily be discarded as something not to worry about yet may very well be serious. Knowing these subtle symptoms can help you to know if there’s something not quite right and prompt you to go and see a doctor. In most illnesses, early detection is key to faster, more effective treatment. So if you notice any of the above symptoms, don’t delay your next doctor’s appointment!
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