Nobody wants to make a visit to the doctor’s office. Physical examinations can be scary and uncomfortable, so it’s easy to see why most people fail to get checked-up at regular intervals. The truth is that many of us show signs and symptoms that ought to be checked out, yet we continue to ignore them in hopes that they’ll go away. Sadly, that’s how many diseases progress to more advanced stages that are incurable. Here are five reasons for seeing a doctor even when you’re not feeling up to it.
1. Strange bumps on skin
The skin has hundreds if not thousands of little imperfections on it. Wrinkles, bumps, moles, or area discoloration are just a few things that are present on the skin of every individual. However, if you notice the sudden appearance of a bump that wasn’t there before, get it checked out to ensure that it isn’t cancerous. Many skin bumps are harmless, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
2. Internal pain or burning sensation
If you haven’t suffered any recent injuries and suddenly feel pain or burning somewhere on the body, call a doctor right away. These symptoms can be caused by a growing tumor, internal bleeding, nerve or spine damage, or even cancer. Make sure that none of the above are causing your pains by getting cleared by a physician.
3. Significant rise or drop in body temperature
Fevers typically indicate the presence of an infection, but a decrease in body temperature is also irregular. If your body temperature strays away from the average of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit in either direction, something isn’t right. A change in body temperature of more than four degrees Fahrenheit from the norm is considered to be serious and requires immediate medical attention. Even slight fevers that last more than three days may signify a bigger problem. If you are experiencing irregular body temperatures visit your doctor right away so they can monitor your fever. They have accurate temperature measurement systems which is vital for medical workers.
4. Blood in mucus or stool
Anytime when blood is expelled from the body, there’s probably something abnormal going on. Coughing up blood could simply be the result of a cut in the mouth, but it could also mean pneumonia or another major respiratory complication. The same goes with blood in stool. It’s not uncommon for the anus to rip when stool is expelled, but dark blood may indicate internal bleeding.
5. Sudden blurred vision
If out of nowhere your vision suddenly blurs, you could be on the brink of having a stroke or heart attack. In other cases, degradation in the clarity of sight is associated with dangerously high blood pressure or presence of a brain tumor. It can also be normal to experience brief blurred vision when the eyes are strained from being focused on reading, typing, or something else for a long duration of time. See a doctor to rule out anything serious.
An apple a day does not keep the doctor away. Even with proper nutrition, exercise, and rest, it’s still a wise idea to visit your doctor at least once a year. Having your life saved is well worth enduring a little discomfort or embarrassment.