Everyone experiences minor changes to their health; it is a natural component of life that our bodies and minds develop over time. However, some seemingly small changes to your health are not small at all. As you notice new developments regarding your health and wellness, you should consider whether you need to seek attention from a healthcare professional. These days, you can schedule an online doctor visit that is quick and convenient and that will give you more information about your health.
If you need help determining whether you need help from a healthcare expert, here are a few cases of minor health issues that warrant a little extra medical attention.
Common Cold
The common cold is uncomfortable, but in most cases, there is nothing a doctor can do to make a full-grown adult feel better when they are experiencing the regular symptoms of a rhinovirus. However, sometimes, a common cold can become something worse, like bronchitis or pneumonia, and medical intervention will become essential for maintaining health. You might want to see a healthcare professional if you start experiencing the following symptoms amidst your common cold:
- Earache
- A cough for longer than two weeks
- Persistent vomiting
- Persistent fever
Digestive Issues
Digestion is a difficult process, as the body works to transform the food you consume into nutrients that cells can use. Certain foods can cause short-term discomforts, like heartburn or gas, which do not necessitate a trip to the doctor. Yet, if you are regularly experiencing digestive issues and you are struggling to identify the cause, you might talk to a professional about your concerns. Some signs that your digestive troubles warrant a doctor’s visit include:
- Nausea that does not go away
- Heartburn that does not go away
- Difficult or painful swallowing
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain
- Constipation or diarrhea that does not go away
- Black or bloody stools or vomit
Headache
Everyone experiences headaches, which often develop as a result of dehydration, stress or overexertion. However, headaches can also be signs of serious illness, so if rest, water and over-the-counter painkillers do little to impact your headache, you probably need to see a physician. If you are experiencing fever, stiff neck, confusion or difficulty walking alongside your headache, you could have meningitis or a stroke, which necessitates an immediate trip to the emergency room.
Head Injury
The human skull is thick to protect the vitally important brain from injury. Most bumps to the head will hurt and create a bruise but do little to impact the health and function of the brain. Yet, some head injuries can result in concussions, and recognizing the signs of concussion are essential for keeping the brain healthy and safe. Those signs include:
- Dizziness and balance issues
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion
- Memory and concentration problems
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Changes in mood
Back Pain
The human back is not the most intelligently engineered system in our bodies. Built for four-legged walking and squatting rather than sitting, the back is prone to injury simply through everyday use. Most aches and pains in the back will abate with rest and the application of heat, cold or OTC painkillers. However, if you experience any of the following with your back pain, you should schedule time with a healthcare professional:
- Constant pain
- Pain that radiates down the legs
- Weakness, numbness or tingling
- Unexplained weight loss
- Swelling or redness
- Fever
Menstrual Concerns
People with uteruses are well aware of the fact that they need to manage their monthly menstrual cycle, which can be a nuisance. Menstruation comes with a variety of unpleasant symptoms and side effects, such as lower back pain, bloating, joint pain, acne, headaches, digestive issues, trouble sleeping and fatigue. It can be difficult to determine when to visit a doctor regarding menstrual discomfort, but you might schedule a doctor’s visit if you experience the following developments:
- Sudden irregularity in cycle
- A lack of menstruation for 3 months or more
- Bleeding between periods
- A longer, heavier period than is typical
- Severe and disabling cramps
Mental Health Struggles
Finally, mental health is a critical aspect of your health, and you should be willing and able to seek professional help should your mental patterns become unhealthy. Mental health struggles are common, and most are incredibly treatable through therapy and medication. Some signs that you may need intervention with your mental health include:
- Feelings of sadness that do not go away
- Having excessive fear and worry
- Withdrawing from social interactions
- Delusions or hallucinations
- Substance abuse
- Thoughts of self-harm
Your health will change drastically over the course of your lifetime. Most changes will be benign, but some will require you to seek advice and guidance from medical professionals. Fortunately, you can use telehealth solutions to connect you quickly and easily with the healthcare providers of your choice.
