Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia

9 Health Problems You Can't Ignore

by Dr. Enozia Vakil on Mar 16 2013 12:40 PM
Listen to this article
0:00/0:00

Rapid advancements and developments in science and medicine have led to an increased awareness among the common people regarding different issues of health and wellness. Nearly all forms of media today strive to educate the layman about the basics of diet and nutrition so as to prevent many deficiency diseases and other health issues pertaining to food.

We seem to have, however, missed out on some basic facts. What we normally assume to be a minor symptom or a teeny tiny issue, is often a signal for danger. Read on to find out more about some common health issues that you may have been ignoring, which you need to start giving importance to.

Health issue #1 Snoring

Why attach so much importance to snoring you may think, but studies show that regular snorers are five times more likely to fall prey to different life-threatening diseases like stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and more. Sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder wherein the patient momentarily stops breathing during sleep and wakes up many times throughout the night, is also known to affect people who snore.

On an average, people wait for around 18 years to get themselves treated for snoring. It’s best to visit a doctor and check for the cause for an early diagnosis and treatment.

Health issue #2 Frequent constipation, diarrhea and other digestive problems

Regular digestive problems like diarrhea, constipation, stomach cramps, bloating and flatulence may seem to affect every one of us at least once in a while. However, these problems when coupled with weight loss, especially in elderly people, can be a sign of early stomach cancer. Since cancer is often asymptomatic, it is best to get yourself screened every 6 months, especially if you have a family history of cancer.

Advertisement
For developed cancers of the stomach, the entire stomach may have to be removed, followed by radiotherapy or any other suitable adjuvant therapy.

Health issue #3 Temporary loss of vision

Advertisement
Sudden, temporary loss of vision, camera vision with flashes of bright light like that of a camera flash, pain, swelling or redness of the eye, loss of peripheral vision and strain in the eye are all symptoms of some severe eye problems. Glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataract and ocular cancers are some grave disorders of the eye that may show these symptoms in the early stages.

Watch out for these symptoms and visit an ophthalmologist immediately to rule out any possible problem.

Health issue #4 Loss of outer eyebrow

Thyroid problems are thought to be among the most neglected health problems. Losing the outer third of your eyebrow could signify hypothyroidism. Other general symptoms include tiredness and fatigue, muscle weakness, felling cold, weight gain and susceptibility to many other illnesses. Hypothyroidism also puts you at a risk of heart disease, dementia and glaucoma.

A simple blood test is easy to point out your levels of TSH and thyroxin.

Health issue #5 Fallen arches

Your feet are the ones that work the most throughout the day, and are often ignored in many terms. Flat feet are a cozy site for hammer toes, bunions and many other degenerative conditions like arthritis. The supporting ligaments and muscles of your feet need proper attention to work properly.

Many foot problems can be corrected by avoiding the use of high heeled shoes and wearing an insole, a device specially catering to people suffering from these foot problems.

Health issue #6 Misaligned, crooked teeth

Bacteria breed in areas that are moist and lack friction. Spaces between crooked teeth, where the toothbrush can’t reach are the best breeding spots for bacteria that cause cavities and decay of the tooth. Ignoring misaligned and crooked teeth could lead to gum and tooth problems, which could impact heart health in the long run.

Visit a good orthodontist for a proper treatment for your teeth and reduce the risk of gum problems by a good percent.

Health issue #7 Swollen stomach

Though cancer in the early stages is mostly difficult to comprehend, owing to its asymptomatic nature, it does put forth a few minute health problems that may make it easier to get diagnosed. People suffering from ovarian cancer often complain of having a swollen stomach, especially the lower area, accompanied by other symptoms like persistent pelvic pain, bloating and difficulty in eating.

Ignoring symptoms like these could impact the health in more ways than one. Get an internal exam done to rule out the possibility of cancer.

Health issue #8 Yellow spots around the eyes

Waxy, yellow spots around the eyes and on the eyelids could be a symptoms of xanthelasma, a sinister disease contributing to elevated cholesterol levels. This may also increase the risks of heart attacks and stroke.

Get a blood test done and if your cholesterol levels are high, opt for a diet having low cholesterol levels.

Health issue #9 Abnormal discharges

Gynecological problems are often embarrassing and ignoring these could seriously affect your health. Ignoring abnormal vaginal discharges that change color and have a peculiar smell could be a sign of a pelvic infection. This could turn chronic if ignored for long and may cause infertility, ectopic pregnancy and other life threatening conditions.

Make an appointment with a gynecologist and remember to get a pelvic exam every year.

Source-Medindia


Advertisement