In my last post I explained the importance of paying attention to your body. Your body is noisy; it talks especially when something is wrong. Listening to your body will keep you healthy much longer. I also listed severe headaches, sudden weight loss and blurred vision and paralysis. Below are 3 more medical symptoms you need to catch.

4.Unexplained change in bowel habits.
I am not sure there is one description of what is normal when it comes to bowel movements. Some people move three times a day and others three times a week. Knowing what is typical for you is the place to start. However, if you have mild diarrhea that lasts more than a week, constipation that lasts more than two weeks, or unexplained and frequent urges to have a bowel movement, you should see your doctor.  You should also see your doctor immediately if you have bloody stools, black or tar like looking stools. Changes in bowel habits may indicate a bacterial infection such as salmonella or a parasitic infestation. Other possible causes are inflammatory bowel disease or colon cancer.

5. Persistent or high fever
The fever itself is not a disease but it is a symptom that your body is unhappy about something. Most of the time it means your body is fighting an infection, viral or bacterial. A low grade fever that is over 103 and lasts for 4 days or more should be checked out by your doctor. A persistent fever may also be caused by something as common as a urinary tract infection or even tuberculosis. A sudden high fever requires immediate attention.

6. Feeling Full after eating very little
When you feel fuller than normal after eating only a small portion of food can be a sign that you have a number of gastrointestinal problems ranging from an appendix that has to come out or eating spoiled food. It also could be caused by acid reflux or irritable bowel syndrome. See your doctor if this feeling continues for a few days. See your doctor sooner if you find you are also vomiting, bloating, or have a fever.

Many websites have checklists for particular symptoms. Although these websites are useful it is still important for you to have your doctor also diagnose your symptoms. Try www.MayoClinic.com and search for symptoms. Their perspectives and information are always on the conservative more traditional ways of medicine none of which will ever hurt you. After all, isn’t that what medicine is all about: first do no harm.

To your healthy aging.

Ruthan Brodsky

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Filed under: Conditions and Diseases

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