How to Know if Your Medical Symptoms are Serious

If you are exhibiting one or more of the symptoms listed below, you could be displaying early signs of a serious health condition. This list will help you determine if you should see your health provider.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Unexplained weight loss, weight gain or loss of appetite can indicate a variety of conditions including cancers.
2. Slurred speech, numbness, burning pains and confusion can all be signs of stroke or a blood clot and should definitely be checked out by a doctor.
3. Black stool with strong, smoky odor (tarry) can indicate bleeding in the intestines.
4. Headaches: If accompanied by a stiff neck and fever, the headache could be a sign of meningitis. If sudden and agonizing, the headache could indicate bleeding in the brain (an aneuryism is rare, but not insignificant).
5. For women, vaginal bleeding after menopause can signal cancer.
6. For men, a lump in your testicle is important to check out, as it could indicate testicular cancer.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are certain something is wrong with you, experts at Web MD suggest advocating for yourself at the doctor's office--don't be afraid to be assertive and actively request tests or ask for explanations to rule out possible conditions.
• Most medical tests are very expensive. Before you make a scene at the doc's office, ask your doctor to explain to you why a test is or is not necessary. The best way to ensure effective care is to ensure effective communication!