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9 Health Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Going to the doctor can be an expensive proposition in America. If you don’t have insurance or can’t afford your deductible, it’s understandable to take a wait-and-see approach in hopes that aches and pains will fade.

However, postponing treatment can have tragic results in some cases. You could end up letting something inexpensive to fix balloon into a pricey — and life-threatening — problem. Here are nine health symptoms you shouldn’t ignore.

1. Oral Fixations

Insurance companies may act as if your mouth is somehow divorced from the rest of your body when it comes to coverage. However, problems with your teeth and gums can lead to severe trouble elsewhere in your body. Research published by the National Institutes of Aging shows an association between periodontal disease and dementia, and other studies implicate mouth bacteria with increased cardiovascular risks.

Unfortunately, neglecting dental care could cause you to lose your teeth before your cognitive ability. Periodontal disease can lead to bone loss, weakening the structures holding your molars and incisors in place.

One option you can investigate if you don’t have dental coverage is checking with area schools. Some dental institutions need patients to practice their skills, and you can often receive services at a steep discount. If you live near the southern border, you’ll find some state-of-the-art facilities in Mexico where you can obtain less expensive care.

2. Sudden Weight Gain or Loss

If last night’s dinner consisted of a giant burger and an extra-large side order of fries, you might not wonder why the scale registers an extra pound or two the next morning. However, if you notice your weight increasing without any change in your diet or exercise routine, it’s time to call the doctor. The sudden gain could be a sign of ovarian cancer or kidney problems.

Likewise, you should book an appointment if you can suddenly fit into your skinny jeans again without dieting. Unexplained weight loss can signify inflammatory bowel disease, thyroid issues or cancer.

3. Chest Pain

Chest pain can stem from many causes, not only your heart. However, you should always seek emergency medical care the first time you experience it or if it changes quality from what you’ve felt in the past from other disorders. Please do not drive yourself to the emergency room — go with Uber if an ambulance ride is too pricey. If you are having a cardiovascular event, you could pass out at the wheel.

Furthermore, please educate yourself on the signs of a heart attack in women. Unlike men, you might not experience the signature “elephant on the chest.” Instead, you might have pain or discomfort in your neck, jaw or back or break out in a cold sweat. If your emergency room doctor dismisses your concerns, insist they do an EKG to rule out heart trouble.

4. The Worst Headache of Your Life

A sudden, blinding headache can indicate serious trouble. Although rare, this sensation can signify a brain aneurysm or subarachnoid hemorrhage. Both can lead to permanent disability or death.

As with chest pain, please do not attempt to drive yourself. It sometimes helps to have a trusted friend with you to interpret the doctor’s instructions if the pain affects your cognition.

5. Sudden Numbness or Weakness

You’ve probably experienced the sensation of your arm or leg falling asleep when you sat on it too long many times. However, when it happens without a cause, it’s time to seek emergency care.

Sudden numbness or weakness can signify a stroke. Seconds count when it comes to treatment. These cerebrovascular events can cause permanent disability, but rapid administration of medication can mitigate the damage.

6. Permanently Swollen Glands

Swollen glands typically indicate infection — you may have noticed them in your throat the last time you got sick. If they stay that way, it could indicate an ongoing problem.

Permanently swollen glands can denote conditions such as HIV or genital herpes. It also can signify mononucleosis or ongoing infection with the Epstein-Barr virus.

7. Ongoing Fatigue

If you recently ran a marathon — or pulled one at work — it’s understandable that you need to catch up on your sleep. However, you should call the doctor if you don’t feel well-rested after taking time to recharge.

Ongoing fatigue is a symptom of multiple conditions. Some, like cancer, warrant immediate attention. Others are less life-threatening but deserving of care, such as chronic fatigue syndrome.

8. Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control

Loss of bowel or bladder control can signify trouble with your spine, especially if coupled with back pain. Spinal issues can be paralyzing — please seek emergency care as soon as possible.

9. Persistent or High Fever

Like continually swollen glands, a persistent or high fever can denote an underlying infection. Depending on the cause, an inexpensive course of antibiotics could fix the problem. If left untreated, however, you might require intravenous care, even hospitalization.