Strange and Often Subtle Symptoms You Should Not Ignore

Medicine is a strange science. The knowledge of certain diseases is more definite and the signs more detectable than in others. In recent years for example, conditions such as fibromyalgia, irritable bowel and chronic fatigue syndromes have been on the rise but diagnosis and treatment for each of these ailments varies on an individual basis.  Routine checks at the doctor’s office and regular blood tests may detect more specific inconsistencies such as high blood sugar and cholesterol, an irregular heart beat or herniated disk, but others may go undetected if you are not in tune with your body. Adult onset acne, sudden fatigue or nose bleeds may seem insignificant but can be serious health indicators.

There are certain signs and symptoms that should not be ignored, and early detection can be your best medicine. Remember, you must take your personal health into your own hands, so here are things you should raise with a medical professional just to be safe:

Bleeding Gums: Vigorous brushing and flossing can cause gums to bleed or it may be a sign that you are at risk of or already have gum disease. However, persistent gum bleeding may also be a sign that you are pregnant or are have a vitamin C and K deficiency. It may also be the first sign of a more serious medical condition such as leukemia or a platelet disorder. If bleeding is severe or chronic, consult your dentist or physician immediately and make sure an oral examination of teeth and gums ,  X-rays of teeth and jaw as well as blood analysis is conducted.

Sudden and Severe Perspiration: Unexpected and extreme sweating is not necessarily a sign of a good workout, change in weather or anxiety. It’s one of the quiet symptoms of hyperthyroidism and Thyrotoxicosis , both thyroid conditions in which the thyroid gland produces an excessive amount of thyroid hormone. Because onset of hyperthyroidism is slow, these symptoms are often mistaken for anxiety or stress and can often be wrongly treated. A thyroid examination and labratory testing for thyroid-stimulating hormone (sTSH) are the best tests for detecting the conditions.

Excessive Thirst: Extreme need for liquids can mean many things but is usually caused by dehydration. In case you did not know, it can also be a sign of adult onset diabetes as well as Hypokalemia a condition of below normal levels of potassium in the blood serum that may be brought on by use of diuretics, prolonged fasting or alcoholism. In most cases, hypokalemia can be corrected with potassium supplements or eating a diet containing foods rich in potassium, but leave it to your doctor to prescribe the right treatment for you. 

Ringing in Ears: Hearing ringing, buzzing, chirping, clanking, shushing, chiming or whistling noises? The good news is you’re not going crazy. Rather you may be suffering from a condition known as Tinnitus which affects approximately 50 million adults in the United States alone. Many signs of tinnitus can be caused by other conditions, like a perforated eardrum, ear infection, high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol. For this reason, proper professional diagnosis is recommended for any persistent symptoms of tinnitus.

Abnormal Hair Loss: Believe it or not, the thinning and loss of hair may be a result of a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle. In fact, any diet that excludes rich sources of protein may lead to protein deficiency. When this occurs, a person's body will try to hold onto protein by shifting growing hairs into the resting phase, which can alter hair consistency and result in shedding. This condition can be corrected with certain vitamins regimens and by eating the proper amount of protein.