Migraines, bloating, and heartburn may be considered normal in some circumstances, but there are times that these seemingly normal occurrences can be signs of a more serious medical condition. Here are the top 6 symptoms that women should never ignore.
Back Pain
What mother does not have back pain? However, back pain especially when numbness or tingling in the legs is present, can be a sign of a disc pressing again the nerves in your spine. If you do not get the situation taken care of you could risk permanent nerve damage. Typically physical therapy and steroids are all that are needed to fix the problem; however, in severe cases you may need the disc removed entirely. If you have any chronic, on-going pain, a medical professional should rule out any more serious conditions.
Intense Headaches
A debilitating headache can be just another migraine, but it can also signal a much more serious health problem - an aneurysm. An aneurysm is a bulge in an artery in the brain. These bulges can restrict blood flow and if a weak spot tears (or has a leak) it can cause an immense headache. This headache will put all others to shame and can be a sign of this serious condition. If not treated immediately, an aneurysm can lead to death or permanent brain damage.
If a headache is so bad that it debilitates you, please go have it checked out.
Rectal Bleeding
Any women who dealt with hemorrhoids while pregnant knows that this can lead to rectal bleeding. If you have had hemorrhoids in the past you may dismiss your rectal bleeding as just another hemorrhoid. However, rectal bleeding can also be a sign of colon or rectal cancer. Always have rectal bleeding checked, because even a hemorrhoid may need medical attention.
Constipation
Constipation can just be a symptom of poor eating habits or a change in diet; however, it can also be a sign of colon cancer, ovarian cancer, or a colon infection. If you have one bout of constipation after a day of extremely poor diet you most likely have nothing to worry about. However, if you have chronic constipation and change in bowels you will want to be seen by a medical professional as soon as possible to rule out any more serious conditions.
Chest Pain
Chest pain and feelings of indigestion are routinely overlooked by women. Heart disease is the number one killer of women, but most women do not take this concern as seriously as they should. Chronic indigestion or heartburn can actually be a sign of underlying heart conditions. Heartburn and indigestion are most commonly dismissed as acid reflux, but this can be a sign of an impending heart attack. Men typically have the feeling of being punched in the chest or as though someone is sitting on their chest, in women the signs can be much more subtle. Even just a small pressure in the chest or feeling of discomfort can be a signal of a much more serious event. Always have chest pain checked by a medical professional.
Side Stiches
Sharp pains in your side can be normal side stiches, but it can also signal appendicitis. If you have a sharp pain in your side which begins to get more intense as the day progresses this could signal the appendix is becoming inflamed. If not treated the appendix can rupture and become a life threatening condition. If you have pain that does not subside or gets worse throughout the day seek medical assistance.
These are just a few of the symptoms that women tend to overlook. If you have any chronic or ongoing health concerns always seek help from a medical professional. Even common symptoms can be an indication of a much more serious underlying issue.
