8 Symptoms Not to Ignore

From the Spring 2010 StayHealthy publication persistent-fever

As we all struggle to meet the demands on our time and budgets, it’s easy to disregard that nagging ache or occasional irregularity. Yet, some symptoms go beyond annoying to alarming. Here are some to watch for:

1. Persistent or high fever

A persistent fever can signal a hidden problem, such as a urinary tract infection, tuberculosis or even a malignancy such as Hodgkin’s disease, according to Subha Elango, MD, a family practitioner with Porter. “For children, I would consult a doctor if fever reaches 102, especially if you can’t bring it down with Tylenol or other pain reliever,” said Elango. She recommends that adults consult a doctor for a persistent fever. “Anytime you’re in doubt, it’s a good idea to call your doctor to see if you should be seen,” she said.

Body Temperature: What's Normal?

While "normal" body temperature varies from person to person, the average normal temperature is 98.6°F. Your own temperature will also vary throughout the day, usually being lowest in the early morning and rising as much as 1°F in the early evening. A woman’s body temperature typically varies by 1°F or more throughout her menstrual cycle, peaking around the time of ovulation.

2. Unexplained weight loss

Involuntary weight loss may suggest an underlying medical or psychiatric disease and requires evaluation, according to Prasanthi Tummuru, MD, a general practitioner with Porter “Significant weight loss – more than 5 percent of baseline weight over 6 to 12 months – could be caused by hyperthyroidism, malabsorption, diabetes, depression, or even cancer. It’s important to be evaluated by your doctor,” she said.

3. Unexplained changes in bowel habits

Bowel movements are a highly personal habit, varying widely from person to person – from several times a day to just once every several days. “But it’s important to check out any changes in your normal baseline that you can’t explain due to diet or a new routine,” said Sophia Khan, MD, gastroenterologist with Digestive Healthcare Associates. “Also see your doctor for symptoms such as nighttime diarrhea, any blood in the stool, or black stools which can indicate bleeding higher up,” she said.

4. Hot, red or swollen joint

Hot, red or swollen joint If your swollen or inflamed joint doesn’t respond to the RICE principle (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation), it may be a joint infection – particularly if it’s accompanied by fever, according to Maureen Hughes, director of Porter’s joint repalcement unit. Consult your doctor to rule out infection.

5. Sudden weakness or loss of vision headaches

"This type of symptom may actually indicate a serious neurological emergency (that is a stroke),” according to James Kozelka, MD, PhD, neurologist with Associates in Neurology in Valparaiso. “This situation is no less urgent than acute chest pain and requires immediate medical attention. The sooner the patient is fully evaluated and appropriately treated, the better the outcome. Decisions on possible brain rescuing medications must be made so that those medicines can be administered within three hours,” he said.

6. Sudden Severe Headache

Headaches are common and generally not a cause for concern. But a sudden, severe headache could indicate a serious problem. "A brain tumor or aneurism can cause an extreme and sudden headache,” said Leah Saltanovitz, Community Wellness Coordinator for Porter. “If your headache is the worst you’ve ever had, you should see a doctor right away,” she said.

7. Sudden trouble finding the right words

"Very occasional difficulty finding the right word may not be of concern, however sudden onset difficulty speaking with slurred speech or using the wrong words could indicate stroke,” according to Richard Strawsburg, MD, neurologist with Associates in Neurology in Valparaiso. “One should go to the emergency room immediately should there be a sudden development of using incorrect words, not being able to understand speech or having slurred speech” he said.

8. Feeling full after eating very little

Feeling full even after eating little can indicate a variety of things, including ulcers, motility disorders, pancreatic problems, or even stomach cancer, according to Stephen Paul, MD, gastroenterologist with Digestive Healthcare Associates. “Sometimes people get full faster and it can mean nothing serious, but if someone is feeling full and losing weight, they should see a doctor to rule out a serious problem,” he said.