Eight Symptoms You Should Not Ignore

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We all have occasional aches and pains, and usually they fade away with an over-the-counter pain reliever or a little rest. But some aches and pains, as well as unexplained physical changes in body function, can be signs of serious illness, and require medical evaluation.

“A lot of times people ignore important symptoms because they think they will pass, but the truth is, your body is telling you there may be a problem you need to address,” says Patrick Puliti, MD, a primary care physician with Penn Medicine Princeton Medicine Physicians, the primary and specialty care provider network of Penn Medicine Princeton Health. “Anything that is reoccurring or unexplained should be brought to your primary care doctor’s attention. Hopefully it will be nothing serious, but checking it out is important.”

Dr. Puliti recommends seeking a medical evaluation for the symptoms listed on the right.

“I recommend patients make a list of the symptoms they have experienced since their last doctor’s visit and bring it with them to their appointment,” says Dr. Puliti. “Keeping up with your annual physical exam and health screenings is extremely important, but in between these, be sure to alert your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.”

8 Symptoms You Should Not Ignore

Unexplained Weight Loss. This can be a red flag for cancer, gastrointestinal conditions, or thyroid problems, as well as other conditions.

Increased Thirst and/or Urination. These symptoms can mean you are experiencing high levels of blood sugar, indicating the start of diabetes.

Frequent Chest Discomfort. While sudden chest pain or discomfort may be a sign of a heart attack and require immediate medical attention, recurring chest discomfort may be a sign of a lung, gastrointestinal, or heart problem.

Chronic Headaches. A sudden intense headache may be a sign of a stroke or aneurysm, and you should seek immediate medical attention, but recurring headaches may be a sign of a number of other medical conditions, including anxiety and stress, migraines, back problems, and even tumors.

Unexplained Night Sweats/Fevers. Night sweats or fevers unrelated to menopause can be a sign of certain autoimmune diseases or cancer.

Bumps and Lumps. Any unexplained bumps or lumps should be brought to your doctor’s attention since they may be signs of a tumor or infection.

Bowel Changes. Changes in frequency and consistency of bowel movements may be signs of cancer or a gastrointestinal condition.

Muscle Aches. Chronic achy muscles may be a sign of an autoimmune disease such as arthritis, lupus, or Lyme disease, as well as cancer, an infection, or an injury.

To find a physician affiliated with Penn Medicine Princeton Medicine Physicians, call 1.800.FINDADR, or visit FindADr.com.