Should I see a doctor?
This is a question most people will have asked themselves at some point in time. Your health is your most valuable asset, and knowing the difference between minor illnesses and when to see a doctor is crucial. While some symptoms might be minor and fleeting, others can be warning signs of underlying health issues.
Here, we look at some common symptoms to guide you on how to know if you should see a doctor, and why seeking timely medical advice is essential.
Unexplained weight loss
Losing weight without trying can be a red flag for various conditions, from thyroid disorders and diabetes to more serious concerns like cancer. If you’ve noticed a significant drop in your weight (around 5% of your body weight in less than a year) without changes to diet or activity, please speak to your GP.
Fatigue and persistent exhaustion
While tiredness is common, persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest could signal an underlying problem. For example, prolonged exhaustion could be a sign of anaemia, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, or even heart or thyroid conditions. If you’re constantly exhausted without a clear cause, it’s worth discussing with a GP.
Persistent cough
A cough lasting more than three weeks, especially if it’s unexplained or produces blood, might point to infections like pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or in some cases, lung cancer. Persistent coughs should not be ignored – please speak to your GP as soon as possible.
Persistent headaches
Frequent or severe headaches that don’t respond to over-the-counter painkillers could be a sign of migraines, tension headaches, or more serious conditions like a brain aneurysm or tumour. If your headaches come with other symptoms like vision changes or confusion, please seek urgent medical advice.
Changes in skin
Skin changes, such as a rash that doesn’t heal, persistent itchiness, or yellowing of the skin (jaundice), can indicate issues ranging from allergic reactions to liver disease. Any mole that changes in size, colour, or shape should also be examined, as despite it being normal, there is a small chance it could be a sign of skin cancer.
Changes in stools
Alterations in bowel habits, such as persistent diarrhoea, constipation, blood in the stool, or black tarry stools, can signal digestive problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), infections, or even bowel cancer. Monitor changes and consult your GP if symptoms persist.
Back pain
Though common and often harmless, back pain that doesn’t improve with rest or is accompanied by other symptoms like fever, numbness, or unexplained weight loss could point to infections, kidney problems, or cancer. Persistent back pain warrants a medical evaluation.
Breast changes
Lumps, dimpling, nipple discharge, or changes in the size or shape of your breast could be early signs of breast cancer. Even if these changes are painless, you should always have them checked by a healthcare professional.
Unusual or prolonged bloating
Bloating that lasts more than three weeks, especially if accompanied by pain, changes in appetite, or unexplained weight loss, could be a symptom of ovarian cancer or gastrointestinal issues. Seek medical advice for persistent bloating.
Night sweats
Occasional night sweats can be linked to infections or hormonal changes, but regular, heavy sweating at night might be a sign of conditions like tuberculosis, lymphoma, or menopause. Speak to your doctor if this symptom becomes frequent and unexplained.
New or unexplained pain
Pain that appears suddenly or doesn’t resolve with over-the-counter treatment could indicate anything from muscular injuries to more serious conditions like infections, inflammation, or even cancer. Pain is your body’s way of signalling something might be wrong – listen to it.
Mental health support and referrals
If you’re experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or stress that interfere with your daily life, don’t hesitate to see your GP. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and your doctor can provide support, treatment, or referrals to specialists.
Bleeding (vaginal, rectal, or unexplained)
Unexpected bleeding—whether vaginal (outside of normal periods), rectal, or in urine—can indicate conditions such as fibroids, haemorrhoids, infections, or cancer. Prompt medical evaluation is crucial.
Don’t ignore changes in your body
Your body knows what’s normal for you. If something changes and feels unusual, doesn’t rectify itself, or persists longer than expected, it’s better to err on the side of caution and see a GP. Early detection often leads to better outcomes, and your GP can provide the reassurance or treatment you need.
Trust your instincts – if something feels off, it’s worth investigating further. Don’t let fear or uncertainty delay seeking help. After all, taking care of your health today ensures a healthier tomorrow.
