6 Health Issues That Should Be Addressed ASAP

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In many cases, enduring symptoms can result in irreversible harm. Protect yourself from bothersome symptoms, lifelong pain, and worse.

1. Migraines 

Nobody claims that these excruciatingly painful and incapacitating headaches necessitate an emergency response. However, recent research has revealed some concerning findings for women who suffer from migraines with auras—perceptual distortions, usually visual, such as flashing or zigzag lights or blurred vision.

Women who have migraines with auras have nearly twice the number of small brain lesions—tiny areas in the cerebellum where tissue has died—as women who don't have migraines. It is unclear whether these brain changes are caused by migraines with auras or by the changes that cause migraines.

Anyone suffering from severe or frequent headaches should consult a doctor who offers the most up-to-date treatments, such as assistance in identifying and managing headache triggers, as well as medications that can stop attacks and control pain.

2. Depression 

Seek help from a psychologist, psychiatrist, or another mental health professional if you have a persistent sad or anxious mood, feelings of hopelessness, a lack of interest in work or hobbies, or recurring thoughts of death or suicide. Or, at the very least, be open about your experiences with your primary care physician, who should know when to refer you to a specialist. 

You should consult a healthcare professional before deciding how long to continue therapy, medication, or both. Too many people simply stop taking their medications, which can lead to a bumpy landing or even a relapse.

3. Ankle sprains 

When you sprain your ankle, one or more of the three main ligaments that hold the joint together are stretched. If you do not properly treat an ankle sprain, the fibers in these ligaments may heal in an abnormally shortened or lengthened position, leaving you vulnerable to further injury. Indeed, up to 30% of people who sprain their ankles develop "chronic ankle instability," resulting in a vicious cycle of injury.

If you twist your ankle and are unable to walk or bear weight on it, go to the emergency room to rule out severe ligament damage and broken bones. Wrap your ankle with a compression bandage to reduce swelling and get off your feet if you can walk without excruciating pain.

4. Crushing chest pressure

Sharp pain is more likely to be musculoskeletal in nature, which is annoying but not dangerous. What you must avoid is sudden chest pain that feels like someone is sitting on your chest. The pressure sensation can also spread to your arms, back, and jaw. If moving around or pressing down on your chest makes it worse, it's not a heart attack; if it gets worse when you move, you should be evaluated right away. Women must be especially cautious.

They are less likely to experience chest pain and are more likely to experience easily overlooked discomfort in the arm, back, or jaw. Call your doctor right away—or, better yet, call while you're on your way to the emergency room.

5. Abdominal pain 

There are many bellyaches and bellyaches in the world, but there are some abdominal pains that should not be ignored. They could be signs of appendicitis or other potentially fatal conditions. Sharp stomach pains that worsen when you move or awaken from a deep sleep may indicate a dangerous problem, such as appendicitis or a gall bladder or colon crisis.

Contact your doctor or go to the emergency room if the pains are accompanied by fever, swelling, or tenderness; vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation; a change in the color of your urine; or a yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes. If you have sudden abdominal pain that radiates to your back or groin, especially if you feel light-headed, do the same.

6. Sudden changes in vision 

Sudden changes in vision can indicate a variety of issues that must be addressed right away. What you should do: If you see flashing lights or floaters, or if it appears as if a curtain or shade is sliding across your field of vision—or if you suddenly can't see out of one eye—call an ophthalmologist or go to the emergency room right away.

While retinal tears and retinal detachment are among the more common conditions associated with these symptoms, a specialist must rule out other possible causes. If caught early, most can be treated relatively noninvasively: When the retina tears, it can be treated with a noninvasive laser technique for a few hours or a day. Surgery is required for retinal detachment treatment.