Health awareness and disease prevention are the new watchwords for health-care professionals. We are increasingly urging patients to be aware of their own bodies and see a doctor if there are any worrying changes. So what should you be looking out for, apart from the obvious issue of breast awareness?
Unexplained weight change
We are all tuned in to weight change that is due to lifestyle changes such as eating habits and exercise. But unexplained weight change, particularly weight loss, can be a marker for a number of medical problems such as thyroid disease, diabetes, depression, coeliac disease, chronic infections such as TB, and some cancers. Usually the weight loss is associated with some other symptom, such as thirst in diabetes, or cough in TB, but sometimes weight loss is the only indicator that something is significantly wrong. If weight is falling steadily over a four-week period (as shown by weekly home weighings, preferably early morning and naked), then you should see your doctor. Progressive, unexplained weight gain should also be reported, as it can signify thyroid disease or other hormonal conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome.
Tired all the time
This is one of the most common presenting symptoms in GP surgeries. Less than 5% of people with this symptom have a significant physical illness to account for it, but it is important to test for such problems as anaemia, thyroid disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and a few other, rarer conditions.
Many of the physically well 95% are in fact depressed, and tiredness can be a very prominent symptom in milder forms of depression. For the majority of chronically tired people, the problem is lifestyle related. Stress, bad diet, too little exercise, too much caffeine, nicotine and alcohol all play a part.
So if you are a sufferer, get checked out for the physical causes, and then take a close look at your mood and lifestyle.
Skin changes
The skin can give a lot of information about health and well-being. We all know how tiredness and eating badly can affect the appearance of our skin. But more important information can be obtained from skin. Persistently pale skin may indicate anaemia, very dry, dull skin may indicate an underactive thyroid gland, a sallow appearance may indicate kidney problems, and yellow discoloration can be the first sign of jaundice.
Puffiness can be due to fatigue, allergy, or more seriously, kidney disease. Unexplained, excessive bruising may be due to a blood disorder affecting platelets, the blood cells responsible for clotting. Broken veins and reddening of the face may be due to too much alcohol, liver disease, high blood pressure or a blood disorder.
Sun-related skin damage can give a warning that the skin is having too much sun, and that there is a risk of sun-related skin cancers developing in the future. If you have any new, but persistent skin changes, it is sensible to consult your doctor.
Change of bowel habit
The British often have a slightly odd attitude towards bowel functions, regarding them as a necessary evil or a source of ribald humour, but not actually wanting to evaluate them too closely or discuss them. This is in sharp contrast to some other European countries where toilets are manufactured with a transparent 'viewing platform' that allows close inspection of the motions before flushing them.
Regular assessment can give warning of health problems. Black, tar-like motions can warn of a stomach ulcer or stomach irritation from anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. Pale stools that are difficult to flush away may indicate an absorption problem such as coeliac disease. Persistent constipation or diarrhoea can be signs of a thyroid disorder. Blood or mucus in the motions should always be reported to your doctor, as they may be early symptoms of a serious underlying bowel condition.
Urine
Urine colour gives a good indication of level of hydration. Yellow, strongly smelling urine indicates that fluid intake isn't high enough. With a good level of hydration, the urine should be almost colourless and odourless.
Blood in the urine should always be investigated, and persistently frothy urine should also be reported to the doctor, as it may indicate kidney disease.
