MEN are 50% less likely to visit their doctor as compared to women, but there are some vital warning signs all lads should be aware of because a small health problem could be a symptom of a more serious health condition.
Women have higher life expectancy at birth than men by nearly four years.
When it comes to health, women's medical issues always top the charts and men's issues stay suppressed or less spoken about. Many a times, men tend to ignore their health issues and often refuse to seek help. For both the genders, health issues are equal. It is important for people to pay attention to their medical issues. In case of men, it is integral to check out issues that are bothering them. Men tend to skip checkups, delay medical assistance and ignore symptoms. Here are some symptoms in men which if noticed shouldn't be ignored.
1. Shortness of breath
If you feel short of breath in your day to day routine, it is time; you should not take it lightly anymore. Though, issues and symptoms differ from one body to another. But certain signs like breathlessness and exertion need to be taken seriously. For instance, if you feel shortness of breath right after a light walk then it could be a sign of coronary ischemia. This is a situation where there is a complete or partial blockage of an artery (that carries blood to your heart).
If you feel any of the following symptoms then you should consult your doctor immediately:
2. Unintended weight loss
In case you haven't been on any weight loss diet or doing any exercise for weight loss, then any change in your weight can be a concern. Weight loss is a sign of several diseases as serious as cancer. Seek medical attention at the earliest and share all your unintentional weight loss and other symptoms if any.
3. Bloody or black stools
Bowels usually differ in colour due to your food consumption and medicines. But you need to pay attention when the stool turns out to be pale, black, or bloody. This problem can be serious and black stool may be a sign of bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract (digestive tract). On the other hand, if the stool is bloody or maroon then it may indicate bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal tract (digestive tract). If you frequently notice your stool like this, it is time to take it seriously. This could be a sign of haemorrhoids, bleeding or ulcers. If your stool is light colorued then it indicates problems related to your bile ducts or liver. And if you notice unusual changes in the colour of your stool, contact your doctor right away.
4. Tendency to urinate frequently
If you have a habit of urinating frequently then it could be a sign of diabetes. In diabetes, kidneys work more to eliminate excessive sugar from the bloodstream. Apart from this, prostate problems also cause frequent urination. If you are facing discomfort in your pelvic region, and finding blood in your semen or urine then you should consult your doctor.
5. Constipation
Constipation is a common condition which people suffer from time and again. This issue gets common after the age of 50. Constipation gets chronic when one has to push hard and strain during bowel movements. If you are facing this, it can be hemorrhoids that can cause discomfort around rectum and bleeding.
Other than this, if you are facing chronic constipation then it means something is stopping your bowel movement. It could be a polyp or tumor in your intestines blocking the colon. There could be an underlying condition that is causing abnormal colon motility. You should get an early diagnosis as it could be a sign of colon cancer.
6. Erectile dysfunction
It is a situation of inability to maintain or develop an erection of the penis during sexual intercourse. It can also be a sign of a serious problems like cardiovascular disease. Erectile dysfunction can take place due to depression or stress. It can be treated using therapy and medications. This issue is often treated by doctors. In case, if you are facing this problem, notify your doctor immediately.
7. Frequent heartburn
Heartburn is an occasional issue that happens due to frequently eating pastas, greasy burgers etc. If you feel heartburn after all your meals, it could be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is commonly called as acid reflux. If you do not treat it on time then you may face issues like ulcers. In many unfortunate cases, chronic GERD can cause cancer of the esophagus too.If you are facing heartburn frequently, you should see your doctor as it could be any heart problem.
8. Excessive snoring
Loud snoring seems like annoyance to many. But, if snoring is chronic and loud, it could be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea. During this situation,muscles in your throat relax and block your airway for some time when you are sleeping.This can disrupt your sleeping patterns, cause breathing issues and leave you tired even after sleeping adequately. If apnea is not treated well, then it can cause cardiovascular disease. It is a lung disease and it can lead to abnormal heart rhythm or heart failure. In many cases, snoring is associated with type 2 diabetes and obesity.
9. Breast mass
Breast cancer is often associated with women but reality is, it occurs to men too. If you feel a lump or thickening in your breast, or if you see your nipples are getting darkened or they are turning red, or they are beginning to have a discharge, inform your doctor immediately. This kind of diagnosis is very important for men. Do not shy away if you are facing any kind of these symptoms, get help right away.
Men should never take their health issues lightly. They should pay attention to each and every sign their body is giving. Concentrate on healthy eating, and exercising. If you smoke or drink heavily then you should quit it at the earliest. These habits have their own serious implications and show signs when things are out of hands. If you are suffering from any of the above issues, then cut away all your inhibitions and speak to your doctor today.
1. Shortness of breath
If you feel short of breath in your day to day routine, it is time; you should not take it lightly anymore. Though, issues and symptoms differ from one body to another. But certain signs like breathlessness and exertion need to be taken seriously. For instance, if you feel shortness of breath right after a light walk then it could be a sign of coronary ischemia. This is a situation where there is a complete or partial blockage of an artery (that carries blood to your heart).
If you feel any of the following symptoms then you should consult your doctor immediately:
- Pressure and tightness in your chest
- Extreme shortness of breath
- Dizziness
2. Unintended weight loss
In case you haven't been on any weight loss diet or doing any exercise for weight loss, then any change in your weight can be a concern. Weight loss is a sign of several diseases as serious as cancer. Seek medical attention at the earliest and share all your unintentional weight loss and other symptoms if any.
3. Bloody or black stools
Bowels usually differ in colour due to your food consumption and medicines. But you need to pay attention when the stool turns out to be pale, black, or bloody. This problem can be serious and black stool may be a sign of bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract (digestive tract). On the other hand, if the stool is bloody or maroon then it may indicate bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal tract (digestive tract). If you frequently notice your stool like this, it is time to take it seriously. This could be a sign of haemorrhoids, bleeding or ulcers. If your stool is light colorued then it indicates problems related to your bile ducts or liver. And if you notice unusual changes in the colour of your stool, contact your doctor right away.
4. Tendency to urinate frequently
If you have a habit of urinating frequently then it could be a sign of diabetes. In diabetes, kidneys work more to eliminate excessive sugar from the bloodstream. Apart from this, prostate problems also cause frequent urination. If you are facing discomfort in your pelvic region, and finding blood in your semen or urine then you should consult your doctor.
5. Constipation
Constipation is a common condition which people suffer from time and again. This issue gets common after the age of 50. Constipation gets chronic when one has to push hard and strain during bowel movements. If you are facing this, it can be hemorrhoids that can cause discomfort around rectum and bleeding.
Other than this, if you are facing chronic constipation then it means something is stopping your bowel movement. It could be a polyp or tumor in your intestines blocking the colon. There could be an underlying condition that is causing abnormal colon motility. You should get an early diagnosis as it could be a sign of colon cancer.
6. Erectile dysfunction
It is a situation of inability to maintain or develop an erection of the penis during sexual intercourse. It can also be a sign of a serious problems like cardiovascular disease. Erectile dysfunction can take place due to depression or stress. It can be treated using therapy and medications. This issue is often treated by doctors. In case, if you are facing this problem, notify your doctor immediately.
7. Frequent heartburn
Heartburn is an occasional issue that happens due to frequently eating pastas, greasy burgers etc. If you feel heartburn after all your meals, it could be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is commonly called as acid reflux. If you do not treat it on time then you may face issues like ulcers. In many unfortunate cases, chronic GERD can cause cancer of the esophagus too.If you are facing heartburn frequently, you should see your doctor as it could be any heart problem.
8. Excessive snoring
Loud snoring seems like annoyance to many. But, if snoring is chronic and loud, it could be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea. During this situation,muscles in your throat relax and block your airway for some time when you are sleeping.This can disrupt your sleeping patterns, cause breathing issues and leave you tired even after sleeping adequately. If apnea is not treated well, then it can cause cardiovascular disease. It is a lung disease and it can lead to abnormal heart rhythm or heart failure. In many cases, snoring is associated with type 2 diabetes and obesity.
9. Breast mass
Breast cancer is often associated with women but reality is, it occurs to men too. If you feel a lump or thickening in your breast, or if you see your nipples are getting darkened or they are turning red, or they are beginning to have a discharge, inform your doctor immediately. This kind of diagnosis is very important for men. Do not shy away if you are facing any kind of these symptoms, get help right away.
Men should never take their health issues lightly. They should pay attention to each and every sign their body is giving. Concentrate on healthy eating, and exercising. If you smoke or drink heavily then you should quit it at the earliest. These habits have their own serious implications and show signs when things are out of hands. If you are suffering from any of the above issues, then cut away all your inhibitions and speak to your doctor today.
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