Have you suddenly lost a lot of weight without changing your diet? 

Perhaps your bowel movements have changed, and you don’t know why. 

Although certain symptoms are known to need urgent medical attention such as chest pain and sudden loss of vision, other, more subtle symptoms may also need to be checked out. 

1. Unexplained weight loss

If you have suddenly lost weight but have not cut down on your calorie intake or upped your exercise regime, this could be a sign of a more serious health problem. 

Most notably, unexplained weight loss can be a sign of cancer, liver disease, or hyperthyroidism. It may also be the result of a mental health condition such as depression. 

To find out more about the common signs of cancer, visit moffitt.org, one of the leading cancer centers in the United States. 

2.Persistent high fever 

Fever plays a vital role in fighting off infections, which means that a persistent high fever could be a sign that you have an infection such as COVID-19 or a urinary tract infection (UTI). 

If you have a high fever and other symptoms such as fatigue, a cough, or a headache, then you should contact your doctor as soon as possible. 

3. Shortness of breath 

Strenuous exercise, high temperatures, or high altitudes typically cause shortness of breath. However, in some cases, it can indicate something that requires medical attention. 

If you experience shortness of breath that is sudden or severe, then this could indicate one of the following conditions: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, or a blood clot in the lung. 

4. Unexplained changes in bowel movements 

When it comes to bowel habits, everyone is different. Some people only experience bowel movements once daily, and others go more frequently. The important thing to look out for is a sudden change in your normal bowel movements, which can indicate an infection, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or colon cancer. 

Most notably, you should look out for persistent diarrhea or constipation, blood in your stools, and pain in the stomach that does not go away. 

5. Intense headaches 

While most people get a headache at some point or another, intense headaches or headaches that are accompanied by other symptoms such as confusion or weakness on one side, require urgent medical attention. 

Severe headaches can indicate a stroke or an aneurysm. They can also be the result of an injury to the head. 

The bottom line 

Many people ignore subtle symptoms, hoping they will just go away on their own. However, it is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health and seek the advice of a healthcare professional. 

If you are worried about wasting your doctor’s time, don’t be. They would much rather you make an appointment and rule out anything serious rather than wait until it’s too late to treat.