Since 2020, we have been greatly worried about any minor symptom and lassitude and tend to worry if it is COVID-19 and if yes, then what will be the worst case scenario. But lately, we have been so consumed with the thoughts and concerns of COVID-19 that we eventually have ignored the existence of the other prior health issues and medical conditions. All those illnesses still exist, whether there is an ongoing pandemic or not. And, in fact, doctors warn that ignoring regular check-ups and follow-ups will bring a deluge (like a pandemic) of earlier known health conditions and complications.
Here are a few symptoms that one should never ignore:
1. Jaw and/or throat pain:
Unlike shown in movies, people rightaway don’t collapse clutching their chest and die from heart attack. The symptoms often come slowly and people may describe an uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, or pain in the center of the chest that lasts a few minutes, or goes away and comes back again. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, not everyone experiences classic chest pain with a heart attack, especially women. Pressure, discomfort or aching in your arms, neck, jaw or back can be your only symptom. Dr. Peter Bogaty of the Montreal Cardiac Clinic says: “The heart, esophagus and organs within the chest all share a common nerve supply with the jaw and arms, so it isn’t necessarily the heart.” But if the feeling is new, doesn’t feel right and doesn’t go away after a few minutes, call for help.
2. Anosmia, even if not from covid-19:
The loss of smell and taste is one of the major symptoms of the deadly COVID-19 and people generally look out for these symptoms initially. Besides respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19 and influenza, other conditions like allergies, nasal polyps, and nerve issues could be possible culprits for someone losing their sense of smell. People with anosmia may not be able to fully taste foods and may lose interest in eating. This can lead to weight loss or malnutrition. Anosmia can also lead to depression because it may impair one’s ability to smell or taste pleasurable foods. More serious conditions that affect the brain or nerves, such as brain tumors or head trauma, can cause permanent loss of smell. Old age sometimes causes anosmia.
2. Anosmia, even if not from covid-19:
The loss of smell and taste is one of the major symptoms of the deadly COVID-19 and people generally look out for these symptoms initially. Besides respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19 and influenza, other conditions like allergies, nasal polyps, and nerve issues could be possible culprits for someone losing their sense of smell. People with anosmia may not be able to fully taste foods and may lose interest in eating. This can lead to weight loss or malnutrition. Anosmia can also lead to depression because it may impair one’s ability to smell or taste pleasurable foods. More serious conditions that affect the brain or nerves, such as brain tumors or head trauma, can cause permanent loss of smell. Old age sometimes causes anosmia.
3. Continuous Fatigue:
Sometimes an awry schedule or sudden change in daily routine might lead to fatigue or extreme tiredness, but it also might be due to heavy smoking, not getting enough sleep or increased alcohol consumption. Though, even after ruling out all these factors, if fatigue still persists, you should ask your doctor about pathological tests he may want to advise to check your haemoglobin, Thyroid (T3, T4, TSH) hormone levels. Heart disease, diabetes, anxiety, depression, auto-immune disorders, certain types of cancers, etc too creep in unnoticed. So make an appointment with a doctor and get the correct diagnosis soon.
4. Flashes of light:
Migraine sufferers know this symptom very well. During an ocular migraine or migraine with aura, you may see flashing or shimmering lights, zigzagging lines, or stars. These episodes can be frightening, but in most cases, they’re harmless and short-lived, and eyesight goes back to normal afterwards. But it could also be a sign of Retinal detachment. This often happens and is pretty much harmless, but these signs of changes are due to the vitreous gel inside our eyeballs. But sudden, bright ashes or a larger number of oaters can mean the retina has torn. That’s an eye emergency and should not ignore.
5. Tingling sensation in your legs and arms:
It is quite normal for each of us to feel normal pins and needles sensation that one gets after sitting cramped in one position. Mayo Clinic site says that Diabetic neuropathy most often damages nerves in your legs and feet. Depending on the affected nerves, diabetic neuropathy symptoms can range from pain and numbness in your legs and feet to problems with your digestive system, urinary tract, blood vessels and heart. If symptoms persist, you should visit a doctor.
