"Hey, you okay? You’ve been looking wiped out lately," Sarah asked, sipping her coffee as she glanced at Mahi across the table. Mahi shrugged, rubbing his neck. "Yeah, just tired, I guess. Been feeling off for a while, but it’s probably nothing." Sarah frowned, setting her mug down. "You sure? I mean, if you’re constantly exhausted or something’s not right, like weird pains or sudden changes: that’s your body’s way of saying it’s time to see a doctor." Mahi paused, considering her words. It’s easy to brush off little symptoms, but signs like persistent fatigue, unexplained weight shifts, or nagging discomfort can be red flags. 

In a 2025 study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, researchers found that nearly 60 per cent of adults delayed or avoided necessary medical care, with many attributing it to underestimating the seriousness of their symptoms. Such delays were linked to worsened outcomes, especially in chronic or progressive conditions.

Paying attention to these cues and getting a doctor’s advice can catch issues early and keep you on track for good health.

Need all your wellness solutions in one place? A whole new world awaits just a click away.

13 Signs to Visit a Doctor

Persistent Fever

A fever is a natural immune response. But when it sticks around too long or reaches high temperatures, it may indicate something more serious than a routine viral infection.
Seek medical help if:

• Fever lasts more than 3 days
• Temperature is above 103°F (39.4°C)
• Accompanied by confusion, rash, or difficulty breathing

Unexplained Weight Loss

Losing weight without trying may seem like a bonus, but it often points to underlying health issues that require medical evaluation.
Get checked if:

• You lose over 5 per cent of body weight in 6–12 months without effort
• You notice fatigue, appetite loss, or muscle wasting
• Weight loss is accompanied by other unexplained symptoms

Related story: Doctor’s Rx for Treating Viral Fever Symptoms

 

Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)

Breathing should be effortless. If you find yourself gasping, wheezing, or unable to breathe deeply, something may be affecting your lungs or heart.
See a doctor if:

• Breathlessness comes on suddenly or without exertion
• Worsens over days or interferes with sleep
   
• Accompanied by chest pain, dizziness, or bluish lips

Chest Pain or Pressure

Chest discomfort can be caused by indigestion, but it can also signal heart trouble. Knowing the difference could be life-saving.
Seek immediate care if:

• Pain radiates to the arm, jaw, back, or neck
• Comes with nausea, sweating, or shortness of breath
• Occurs during exertion and eases with rest

Related story: Dengue Fever: All You Need to Know

Severe or Recurrent Headaches

Everyone gets headaches, but some types need urgent attention. A sudden or different kind of headache could indicate something dangerous.
Don’t ignore headaches that:

• Are intense and sudden (thunderclap headache)
• Wake you up from sleep or worsen over time
• Come with nausea, vision changes, or numbness

Changes in Bowel or Bladder Habits

Altered digestion or urination patterns can reflect internal issues like infection, inflammation, or cancer.
Call your doctor if you notice:

• Blood in stool or urine
• Black, tarry stools
• Long-standing constipation, diarrhoea, or urgency

Related Story: Decoding Headaches

New Lumps or Masses

A lump under the skin may be harmless, but if it grows or feels unusual, it should be checked to rule out serious causes.
Pay attention if:

• The lump persists beyond a few weeks
• Increases in size or changes in texture
• Appears without any known injury or infection

Mood or Cognitive Changes

Mental health and brain function are closely linked. Sudden shifts in mood, memory, or behaviour may indicate deeper neurological or psychological conditions.
Seek help if:

• There's ongoing sadness, irritability, or anxiety
• You notice memory lapses or confusion
• There are speech difficulties or personality changes
   

Related Story: 5 Clever Tips to Eat Healthy While Ordering Takeout

Persistent Fatigue

Ongoing tiredness not explained by poor sleep or overwork may reflect chronic disease or nutrient deficiency.
Consult a doctor if:

• Fatigue continues for weeks despite rest
• It interferes with daily functioning
• You also experience dizziness, a low mood, or weakness
   

Wounds That Don’t Heal

The skin should typically repair itself in 1–2 weeks. Delayed healing may mean infection or poor circulation.
Medical attention is needed when:

• Cuts or ulcers take over 2–3 weeks to heal
• There's pus, redness, or worsening pain
• You have diabetes or other circulation issues

Vision or Hearing Changes

Sudden or progressive changes in sight or hearing can point to neurological or vascular problems. Early treatment improves outcomes.
Get evaluated if:

• Vision becomes blurry, doubled, or lost suddenly
• Hearing fades, rings, or becomes distorted
• Symptoms occur along with dizziness or headache

Related story: Fighting The Stomach Flu: Symptoms, Treatment And Prevention

Frequent Infections

Constant colds, UTIs, or respiratory issues may signal a weakened immune system or underlying chronic illness.
See a doctor when:

• Infections happen repeatedly (e.g., more than 3 times a year)
• Recovery takes longer than expected
• Fevers, chills, or body aches become a pattern

Swelling in Legs, Feet, or Abdomen

Unusual or persistent swelling could suggest fluid retention from heart, kidney, or liver dysfunction.
Don't ignore swelling that:

• Comes with weight gain or shortness of breath
• Occurs mostly at night or worsens throughout the day
• Is accompanied by pain, redness, or tight skin

Need all your wellness solutions in one place? A whole new world awaits just a click away.

Regular health checks are essential for everyone, but they are particularly important for individuals who are at risk of or already have any underlying conditions. Taking regular health checks can help detect the condition at an early stage when it is easier to manage and treat. With the UR.Life HRA, we help you to invest in your well-being through seamless interventions and targeted medical treatments. Our holistic wellness approach caters to all aspects of your well-being. We ensure that you can bring your whole self to work.

With our medical professionals by your side, routine health check-ups will never be an issue. Advanced laboratory technologies back UR.Life’s Occupational Health Centers (OHC), and with highly qualified experts/technicians, we’re committed to delivering trusted and quality recommendations, modifications and advice to you.