As corporate employees, it's important to prioritise your health and well-being. Unfortunately, it's easy to brush off certain symptoms as "minor" or "temporary" and continue with your busy schedules. But certain red flag symptoms are your body's way of saying that something is not right. No matter how minor a symptom may seem, if it persists for a long time, it can indicate a potential health complication in the long run. So, how do we decide when it's time to visit the doctor? We spoke to Dr. Madhusudhan Reddy, General Physician, Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad to help you figure out when to see a doctor.

One helpful tool in this decision-making process is a health risk assessment (HRA). An HRA is a test that helps identify any potential health risks or signs that you may be ignoring. By taking an HRA, you can take preventive and timely action to address any potential health concerns. Many workplaces offer corporate wellness services or your health/medical insurance provider may offer HRAs as well. So get ahead and take preventive action now to avoid serious health complications later.

 

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

 

The Top 17 Red Flags: Symptoms You Should Not Ignore

1. Slurred Speech, Facial Drooping, Confusion

If you have facial drooping, arm weakness, or slurred speech, it's important to get medical help right away because these could be signs of a stroke. Strokes happen when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, which can cause brain cells to die. It's important to get treatment quickly to prevent the long-term effects of a stroke. Read more on What To Do In An Emergency.

One type of stroke is called an ischemic stroke, which occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain. This type of stroke is life-threatening and needs immediate medical attention. A drug called tPA can dissolve the clot and prevent long-term damage, but it's most effective when given within three hours (or preferably within one hour) of the start of stroke symptoms. If you think you or someone else is having a stroke, call 102 or your local emergency number right away. Here are Lifestyle Changes That Keep Your Heart Healthy.

 

2. Chest Pain

Chest pain can be a sign of a variety of medical conditions, including heart attacks, pneumonia, and indigestion. If you are experiencing chest pain that is severe or persists for more than a few minutes, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Chest pain can also be accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty breathing, nausea, or sweating. Heart attack symptoms in women that are hard to spot, here’s what to watch out for.

“While you might also experience chest pain just due to indigestion from a spicy meal, the body alerts you to a more serious condition when it is accompanied by other alarming signs such as gasping for breath, passing out or nearly fainting, nausea, vomiting and profuse sweating. When you find other symptoms as well such as pain radiating to the neck, jaw, or inner aspect of the left arm; it's time to see the doc,” says Dr. Reddy.

 

Related story: 5 Yoga Postures For A Healthy Heart

 

3. Severe Vomiting or Diarrhoea

Vomiting and diarrhoea can be caused by a variety of factors, including food poisoning, infections, and certain medications. While mild cases may resolve on their own, severe cases can lead to dehydration and other complications. If you are experiencing severe vomiting or diarrhoea that persists for more than a few days, or if you are unable to keep fluids down, it is important to seek medical attention.

 

4. Rashes And Severe Itching During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, it is normal to experience some changes in your skin, including rashes and itching. However, if you are experiencing severe itching or a rash that is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, white stool, or difficulty breathing, it is important to speak with a medical professional. These symptoms could be a sign of a serious condition, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), which is a liver disorder that can develop in pregnancy.

 

Related story: Pregnancy At 35: What To Expect

 

5. Pain And Visible Changes In Breast Or Nipples

If you experience pain or notice any changes in your breast or nipples, such as swelling, redness, or a discharge, it is important to visit a medical expert for evaluation. These symptoms may be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal changes, infections, or underlying medical conditions, and it is important to determine the cause to receive proper treatment. “Especially, consult your doctor if you find any kind of nipple discharge or find the skin that is Itchy, red, scaled, dimpled, or puckered,” adds Dr. Reddy. It is also important to note that these symptoms do not necessarily indicate a serious underlying condition, but it is always better to be safe and have them checked by a medical professional.

 

6. Jaw, Shoulder, And Back Pain

Persistent or severe pain in the jaw, shoulder, or back can be a sign that something is wrong and should be evaluated by a medical expert. These types of pain can be caused by a variety of factors, such as muscle strain, arthritis, or even more serious conditions. If you are experiencing any of these red flag symptoms for back pain or shoulder, it is important to seek medical attention to identify the reason and receive proper treatment.

 

Related story: Pain Management With Eddie Stern

 

7. Frequent Headaches

“While primary headaches, which include migraine, tension-type headache, and cluster headache, are benign, secondary headaches are caused by underlying organic diseases ranging from sinusitis to subarachnoid haemorrhage,” says Dr. Reddy. Frequent or severe headaches can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, or they may be caused by other factors, such as stress or lack of sleep. If you are experiencing red flag symptoms for headaches that are not relieved by over-the-counter pain medication, it is important to visit a medical expert for evaluation. A medical professional can help determine the cause of your headaches and recommend the appropriate treatment.

 

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

 

8. Constipation And Tarry Stool

Constipation, defined as infrequent or difficult bowel movements, and tarry stool, which is the stool that appears dark and sticky, can both be signs of underlying medical conditions. Constipation can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a change in diet or medication, while tarry stool may be caused by bleeding in the digestive tract. If you are experiencing either of these symptoms, it is important to visit a medical expert for evaluation to determine the reason and receive effective treatment.

 

9. Backache

Most low back pain in primary care is mechanical and does not signify a dangerous underlying abnormality, but a minority indicates a serious condition, such as inflammatory disease, fracture, or cancer, finds Arthritis & Rheumatology, 2009.

Dr. Reddy suggests you call your doctor if your back pain doesn't go away after a week of at-home treatment, if it's persistent or severe, especially at night or when you're lying down, spreads down one or both legs, especially if it goes below the knee, results in weakness, numbness, or tingling in one or both legs, coincides with unintended weight loss, or is accompanied by swelling or redness on the back.

 

10. Thirst and Frequent Urination

Excessive thirst and frequent urination can be signs of an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes or a kidney disorder. If you are experiencing either of these symptoms, it is important to visit a medical expert for evaluation to find out what is causing the problem and get the right treatment. It is also important to note that these symptoms may be caused by other factors, such as medications or a change in diet, and a medical professional can help detect the source and suggest the proper treatment.

 

Related story: Is Drinking Water Enough To Stay Hydrated

 

11. Breathing Trouble

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as asthma or a lung disorder. If you are experiencing breathing trouble, it is important to visit a medical expert for evaluation to find out the reason for the issue and get the right treatment. It is also important to note that breathing trouble may be caused by other factors, such as anxiety or physical exertion, and a medical professional can help determine the cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.

 

12. Suicidal Thoughts

If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, it is important to seek help immediately. These thoughts can be a sign of a serious mental health condition, such as depression, and it is important to get treatment as soon as possible. There are many resources available to help you, including hotlines, therapy, and medication. Do not hesitate to reach out for help if you are having suicidal thoughts. It is important to remember that there is hope and you can get through this. Take a look at our Suicide Prevention 101: Resource Guide.

 

13. Crippling Anxiety

Anxiety is a common emotion that people experience often. However, when anxiety becomes frequent and intense, it can interfere with daily life and may be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Symptoms of anxiety disorders can include panic attacks, which are episodes of intense fear or panic that come on suddenly and without warning.

If you are experiencing crippling anxiety or frequent panic attacks, it is important to visit a medical expert for evaluation to determine the cause and receive proper treatment. Treatment options for anxiety disorders may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both. It is important to get help as soon as possible to manage your anxiety and improve your quality of life.

 

Related story: Relieve Anxiety With Touch Of A Button

 

14. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease exhibits a profusion of symptoms, the most common being heartburn and regurgitation. Even though it's benign most of the time these symptoms also could be due to underlying serious conditions. Certain red flags to check for when you experience gastroesophageal reflux disease include unexplained weight loss, persistent or protracted vomiting, iron deficiency anaemia, coughing spells, and difficulty in swallowing.

 

15. Red eye

The possible reason for a red eye in patients who present to general practice is conjunctivitis. However, red eyes can also be a factor of a grave eye condition, in which lagging in treatment due to a misdiagnosis can evolve in permanent visual loss.

Some red flags to check for red eye include moderate to severe pain (which results in possible conditions such as acute angle closure glaucoma), decreased vision, and sluggish pupillary reaction to light.

 

16. Pain And Burning During Sex

Pain during penetration might be associated with a range of factors, including not enough lubrication, injury, trauma or irritation, inflammation, infection, or skin disorder.

However, if you develop green or foul-smelling discharge, swelling, irritation, fever, or chills, you should seek medical advice to rule out infections, recommends Dr. Reddy.

 

17. Unexplained Bruises

“Bruises are fairly common. But, scenarios when you see a large bruise for no apparent reason or find a bruise that shows no sign of improvement after a week or two, or bruises that keep occurring in the area are some red flags to check for,” says Dr. Reddy. A doctor will examine the area, and perform tests and blood tests to check for underlying causes.

 

Related story: How To Practice Safe Sex

 

Take Charge Of Your Health, Let Us Help You

It is important to take charge of your health and schedule regular check-ups with a medical expert. At Urlife, we understand the importance of good health and offer customised holistic wellness programs to support and encourage a healthy lifestyle for every individual. Our programs cater to the mental and physical well-being of employees, offering a range of interventions and support through every stage of life. From our early motherhood program to self-defence tips, our overall healthcare plan for women supports them through every stage of their life.

 

Related story: 5 Easy Mindfulness Habits To Improve Your Mental Health

 

In addition to our online and offline programs, we also offer on-site, off-site, and home collection of health check-ups and interventions. We understand that sometimes it can be difficult to find time to visit a medical professional, so we offer video/audio consultations with nutritionists and psychologists, as well as access to the Apollo 24/7 circle membership. Our wellness network also offers additional discounts and resources to support overall health and well-being. By taking charge of your health and utilising the resources offered by URlife, you can take the first step towards a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

 

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

 

Inputs by Dr. Madhusudhan Reddy, General Physician, Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad