Signs That You Need to See a Doctor

It might seem cliché, but it is always smart to prioritise health over anything else. With a healthy mind and body, you can take on any challenges. Whilst you might be taking the right measures to care for your body, getting diseases can be inevitable. This is why you should make it a point to visit your doctor every once in a whilst. However, there are cases which call for immediate diagnosis and here are some of them:

Chest Discomforts
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, coronary heart disease is the primary cause of death for both men and women in 2016. One effect of this disease is persistent chest pains due to partial blockage of coronary arteries or angina. Tightness in the chest is accompanied by a feeling of breathlessness, as well as neck, back and shoulders are all symptoms of this disease. If left untreated, it can lead to heart attacks.

This is followed by lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). With three of the top 5 leading causes of deaths located in the chest area, it is always smart to go to a doctor should you experience discomforts, especially recurring ones.

Persistent Stomach Pains
Most of the time, people tend to neglect stomach aches, as these tend to be minor. However, if you constantly experience abdominal discomforts, it might be time to see your doctor. Severe issues can be characterised by bowel bleeding, continual vomiting and extreme pain.

One illness you need to look out for is gastroenteritis. It can be caused by different factors including viruses, bacteria, parasites and chemicals. A study conducted by the Department of Health showed that in Australia, almost 25% of cases of gastroenteritis are caused by food contamination. An estimated number of 60 deaths per year can be attributed to foodborne gastroenteritis. If you experience abdominal pains, your best option is to see a gastroenterologist Brisbane.

Mental Illnesses
The Black Dog Institute revealed that around 20% of Australians between 16 to 85 years old suffer from mental illness, the most common of which is depression, anxiety and substance use disorder. Around 1.6% of deaths can be attributed to suicide. With the prevalence of mental illness amongst Australians, it is important to be aware of the symptoms such as extreme mood swings and lack of concentration.

Accessing support and treatments is an important factor in addressing any related concerns. To get the right help and possible medication, it is important to see a specialist.

There is nothing more important than maintaining your health. Whether for your mind or your body, seeing a specialist when you experience any discomfort is not only smart but also the right thing to do. By looking out for these signs, you can catch a budding illness at its beginning stage, allowing you to address it before it gets too late.

Author: Carrie Sze