A few light coughs, occasional mild headaches, or instances when your muscles suddenly feel uncoordinated—these are serious symptoms that are often easily overlooked.
We tend to think: “It’s just a minor issue.” However, the reality is different. Please refer to the article below for a proper understanding and to explore suitable preventive measures.
1. Persistent Cough.
![]() |
(Image: berkeley) |
If you have recently had a cold or flu and are still experiencing a persistent cough for several days or even weeks, it may be normal. However, if these coughs occur without cause, it is best to visit a doctor. This could be a sign of tuberculosis or lung cancer.
2. Rectal Bleeding. If your stool is unusually dark and your anus is bleeding, you should schedule an appointment with a doctor. Cases can range from mild conditions like intestinal bleeding to serious issues like colorectal cancer.
3. Persistent Headaches Without Clear Reason. While we sometimes allow ourselves to have minor headaches when life becomes stressful, if you find yourself increasingly relying on painkillers or sedatives, and your work begins to suffer, it’s time to change your habits. You may need to have your vision checked to update your glasses or consider altering your diet and lifestyle.
4. Vision Problems. We all know that vision tends to deteriorate over time. However, if your eyesight suddenly becomes blurry or you are seeing objects distorted, you should consult an eye specialist and a neurologist as soon as possible.
5. Unexplained Fever. If your body temperature fluctuates abnormally and continuously for over three days without a valid explanation, you should visit any medical center immediately. Although medicine and life have advanced significantly, this also means that there are many unfamiliar and dangerous pathogens. Therefore, your abnormal body temperature could indicate an unknown infection from external exposure.
6. Prolonged Diarrhea. Whether due to food poisoning or infection, prolonged diarrhea is not a sign to delay seeking help. It can lead to dehydration and exhaustion, so see a doctor or go to the nearest medical center as soon as possible.
7. Chest Pain. This may indicate an issue with your cardiovascular system. If the chest tightness occurs alongside pain in your left arm, do not hesitate to go to the nearest emergency center. You may be at high risk of a heart attack!
8. Night Sweats. Experiencing night sweats is not a trivial symptom; you may be at risk of tuberculosis, AIDS, or Hodgkin’s lymphoma (a type of cancer that causes the liver and spleen to enlarge). Take action before it’s too late.
9. Menstrual Irregularities. If your cycle lasts longer than ten days or is absent, these are signs not to be ignored. If you miss your period, it could indicate pregnancy, but it might also suggest ovarian scarring or cystitis.
Abnormal prolonged menstruation indicates unusual changes in your body. It is best to consult a gynecologist rather than resorting to over-the-counter medications, as many people in Vietnam tend to do.
10. New Moles. Most of us have several moles scattered across our bodies, but if one suddenly darkens or changes in size, it’s time to visit a dermatologist. The likelihood of skin cancer is not rare with such signs.
11. Sudden Muscle Weakness. If one day you wake up and find it difficult (or even impossible) to control your muscles for everyday actions like walking, balancing, or grasping—especially if you felt fine the previous day—you should seek immediate medical attention. This could be an undeniable sign of a serious condition like Parkinson’s disease or other neurological disorders.
12. Sudden Breathing Difficulties. Asthma should be your immediate concern. Remember that asthma is a chronic condition without a definitive cure; moreover, today’s atmosphere contains increasing amounts of toxic waste. Don’t dismiss your breathing difficulties as merely due to a tight tie or a closed room—it’s best to get checked and pay close attention to the signs.
13. Frequent Urination. Depending on individual body and lifestyle differences, we all have varying frequencies of urination. However, if you find yourself waking up multiple times each night to relieve yourself, consider potential conditions such as prostate issues, type 2 diabetes, or bladder infections.
BUI NGUYEN QUI ANH