The lungs and heart work together to deliver oxygen throughout the body. When either system is affected, breathing may become more difficult.
Possible causes include:
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Asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
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Anemia.
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Respiratory infections.
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Heart failure or other cardiovascular conditions.
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Blood clots in the lungs.
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Reduced physical fitness.
Some causes are relatively manageable, while others require urgent medical attention.
Pay particular attention if breathlessness is new, worsening, or accompanied by chest discomfort, dizziness, fainting, or swelling in the legs.
Seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience sudden severe shortness of breath, especially with chest pain, fainting, blue or gray lips, confusion, or coughing up blood.
Do not assume that unexplained breathlessness is simply a consequence of getting older or being out of shape.
28. Changes in Urination: A Signal Worth Noticing
Urination is a normal process, but changes in frequency, color, smell, or discomfort can sometimes provide useful information about health.
For example, frequent urination may be associated with increased fluid intake, caffeine consumption, urinary tract infections, diabetes, or certain medications.
Waking repeatedly at night to urinate can also occur with prostate enlargement, sleep disorders, or other medical conditions.
Other changes deserve attention:
Pain or burning during urination: This may indicate a urinary tract infection or inflammation.
Blood in the urine: Even a small amount of visible blood should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Very dark urine: This can occur with dehydration, but persistent dark urine may also be associated with liver or other medical conditions.
Unusually frequent urination with excessive thirst: This combination can be a symptom of high blood glucose.
Difficulty starting or maintaining a urine stream: This may be related to prostate enlargement, urinary obstruction, or other problems.
Urine color can be influenced by food, medication, vitamins, and hydration, so one unusual episode does not necessarily indicate disease.
However, persistent changes, visible blood, fever, back pain, or difficulty passing urine should not be ignored.
29. Persistent Thirst and Dry Mouth
Feeling thirsty after exercise or spending time in hot weather is normal.
But unusual thirst that continues throughout the day, particularly when accompanied by frequent urination, may deserve medical investigation.
One possible explanation is diabetes, in which elevated blood glucose can cause the kidneys to remove more glucose through urine. This process can increase fluid loss and trigger thirst.
Other possible causes include:
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Dehydration.
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Certain medications.
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Dry mouth caused by reduced saliva production.
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Kidney problems.
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Electrolyte imbalances.
People with diabetes may also notice fatigue, blurred vision, increased hunger, or unexplained weight loss.
These symptoms are not enough to diagnose diabetes on their own. A healthcare professional can arrange blood glucose testing or an HbA1c test when appropriate.
Severe thirst accompanied by vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid breathing, confusion, or extreme weakness requires urgent medical assessment, particularly in someone with diabetes.
30. Persistent Swelling in the Legs and Ankles
Mild swelling in the feet can occur after standing for a long time, sitting during a long journey, or spending time in hot weather.
However, swelling that repeatedly appears without an obvious explanation may indicate fluid accumulation or an underlying health condition.
Possible causes include:
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Chronic venous insufficiency.
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Heart failure.
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Kidney disease.
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Liver disease.
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Certain medications.
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Blood clots.
The pattern of swelling can provide useful clues.
Swelling in both ankles that gradually develops may be related to circulation, medication, or fluid balance.
Sudden swelling in one leg, especially when accompanied by pain, redness, or warmth, can be a warning sign of deep vein thrombosis.
A blood clot in a leg vein can become dangerous if it travels to the lungs.
Seek emergency care if sudden leg swelling is accompanied by chest pain, breathlessness, fainting, or coughing up blood.
Persistent swelling should be evaluated rather than treated only with massage or over-the-counter remedies.
31. Unusual Bruising or Bleeding
Most people occasionally develop bruises after bumping into furniture or experiencing minor injuries.
However, frequent unexplained bruising, bleeding gums, repeated nosebleeds, or unusually heavy menstrual bleeding may indicate a problem with blood vessels, platelets, or the blood-clotting system.
Possible explanations include:
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Certain medications, including anticoagulants.
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Vitamin deficiencies.
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Liver disease.
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Low platelet counts.
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Blood-clotting disorders.
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Some blood-related cancers.
A person taking blood-thinning medication may bruise more easily, but new or severe bleeding still requires medical attention.
Look out for bruises that appear without an identifiable injury, tiny red or purple spots under the skin, blood in the urine, or black, tarry stools.
Severe bleeding, vomiting blood, or a head injury while taking anticoagulants requires urgent assessment.
It is important not to stop prescribed medication without consulting a healthcare professional.
32. Changes in Bowel Habits That Persist
Digestive changes are among the most common health complaints.
A temporary episode of constipation or diarrhea may occur after dietary changes, travel, stress, or infection.
However, a persistent change in bowel habits deserves attention, particularly when it is unusual for the individual.
Warning signs include:
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Diarrhea or constipation that continues.
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Blood in the stool.
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Black, tarry stools.
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Persistent abdominal discomfort.
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A feeling that the bowel does not empty completely.
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Unexplained weight loss.
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Ongoing fatigue associated with possible anemia.
These symptoms can have many causes, including infections, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, medication effects, and colorectal cancer.
Most people with digestive symptoms do not have cancer. Nevertheless, persistent or unexplained changes should be assessed rather than automatically attributed to stress or diet.
Colorectal cancer screening is also important because some people have no obvious symptoms during early stages.
The appropriate screening method and starting age depend on local guidelines, personal risk factors, and family history.
33. Difficulty Swallowing or a Persistent Feeling of Something in the Throat
Occasional difficulty swallowing may occur when eating too quickly or not chewing food thoroughly.
But repeated difficulty swallowing, known medically as dysphagia, should not be ignored.
Some people notice that solid foods seem to stick in the throat or chest. Others experience difficulty swallowing liquids, coughing while eating, or a sensation that food is not passing normally.
Possible causes include: