Tag

Symptoms

All articles tagged with #symptoms

Bowel Leakage: A Possible Clue to Colorectal Cancer, Doctors Say
health3 days ago

Bowel Leakage: A Possible Clue to Colorectal Cancer, Doctors Say

Colorectal cancer is common and increasingly seen in younger people; bowel incontinence isn’t the most common sign but can occur with rectal cancers due to reduced sphincter sensation, invasion of nerves, or obstruction. Other early signs include rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, and weight loss. Because early detection improves outcomes, see a doctor for new symptoms and pursue regular screenings (like colonoscopy) and healthy lifestyle changes to help prevent or treat colorectal cancer.

Seven subtle pancreatic cancer signals, according to a Harvard gastroenterologist
health6 days ago

Seven subtle pancreatic cancer signals, according to a Harvard gastroenterologist

Harvard-trained gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi highlights seven subtle signals that may indicate pancreatic cancer: persistent itching from bile-duct blockage; sudden changes in appetite or nausea; new jaundice; a dull mid-back ache; pale, oily or floating stools from impaired fat digestion; unexplained weight loss; and onset of diabetes after age 50. While none of these alone confirms cancer, persistent, unexplained symptoms should prompt medical evaluation, since early signs are often vague and time-sensitive tests (history, exam, bloodwork, imaging) are used to investigate.

Five Cancer Signals You Shouldn’t Blame on Age
health18 days ago

Five Cancer Signals You Shouldn’t Blame on Age

An oncologist warns that aging isn’t an excuse for persistent changes and highlights five cancer signs people often dismiss as aging or stress: persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss (about 5% of body weight over 6–12 months), changes in bowel habits (including pencil-thin stools), urinary changes or blood in urine, and persistent aches or back pain. While not every symptom means cancer, new, unexplained, lasting changes should be checked by a doctor, since early detection improves treatment chances; fear often delays care, but no symptom is too trivial to report.

Young mum's bowel cancer alarm: don't ignore early signs
health-and-wellbeing19 days ago

Young mum's bowel cancer alarm: don't ignore early signs

A 45-year-old Melbourne mum of two ignored fatigue, low iron and blood in the stool until a colonoscopy revealed stage-3 bowel cancer, prompting surgery (with a temporary stoma) and six months of chemotherapy. Now in remission and under regular monitoring, she’s speaking out to urge Australians not to dismiss bowel changes as just pregnancy or aging, highlighting rising rates among younger people and backing the Poo Check awareness campaign to normalise conversations about bowel health.

Persistent hiccups: a potential stroke warning sign
health21 days ago

Persistent hiccups: a potential stroke warning sign

Persistent hiccups can be a sign of a brainstem stroke, especially when accompanied by other neurological symptoms like dizziness, trouble speaking, vision changes, or balance issues. The BE FAST framework helps identify common stroke signs. If hiccups last more than 48 hours or appear with neurological symptoms, seek urgent medical evaluation (call 911) because timely treatment can improve outcomes.

Hidden Signs of Bowel Cancer You Might Miss
health25 days ago

Hidden Signs of Bowel Cancer You Might Miss

Medical experts warn that colorectal cancer can mimic IBS and remain undiagnosed. Common signs include unexplained weight loss, dark stools or rectal bleeding, new or worsening changes in bowel habits, and sudden overnight GI symptoms. They emphasize timely medical evaluation—especially for those over 45 or with persistent changes—since early detection via colonoscopy can improve outcomes.

Tick bites can trigger a mammal-meat allergy: the rise of alpha-gal syndrome and new treatments
health27 days ago

Tick bites can trigger a mammal-meat allergy: the rise of alpha-gal syndrome and new treatments

Alpha-gal syndrome is a mammal-meat allergy triggered when certain ticks inject the sugar alpha-gal into the bloodstream, provoking antibodies and reactions hours after eating beef, pork, or lamb. Cases are rising as tick habitats expand, and diagnosis combines symptoms with blood tests (which can yield false positives). Management centers on avoiding mammal meats and certain byproducts; a small number of pigs engineered to lack alpha-gal (GalSafe) are FDA-approved for consumption, and the FDA approved Xolair (omalizumab) in 2024 to reduce severe reactions, with more therapies in the works. The allergy can fade in 15–20% of people after years with strict tick-bite avoidance.

Is Your Protein Intake Too Low? 10 Warning Signs to Watch
health1 month ago

Is Your Protein Intake Too Low? 10 Warning Signs to Watch

The article explains that protein needs vary by age, weight, and activity, with recommendations such as about 20g of protein per meal and 0.8 g/kg/day (rising to 1–1.2 g/kg for those over 65). It lists 10 common signs of low protein—including poor post-workout gains, sugar cravings, dull skin, hunger after meals, fatigue, thinning hair, loss of muscle, mood swings, bloating or edema, and frequent illness—highlighting protein’s roles in muscle repair, satiety, hair/skin health, mood, and immune function, and advising increased intake or consultation with a dietitian or clinician as needed.

Low Magnesium, Big Heart Risks: 7 Warning Signs to Watch
health1 month ago

Low Magnesium, Big Heart Risks: 7 Warning Signs to Watch

Magnesium is essential for the heart and body; deficiency can drive reversible diastolic cardiomyopathy and cause symptoms such as heart palpitations, fatigue, muscle cramps, high blood pressure, anxiety, poor sleep, and numbness. With many adults not meeting the recommended intake, a doctor can check levels via a blood test. If multiple signs appear, seek guidance on diet (magnesium-rich foods like spinach, almonds, and pumpkin seeds) and potential supplementation under medical supervision.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: More Than Joint Pain—Spotting the Early Signs
health1 month ago

Rheumatoid Arthritis: More Than Joint Pain—Spotting the Early Signs

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease marked by joint pain, morning stiffness, swelling, and fatigue; early diagnosis and treatment with DMARDs and biologics, along with physical therapy, regular movement, sleep, stress management, and an anti-inflammatory diet, can slow progression and protect joints, though symptoms can wax and wane and may include mood changes and other systemic effects.

Tiny Mineral, Big Clues: 11 Signs You Might Need More Magnesium
health1 month ago

Tiny Mineral, Big Clues: 11 Signs You Might Need More Magnesium

Magnesium powers energy production, nerve and muscle function, and blood pressure control. Though true deficiency is rare, up to half of Americans may not get enough. Subtle signs like fatigue, muscle cramps, anxiety, irregular heartbeat, headaches, sleep trouble, high blood pressure, mood swings, digestion issues, sugar cravings, and weaker bones can indicate low magnesium. Boost intake with magnesium-rich foods (leafy greens, seeds, nuts, beans) and consult a doctor about supplements to tailor the approach, especially for older adults or those with GI issues, diabetes, or medications.

Hidden Heart Attacks: Spot Subtle Signs and Boost Your Heart Health
health2 months ago

Hidden Heart Attacks: Spot Subtle Signs and Boost Your Heart Health

Experts warn that a silent heart attack can damage the heart with no classic symptoms and is often only discovered after a later heart event. Risk factors mirror typical heart attacks—high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes (which can blunt warning nerves), smoking, stress, and family history—with diabetes and women at higher risk for atypical signs. Subtle cues to watch include shortness of breath, a racing or irregular heartbeat, sudden fatigue, nausea or indigestion, chest or body aches, and a vague “feeling off.” Prevention centers on lifestyle changes and medical management: monitor and control blood pressure and cholesterol (medication like statins if appropriate), exercise regularly, get enough sleep, reduce stress, and maintain social connections.

Look Beyond the Lump: Five Hidden Signs of Breast Cancer
health2 months ago

Look Beyond the Lump: Five Hidden Signs of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer can present without a lump, so doctors highlight five key signs to watch for: a lump or other palpable changes, nipple discharge that may be bloody, green, or black, skin changes such as redness, dimpling, or an orange-peel texture, swelling in the underarm area (axillary mass), and localized breast pain. Age is the biggest non-modifiable risk factor, with genetic mutations, family history, breast density, and prior chest radiation also increasing risk; modifiable factors include obesity, alcohol use, physical inactivity, and hormone replacement therapy. Regular mammograms every two years are recommended for average-risk women aged 40–74, as early detection greatly improves outcomes.