Quiet dangerous: Seven silent signs of serious diseases

There are certain serious diseases that don't cause major trouble but, instead, give quiet warning signs that are easy to miss.

Fever? Pop a pill of Dolo 650. Stomach flu? Let's self-prescribe an antibiotic. More often than not, we end up self-diagnosing and self-treating diseases that we believe are just minor issues.

However, most serious diseases often start with silent symptoms that we end up ignoring or, at most, self-treating.

What is even more dangerous is the fact that certain serious diseases don't cause major trouble but, instead, give little warning signs that are easy to miss.

Here is a list of seven subtle and silent signs that can potentially signal serious diseases.

1. Frequent/constant headaches

While, for us Indians, headaches automatically means a piping hot cup of tea. If not, then coffee will do the job. While in most cases, headaches usually stem from stress and dehydration, but constant and frequent headaches sometimes signify a much deeper problem than just lack of sleep.

"Constant headaches could point to high blood pressure or even migraines. In some cases, when accompanied by other symptoms, it can also signify some underlying diseases like possible meningitis (headache + fever + stiff neck), stroke (if accompanied with confusion and a headache that is severe and peaks within 60 seconds)," said Dr Basavaraj S Kumbar, consultant - internal medicine, Aster Whitefield Hospital.

2. Rapid weight loss

While most people dismiss sudden weight loss as a sign of not eating properly, it signifies some serious problems.

Rapid and unexplained weight loss can possibly be an early sign of cancer, including pancreatic, stomach, esophageal, and colorectal cancers.

"Cancer sometimes shows early signs. Rapid weight loss mainly with blood in stool, bowel changes, or trouble swallowing should not be overlooked. Seeing a cancer expert right away can lead to faster diagnosis. Going to a specialist early might mean catching it before it spreads," said Dr Ashwin K R, HOD - Department of Surgical Oncology, Aster Whitefield Hospital and consultant - Surgical Oncology and Gynecological Oncology.

3. Excessive thirst

While excessive thirst can be because of anxiety or severe dehydration, if it is frequent, and accompanied with frequent urination at night, and slow-healing cuts, it can possibly signify diabetes.

4. Feeling uncomfortably full after meals

Feeling full after meals is a part and parcel of the digestive process, so where does the problem lies, you ask? It is only when you feel uncomfortably full, have a sharp pain in the upper right abdomen that radiates to your back followed by nausea and loss of apetite, that you should get yourself checked for gallbladder stones.

But fret not, if it is a once-in-a-while occurrence, it could only mean indigestion or gastric problems.

5. Constant fatigue

Constant fatigue can signify several minor and major problems like anxiety, workplace burnout, depression, and sometimes, fatty liver, anemia, thyroid dysfunction and even heart disease.

It can also point to several nutritional deficiencies, including Vitamin D and B12.

If you feel lethargic for more than two weeks and it doesn't improve with a good night's sleep and proper rest, get yourself checked.

6. Stiffness in joints

Morning stiffness in joints and joint weakness are often dismissed as signs of fatigue caused by lack of sleep. However, it could point to arthritis. If you feel your grip strength is weakening, along with these signs, it is worth getting it checked by a healthcare expert.

7. Pain in left arm and cough

You might ask what is the connection between the two? There's a strong one. People who are the most prone to ignoring the pain in left arm are the ones with cervical issues and a cough is often dismissed as mere allergy. However, if the two symptoms are present for more than three days, it could signal a heart attack.

If you have pain in your left arm that radiates from your palm to your shoulder, along with cough and pain in chest, treat it as a medical emergency.

The problem, however, lies in the fact that people self-diagnose, so it's imperative to seek professional help, if you have any of these symptoms, before you run to the nearby pharmacy to pop a pill.

(Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a qualified medical practitioner with any questions about a medical condition.)