Our bodies change in so many ways as we mature that it can become difficult to keep track of what’s normal. Although some symptoms remain obvious indicators that something is wrong, like fevers for infections and sore throats for colds, it is easy to overlook other potentially worrying symptoms, chalking them up to the aging process.
If you or a loved one is experiencing unexplained physical changes, speak to your doctor to make sure it’s nothing serious - or if it is, to intervene as early as possible to get the best health outcomes.
Not sure where to start? Here are 4 symptoms that you should be worrying about that could indicate something serious.
1. Increase in appetite
Typically, we lose our appetites as we age – a process that can result in malnourishment. Regaining a hearty appetite then may seem like a sign of vitality. However, if you feel hunger even after eating a typical serving of food, you may be experiencing an early symptom of diabetes.
Could indicate:
An increase in appetite could indicate an early sign of diabetes. Polyphagia is the medical term for this excessive hunger, which often occurs soon after eating. In people with uncontrolled hyperglycemia, where blood glucose levels remain abnormally high, glucose from the blood cannot enter the cells. This prevents the body from converting food into energy, meaning you are left hungry, despite eating.
What else to look for:
Other early signs of diabetes include excessive thirst, excessive urination, extreme fatigue, dizziness, weight loss, and blurred vision. If you are concerned about developing diabetes, consult your doctor. They will check if your hunger is a symptom of diabetes or another medical condition.
2. Pain in the neck, jaw, and throat for women
Sometimes we get a stiff upper body from sitting or standing for too long or sleeping in a funny position overnight. However, consistent pain in the neck, jaw, and throat can be a symptom of heart disease in women.
Could indicate:
Pain in the neck, jaw, and throat could indicate early signs of heart disease for women. Sometimes the pain feels similar to indigestion, or it can be difficult to describe or locate in the body. Because this pain can indicate a serious condition, it is recommended that you visit a doctor and share your symptoms.
What else to look for:
Chest pain or discomfort ranging from dull to a sharp ache can indicate angina, which occurs when your heart doesn’t get enough oxygen-rich blood. Men typically experience angina with physical activity, while women are more likely to experience it while resting or sleeping, or during routine daily activities such as cooking. In men, angina is more likely to manifest as a feeling of pressure in the chest or arms. Angina typically increases in severity over time.
3. A soft or low voice
Changes in speaking volume often occur with changes in hearing or as symptoms of a chest cold. However, a persistent soft or low voice can indicate that Parkinson’s disease may be present in the body.
Could indicate:
A soft voice or mumbled speech can be an early symptom of Parkinson’s disease. Just as Parkinson’s affects the muscles’ ability to function with stability, the same characteristic tremors, stiffness, and slow movement can occur in muscles used to control speech.
What else to look for:
If a soft voice is accompanied by a loss of facial expression, trouble swallowing, tremors, loss of smell, or other trouble moving, consider visiting your doctor to discuss the possibility of living with Parkinson’s. Although Parkinson’s doesn’t have a cure, there are a number of lifestyle factors that can make living with Parkinson’s more manageable, especially if it is caught early.
4. Persistent back pain
Back pain is such a common complaint that we often chalk it up to just getting old. And while aging can certainly cause back pain for many people, especially those with osteoporosis, scoliosis, and other back and bone related conditions, persistent back pain can also be a more serious symptom of some cancers.
Could indicate:
As cancer spreads through the body, the tumors may grow to interfere with the back body, or even enter the bones themselves. Prostate cancer in particular is prone to spreading to the bones, causing pain the hips and low back.
What else to look for:
Cancer is notoriously difficult to detect because the symptoms vary widely. When in doubt, talk to your doctor about your concerns. In general though, other early warning signs of cancer in the body include persistent fatigue, changes in bowel and urinary patterns, unusual bleeding, and unexplained weight loss. As with other chronic diseases, the likelihood of preventing serious complications with cancer increases with early detection, so talking to your doctor is key.
If your loved one needs help with caring for a chronic condition, consider bringing a qualified care provider into your home. American In-Home Care always refers qualified, screened, care providers that are compassionate and ready to help. Contact us at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule your free in-home consultation to discuss which care options are right for you and your family.
