Pharmacist highlights the 9 health symptoms you should never ignore

03 December 2023 , 12:58

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There are some signs that should be acted on immediately to eliminate the possibility of serious illness (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

A pharmacist has shared the common health symptoms that should never be ignored - as they may just be more than tiredness, stress or eating something dodgy.

There are of course various ailments you may put off speaking to a doctor about unless you feel sick for a few days or your symptoms worsen. But there are some signs that the NHS says should be acted on immediately to eliminate the possibility of something much more serious than a cold or dodgy tummy.

Sadik Al-Hassan, a superintendent pharmacist at PillTime Bristol, says he is asked frequent questions about serious symptoms and whether they could actually be health "red flags"

A pharmacist has shared the common health symptoms that should never be ignored (Getty Images)

Speaking to The Sun, Mr Al-Hassan explained: "These symptoms could indicate a chance of a more serious problem that would require referral for investigation. Often the chance of a serious condition is low, but needs to be ruled out to prevent serious harm."

The main factor of being able to tell if a symptom is a sign of a serious condition is how long you've suffered from them - meaning the longer you experience it, the more concerning the ailment may be. The pharmacist cited several common conditions often ignored by Brits, including a persistent cough that's lasted longer than three week, or coughing up blood, which is a more alarming symptom.

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In conjunction with Dr Sarah Jarvis - a GP and clinical consultant at Patient.info - Mr Al-Hassan has shared the nine symptoms you should never ignore.

1. A tight or squeezing feeling in your chest

Chest pain is something you should always check with a GP immediately - as you may not be aware of the exact symptoms that indicate you're having a heart attack.

Dr Jarvis said: "Look for a heaviness, tight band or squeezing feeling across your chest – this could spread to your neck, shoulder or arm. You may also feel dizzy or short of breath It’s important to know the signs and call 999," the GP added.

2. Speech problems and weakness of face

Dr Jarvis says speech problems and weakness can be a sign of a stroke, a major medical emergency. However, she pointed out how new treatments "mean getting immediate help could make all the difference to recovery", adding: "Stroke and other emergency conditions can also lead to sudden confusion, where you’re not sure of your own name or age."

As advertised in public health adverts on TV, the GP advised you think of the acronym FAST, which stands for:

• Face weakness - drooping of the mouth or eye, not being able to smile
• Arm weakness - not being able to raise both arms, or weakness in one leg
• Speech problems - not speaking clearly, speaking nonsense or not seeming to understand or get words out
• Time to call 999.

A red flag symptom of meningitis in adults can be a severe, pounding headache. (Getty Images/Westend61)

3. Severe difficulties breathing

Dr Sarah Jarvis highlighted a severe breathing difficulty "where someone is choking, gasping or can’t speak is an emergency". These should not be ignored and acted on immediately.

4. Heavy and persistent bleeding

Heavy bleeding should never be ignored as it can be considered a danger sign that requires urgent help. Dr Jarvis says: "Heavy bleeding which is pouring or spraying out, or where there’s enough blood to form a puddle."

5. Discovering blood in your poo

Bleeding from the bottom or blood in your poo is sometimes a sign of bowel cancer. The disease is easier to treat if it's found early, so it's important to get it checked.

Mr Al-Hassan says that, in his experience, he would immediately refer a pharmacy patient for further tests if they reported this symptom, as it could indicate they're suffering from bowel cancer. Blood in your poo could look red, but it could also be darker - even black - depending on where in your bowel the bleeding is happening.

According to the NHS, other symptoms to look out for include:

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• changes in your poo, such as having softer poo, diarrhoea, or constipation that is not usual for you
• needing to poo more or less often than usual for you
• bleeding from your bottom
• often feeling like you need to poo, even if you've just been to the toilet
• tummy pain
• bloating
• losing weight without trying
• feeling very tired for no reason

Swelling in the throat, lips and tongue could be a sign of a dangerous allergic reaction called anaphylaxis (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

6. A severe or persistent headache

A red flag symptom of meningitis in adults can be a severe, pounding headache. The illness is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, which can be very serious if not treated quickly.

Dr Jarvis said: "It can be accompanied by neck stiffness - where you can’t put your head down to touch your knee - and dislike of bright light," she went on. It can also cause a blotchy rash that doesn’t fade if you press a glass against it."

7. Swollen lips, tongue and throat

Swelling in the throat, lips, and tongue could be a sign of a dangerous allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which is life-threatening if not treated immediately

Dr Jarvis said of anaphylaxis: "Symptoms come on quickly and include swelling of the lips, tongue and throat which can make it hard to breathe; wheezing and hoarseness; an itchy raised rash, like a nettle rash; and sometimes feeling dizzy, fast heart rate, collapse and a gasping sound when you try to breathe in."

8. Noticeable changes to or brand new moles

According to the NHS, a new mole or a change in an existing mole may be signs of melanoma. They can appear anywhere on your body and are often common on parts of the body exposed to the sun.

Other signs to look out for include:

• swelling and soreness
• bleeding
• itching
• crustiness

9. A persistent cough for more than three weeks

Coughs and colds are a staple symptom during the winter months. But Mr Al-Hassan warns a cough that lasts longer than three weeks should not be ignored.

Other symptoms to look out for include:

• a cough that's very bad or quickly gets worse
• you feel very unwell
• you have chest pain
• you're losing weight for no reason
• the side of your neck feels swollen and painful - this might mean your glands are swollen
• you find it hard to breathe

Joseph Gamp