The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a number of people avoiding visiting their doctor but one of the unfortunate consequences is that people are presenting much later. There are some symptoms, which should NOT be ignored.
If you have any of the symptoms outlined below which are new and persistent, book an urgent appointment with your GP right away.
General symptoms
- Unusual fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss, particularly if more than 5% of your weight (e.g. someone who was previously 80kg, losing more than 4kg)
- Loss of appetite
- Drenching night sweats
- Difficulty in swallowing, or a new and persistent hoarse voice
- New onset back pain lasting greater than 6 weeks, or radiating down both of your legs
Chest symptoms
- Unexplained cough for 3 weeks or more
- Coughing up blood
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
Abdominal symptoms
- A persistent sensation of bloating
- Abdominal or pelvic pain
- Feeling full too quickly
- Recent reflux symptoms/reflux symptoms that are not improving (despite treatment)
- Nausea or Vomiting
Toilet Habits
- Bleeding from the back passage
- Persistent change in bowel habits – either towards diarrhoea or constipation
- Going to pass urine more frequency
- Urgency to pass urine
- Blood in Urine blood
Lumps
- Lumps on your Neck
- Lumps on your skin
- Pain/Swelling or Lumps on the testicles
- New breast or armpit lump
Breast symptoms:
- Persistent breast pain lasting more than one menstrual cycle (if pre menopausal)
- Nipple discharge, especially if one sided
Early detection saves lives. To keep up to date with our blogs, please sign up to the mailing list on the home page of measurehealth.co.uk.