4 Not-So-Obvious Symptoms That Shouldn't Be Ignored

Sometimes, major health issues present with different symptoms than the ones we expect. Here, medical experts share some not-so-obvious symptoms that shouldn't be ignored, even if they seem normal.

- Amy Greenburg

#1 Frequent indigestion

Indigestion can be perfectly normal, especially after overindulging in certain foods. The discomfort in your belly usually comes with bloating or burping, heartburn (a burning sensation in the chest) and feeling uncomfortably full, and can even involve diarrhoea or vomiting, says DR CHRISTOPHER KONG SAN CHOON, senior consultant, gastroenterology and liver specialist at StarMed Specialist Centre. What’s not normal, however, is an upset stomach that occurs too frequently, or lasts for a prolonged period of time, despite taking medications or making certain lifestyle changes.

Indigestion can be a marker of many different health problems, he says. You’ll want to see a doctor to rule out a potential heart attack and any underlying conditions such as the following:

• stomach cancer

• pancreatic cancer

• chronic pancreatitis

• parasite infection

• Crohn’s disease

• gastroparesis (a condition where the stomach doesn’t empty properly)

• eosinophilic oesophagitis and/or gastroenteritis (chronic disorders of the digestive system)

• a hiatal hernia (when the upper part of the stomach bulges through the diaphragm into the chest)

Additionally, Dr Kong says you’ll want to see a doctor if your indigestion and heartburn are interfering with your daily activities, disturbing your sleep or come with any other red flag symptoms such as these:

• a loss of appetite or inability to finish usual portions of food

• difficulty swallowing

• frequent vomiting, especially if there is blood

• regular pain in the stomach or behind the breastbone

• black or bloody stool

• unexplained weight loss.