7 Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
Essentials|December 2018

Knowing when you need to visit your GP isn’t always easy. Our expert guide will help you make the right call for your health.

Adila Jallal
7 Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

Most of us know when to call an ambulance or get someone to the nearest hospital, but often it’s those nagging everyday ailments that we ignore – hoping they will eventually go away – that can reveal the most about our health. A trip to the doctor is usually expensive and it can be time-consuming, so it’s no wonder most people tend to avoid it. But talking about symptoms, even if they’re embarrassing, is nothing to be afraid of – it’s something doctors have to deal with every day. ‘By telling us what’s happening to your body, you are providing us with essential clues that we can use to determine if there’s an underlying problem,’ explains Dr Penelope Ward, who’s a GP. Here are the potentially serious symptoms we’re likely to ignore...

INDIGESTION

A number of people worldwide suffer from symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux – like heartburn, discomfort in the upper abdomen, or belching – on a monthly basis. ‘In most cases, there’s no underlying cause,’ says Dr Jonathan Hoare, who’s a gastroenterologist. ‘But if the symptoms are frequent (more than a couple of times a week), ask your GP to refer to you to a specialist.’ A hiatus hernia, where a part of the stomach pushes into the diaphragm, a bacterial infection of the gut, a stomach ulcer, as well as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus causing a burning sensation, can all be culprits. Depending on the issue, you may need medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery.

PAIN

Denne historien er fra December 2018-utgaven av Essentials.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra December 2018-utgaven av Essentials.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA ESSENTIALSSe alt
Find Balance In A Wired World
Essentials

Find Balance In A Wired World

Tech was supposed to make life easier, but have our days got more, not less, pressured? Here’s how to reclaim your time and your sanity by managing your online habits

time-read
4 mins  |
June 2020
Essentials

Food To Boost Your Mood

Are you feeling stressed out or lacking energy? Turns out can eat your way to happiness

time-read
1 min  |
June 2020
Are You Eating Your Emotions?
Essentials

Are You Eating Your Emotions?

Lots of us reach for food when we’re down, stressed or tired. Here’s why we do it – and how to break the cycle, fast!

time-read
5 mins  |
June 2020
‘I dream of having A VINEYARD'
Essentials

‘I dream of having A VINEYARD'

AWARD-WINNING ACTRESS SCARLETT JOHANSSON ON PLAYING COMPLEX FEMALE CHARACTERS, RAISING HER DAUGHTER AND CO-PARENTING AFTER A DIVORCE

time-read
4 mins  |
June 2020
MEAL MAKEOVER 'FRIED' CHICKEN
Essentials

MEAL MAKEOVER 'FRIED' CHICKEN

MEAL MAKEOVER 'FRIED' CHICKEN

time-read
2 mins  |
June 2020
FOCUS ON AVOIDING GERMS
Essentials

FOCUS ON AVOIDING GERMS

Staying well has become our biggest priority. Fight the nasties with this expert insight

time-read
4 mins  |
June 2020
HOW DO YOU FIND LOVE IN THE MIDDLE OF A GLOBAL PANDEMIC?
Essentials

HOW DO YOU FIND LOVE IN THE MIDDLE OF A GLOBAL PANDEMIC?

Life as we know it has changed – with social distancing and curfews putting nights out on hold, we find out if romance is off the table, too

time-read
4 mins  |
June 2020
DITCH THE GUILT FOR GOOD
Essentials

DITCH THE GUILT FOR GOOD

Are you carrying remorse, regret and guilt around with you? You’re not alone...

time-read
3 mins  |
June 2020
DON'T TELL ME I CAN'T LAUNCH MY OWN BUSINESS AGED 40
Essentials

DON'T TELL ME I CAN'T LAUNCH MY OWN BUSINESS AGED 40

BUSY MOM LUCY PARLEY WANTED TO EMBRACE HER CREATIVITY

time-read
3 mins  |
June 2020
Don't Tell Me I Can't: Rediscover My Childhood Hobby
Essentials

Don't Tell Me I Can't: Rediscover My Childhood Hobby

Esther Wane realised it was a shame to leave her talents in the past

time-read
3 mins  |
April 2020