MEDICAL SOLUTIONS ZONE

Don't ignore your pains

‘Pain' is the body's way of getting your attention when something is wrong. You're probably sufficiently in tune with your body to know when the pain is just a bother. But the pain might signal something more serious. So, it better not to ignore your pains. Here is a list of some pains which you should not ignore. Worst Headache With any pain, unless you are sure of what caused it, get it checked out. You should get medical attention immediately. If you have a cold, it could be a sinus headache. But it also could be a brain hemorrhage or brain tumor. When someone says they have the worst headache of their life, it may be a classic sign of a brain aneurysm. Insensitive Abdominal Pain Abdominal pain can come with the possibility of a rupture in the appendix. Gallbladder and pancreas problems, stomach ulcers, and intestinal blockages are some other possible causes of insensitive abdominal pain that need attention. Pain in Lower Back or Between Shoulder Blades Lower back pain or shoulder blades pain is most often arthritis. Other possibilities include a heart attack or abdominal problems. One danger is aortic dissection, which can appear as either a nagging or sudden pain. People who are at risk have conditions that can change the integrity of the vessel wall. These would include high blood pressure, a history of circulation problems, smoking, and diabetes. Burning Feet or Legs In some people who do not know that they have diabetes, peripheral neuropathy could be one of the first signs. It is a burning or pins-and-needles sensation in the feet or legs that can indicate nerve damage. Calf Pain Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is one of the lesser known dangers. It is a blood clot that can occur in the leg's deep veins and it can be life-threatening. The danger is that a piece of the clot could break loose and cause pulmonary embolism (a clot in the lungs), which could be fatal. Cancer, obesity, immobility due to prolonged bed rest or long-distance travel, pregnancy, and advanced age are among the risk factors. So, if you have swelling and pain in your calf muscles, see a doctor immediately. Pain Chest, Throat, Jaw, Shoulder, Arm, or Abdomen Chest pain could be a sign of pneumonia or heart attack. But be aware that heart conditions typically appear as discomfort, not pain. Heart patients feel pressure like an elephant sitting on their chest. The discomfort associated with heart disease could also be in the upper chest, throat, jaw, left shoulder or arm, or abdomen and might be accompanied by nausea. If a person has unexplained, persistent discomfort and in high risk, he or she need to get it checked out. Too often people delay because they misinterpret it as heartburn or GI distress. Intermittent discomfort should be taken seriously as well. There may be a pattern, such as discomfort related to excitement, emotional upset, or exertion. For example, if you experience it when you're gardening, but it goes away when you sit down, that is angina. A woman's discomfort signs can be slighter. Heart disease can pretend as GI symptoms, such as bloating, GI distress, or discomfort in the abdomen. It's also associated with feeling tired. Risk for heart disease increases dramatically after menopause. It kills more women than men even though men are at higher risk at any age. Vague, Combined, or Clinically Unsolved Pains Several painful, physical symptoms are common in depression. Patients can have complaints of vague headaches, abdominal pain, or limb pain, sometimes in combination. Because the pain might be chronic and not terribly debilitating, depressed people, their families, and health care professionals might dismiss the symptoms. Furthermore, the more depressed you are, the more difficulty you have describing your feelings. Other symptoms must be present before a diagnosis of depression can be made. Get help when you have lost interest in activities, you are not able to work or think effectively, and you cannot get along with people. And don't suffer silently when you are hurting.