Symptoms

Symptoms

The word symptom is defined as any sensation or change in the body which is experienced by a person. Certain symptoms are associated with a particular disease and help one to identify the underlying cause of the disease. They are vital and provide clues both to us and the doctor as to what may be wrong with the body or mind. Symptoms are like sign posts that point towards the diagnosis. They should be considered as warning signs and the information that they provide us can help in swift diagnosis and effective treatment.

Anal Itching

Anal itching is an indicator of many health disorders. The itching is generally felt around the anus. Prolonged sitting, moisture in the area and irritation due to clothes aggravates the situation. It could be an indication of hemorrhoids.

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is commonly experienced by many people. It is an indicator for many body disorders. Pain in the upper left-hand side of the abdomen could indicate disorder in the pancreas, colon, or spleen. Lower abdominal pain may be a symptom of appendicitis, inflammation of bowels, or hernia. Pain in the upper right-hand side may signify inflammation of the gall bladder.

Back Pain

Back pain generally occurs due to stress, kidney stones, or bone fracture. An incorrect sitting posture may also cause back pain. Sometimes rigorous activity can damage the bones, muscles or ligaments, leading to back pain. The pain may radiate from the back to the legs and hands.

Blood in Semen

Blood in semen is also known as hematospermia. This symptom generally indicates the inflammation of the prostate gland or the seminal vesicles. Sometimes it may also indicate conditions like a urinary infection or sexually transmitted diseases like Chlamydia and Gonorrhea.

Breast Pain

Pain may be caused in the breasts due to cuts or bruises. Some people may have breast pain before menstruation or during pregnancy. This is because of the hormonal changes and the pain reduces once the menstruation is over or after child birth. Sometimes boys also suffer from breast pain, especially during the teen years, when they mature. If prolonged, this pain may also be a sign of gland abscesses, cysts, and tumors.

Cold Feet

Cold feet could be caused when the body is exposed to cold temperatures or due to thyroid abnormalities. It could also be a symptom of Raynaud's Phenomenon or peripheral vascular disease. Foot warming creams are available for treating this symptom.

Confusion

Confusion is a medical term that is applied to various types of behaviors or responses. It is generally described as the inability to grasp situations and make decisions. This also depends on the age of the person. Confusion could crop up suddenly or gradually. Severe confusion could be an indicator of dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

Fever

Fever is the most common symptom of disorder in the bodily functions. It is generally characterized by a rise in body temperature, accompanied by sweating or chills. Fevers are accompanied by fatigue or pain. Sometimes fever also arises out of allergic reactions. Prolonged fever could be an indicator of some other disease and requires a blood test to identify the cause.

Headache

Headache is severe pain in the head accompanied by intracranial inflammations or pressure. It could be a symptom of ear trouble, sinus disorder, eye strain, fever, cold, stress, or hypertension. The location of the pain can indicate the disorder in the body.

Hoarseness

Hoarseness is commonly caused by flu or cold, in some cases it could also indicate laryngitis. It could also be a result of smoke, allergies, or any pollutants. Hoarseness could also occur due to vocal cord lesions and muscle tension. It could also indicate the early stages of Parkinson's disease.

Insomnia

Insomnia is a disorder where the person has difficulty in sleeping. It could be a symptom of jet lag, stress, lack of exercise, or depression. Insomnia could also develop from medical or physiological disorders.

Memory Loss

Memory loss is a common symptom of aging. Sometimes it could also be indicators of health disorders like asthma, coronary artery disease, and depression. Seizures, hypothermia, brain tumors, and Alzheimer's disease could also result in memory loss.

Menstrual Cramps

Menstrual cramps occur during the period cycle and vary from person to person. For some women there is hardly any pain, while others have such severe pain that their normal routine is disrupted. Symptoms include pain in the abdomen, fatigue, headache, nausea, and lethargy.

Nausea

In the first three months of pregnancy, many women experience nausea. Pain, anxiety, and indigestions may also cause nausea. It could also indicate health disorders like gastritis, cirrhosis, hepatitis, or cardiac problems.

Palpitations

Palpitations are generally caused when one is highly emotional or after a strenuous workout. Severe palpitations may indicate hypertension, hypoglycemia, heart disorders, or anxiety attacks. Sometimes palpitations may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

Seizures

Seizure is a symptom of excessive or abnormal activity of the brain. It can manifest as a change in the mental state or as convulsions. Seizures last from few seconds to many minutes. They generally cause confusion and are accompanied by hallucinations. Seizures are the common indicators of epilepsy.

Snoring

A person snores when the air expelled from the nose or mouth vibrates the soft palate and the uvula against the back of the throat. Snoring is caused only when the person is in deep sleep. It is the main symptom of sleep apnea and could indicate a rise in the body weight.

Sore Throat

Sore throats can occur in any part of the throat and range from mild to severe pain. It could result from infection or strain in the throat. In very rare cases, a sore throat could also indicate cancer and systemic disorders.

Tremor

Tremors are a symptom of a neurological disorder. They could indicate hyperthyroidism or Parkinson's disease. Alcoholism or sudden alcohol withdrawal could also result in tremors. If tremors affect the day to day activities, then they require medical assistance.

Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal discharge is common in women of childbearing age and is generally clear, without blood, and odorless. Any coloration in the discharge or "fishy" smell could indicate disorders in the genital system. It could also occur due to prolonged presence of foreign bodies like tampons in the vagina.

Vaginal Odor

Bacterial overgrowth in the vagina could result in ill smelling vaginal discharge causing vaginal odor. It could be caused by prolonged use of tampon or rectovaginal fistula. Hormonal changes during pregnancy could also result in vaginal odor.

Vomiting Blood

Vomiting blood could be an indicator of a serious problem in the body. It is a sign of upper gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcer. Vomiting of blood could be symptoms of diseases like Mallory-Weiss Syndrome, vascular malfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract, or tuberculosis.