Health
MIND THAT PAIN
F
or an increasing number of
people, high stress levels
have become a normal part
of life. More and more people
are finding themselves overworked,
anxious and overwhelmed. With the
rise in stress levels, there has also been
an inevitable increase in the number
of people, experiencing body aches
and pains, which they may be quick to
write off, as simply minor discomforts,
due to increased stress without further
consideration. While this may be true
in some cases, aches and pains, are
a sure and trusted indicator, which
act as a natural signal to alert us that
something, somewhere, is not right
within our bodies or minds.
Though not exhaustive, here is a list of
some types of aches and pains, which
one should never ignore, but instead
seek appropriate medical assistance
as soon as possible.
Heart Attack Pains -
Unexplained, Persistent Pain
in the Chest, Arm, Jaw, Throat,
or Abdomen
Although most people know that
chest pains, especially pain that
radiates down the left arm, could be
an indication of a heart attack, some
people believe that this pain should
be excruciating to be taken seriously.
Even minor discomfort in the chest,
arm, throat, belly or jaw could be an
indication of a serious heart problem.
It is not uncommon, for people to
mistake their first signs of pain as
either simple stomach problems, such
as indigestion or intestinal problems,
such as trapped gas. Cardiac problems
often imitate acid reflux. If you have
unexplained but ongoing pain in any
of these areas, see your doctor as soon
as possible to rule out heart issues.
This is especially important for those
in high risk groups such as women
over 50, the overweight or those with a
family history of heart trouble.
Diabetes Pains - Burning Pain
or Numbness in the hands,
Legs or Feet
A feeling that your hands, feet or lower
legs are on fire or if you find that your
feet are numb and have little feeling
in them, could be a sign of diabetic
neuropathy. Pain due to peripheral
neuropathy is often described as ‘pins
and needles’ or ‘shooting’. The longer
you’ve had diabetes, the higher your
risk of nerve damage. If you’re diabetic,
you might not feel pain in your limbs
because of numbness. You could even
have an infection and not know it. In
severe cases the affected limb has to
be amputated.
Other signs of diabetes are; constant
thirst or hunger, itchy dry skin, cuts that
are slow to heal, frequent urination,
blurry vision and dry mouth.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) -
Pain or Swelling in the Calves
Experiencing calf cramps or pains may
not necessarily be a serious symptom,
but when it is accompanied by redness,
warmth and swelling in the area or
the pain persists, it could hint at the
presence of a life-threatening blood
clot, known as Deep Vein Thrombosis
(DVT). Do NOT massage the painful
area, as this might cause the blood
clot to dislodge and travel to the heart
or lungs. If coughing of blood and
shortness of breath occurs, it may be
as a result of the clot dislodging and
traveling to the lungs. This could be
fatal, the patient should be taken to
the hospital immediately. It’s worth
noting that sitting for a long time on
a plane or car, may increase the risk
of developing DVT. Other risk factors
include; being over 60 years of age,
pregnant, obese, cancer patient or
having varicose veins.
Appendicitis Pain - Agonizing
Stomach Pain in the Lower
Right of the Abdomen
An irritated appendix, or one in
distress, is symptomatic of an ache that
begins near the navel or belly button,
and gradually moves over to the lower
right hand side of the abdomen, where
it intensifies into a pain that is almost
impossible to ignore. Other symptoms
include; loss of appetite, Nausea and/
50 |
Sep - Oct 2018
|
|
After The Bell