The common health symptoms that should never be ignored

It may be time to stop ignoring these common symptoms. Photo / Getty Images

Most of us take our health for granted - until something goes wrong.

Symptoms can often be ignored for long periods of time, and most aren't a cause for great concern. However there may be underlying issues that need urgent attention.

Dr Evelyn Lewin, spoke to Whimn about the symptoms that may appear normal, but should in fact be looked at much more seriously.

SUDDEN STOMACH ACHES

Stomach aches are a fairly common issue, especially after a big meal. However Dr Lewin believes if abdominal pain strikes suddenly or is increasingly severe, you should seek immediate medical treatment.

"There are lots of things that can cause abdominal pain, from appendicitis to constipation, ruptured ovarian cysts to a ruptured aorta (the main artery in the body)," Dr Lewin told Whimn.

"Also if your symptoms develop again after you've been seen by a doctor, you should get re-checked. This is certainly a case where you'd much rather be safe than sorry," she added.

RANDOM SHORTNESS OF BREATH

If you experience shortness of breath for no particular reason, this may be a sign of something more sinister.

Dr Lewin suggests it could be a serious medical issues, like a pulmonary embolism, and that you should call an ambulance, or be checked out immediately.

She said: "It's more common to develop a PE if you are on the pill, have been sitting still for a long period of time (such as going on a long car drive), if you smoke or if you've been flying."

SUDDEN PAINFUL HEADACHES

Headaches are a common symptom for many and quite often a part of life.

However if you are constantly developing intense painful headaches, this may be something that needs urgent attention.

"If you develop a sudden headache that hurts like hell (as in, it's the worst headache you've ever had), you could have bleeding around the brain that requires urgent medical attention," Dr Lewin stated.

CONSTANT THIRST

If you're finding yourself more thirsty than normal, it may be time to check in with your GP.

The medical term for constant thirst is polydipsia, and it's a common sign of diabetes.

"When your blood sugar levels are too high, your body pressures your kidneys into producing more urine to get rid of the excess glucose, leading to excessive thirst and frequent peeing," she said.

TIGHT CHEST OR BODY PAINS

Chest pain is well known as a common symptom of a heart attack, but it isn't the only sign you need to look out for.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Dr Joseph Fritz said people need to watch for fatigue, shortness of breath, coughing, and a general feeling of unwellness.

Symptoms often vary between men and women, but the most common indicators are tightness in the chest, pain in the neck, jaw, arms and back.

Other symptoms to keep an eye out for are feeling weak, cold sweats, a general dizziness and anxiety.