In a recent episode of the TV series Succession, Logan Roy experienced a change in mental state. Those of us who have experience in geriatrics suspected (correctly) that it was caused by a urinary tract infection, as this infection commonly causes sudden mental health changes.
When people have chest pain, fatigue, or sudden weight loss, they typically know they need to see a doctor, but other symptoms are less obvious and could be a sign of a hidden health problem. Here are a few symptoms that may not seem unusual, but are worth mentioning to your doctor.
- Bad breath – People tend to associate bad breath with poor dental hygiene, but if you brush and floss regularly, and you still have bad breath, it could be a side effect of a medication that you're taking. Bad breath can also signify a health problem related to your salivary glands, acid reflux, an infection, or other mouth, nose, or throat condition.
- Changes in bowel habits – Bowel movements vary from person to person, but if you notice unusual changes in your bowel movements, like black or bloody stools, persistent diarrhea or constipation, or an unexplained urge to use the toilet, consult your doctor. It could indicate a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection, or be caused by irritable bowel disease or colon cancer.
- Confusion or Changes in Personality – Confusion or sudden personality changes may indicate a serious condition. If someone is struggling to think clearly or has difficulty maintaining focus or attention, it could be a sign of infection, poor nutrition, dehydration, hormonal imbalance, or a mental health condition. It could also be related to a medication they’re taking.
- Insomnia – It's normal to have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep once in a while. If you start to have trouble sleeping on a regular basis, there might be a medical reason. Your insomnia could be related to a new medication, stress, depression, hormonal changes, acid reflux, asthma, thyroid problems or a stroke.
- Night sweats – If you start waking up in the night to find your sheets soaked with sweat, it might be a symptom of a health problem. While many women in perimenopause or menopause experience this, night sweats can also be a sign of thyroid disease, anxiety, infection, sleep disorders, or certain cancers, among other things.
- Snoring – Has your partner or a family member let you know that you've started snoring? Your snoring could be related to sleep apnea, excess body fat, or allergies, among other things. To determine the cause, your doctor may ask you to do a sleep study, a test that records your body activity while you sleep, either at home or at a sleep center.
- Unexplained weight loss – People often lose weight after changing their diet or exercise routine, and that’s to be expected. But if you haven’t made any lifestyle changes, and you lose ten pounds or more, or 5% of your body weight over 6-12 months, it’s considered unexplained weight loss. This could be associated with depression, diabetes, thyroid disease, liver disease, cancer, or malabsorption disorders, among other causes.
You know your body better than anyone. If you experience any unexpected health-related changes, pay attention to what your body is telling you. Make a note of when the symptom started, and talk to your doctor about it.
People sometimes shrug off physical, mental, or behavioral changes under the assumption that they are simply part of aging. Instead of making that assumption, bring them up with your doctor, because even minor changes can be a sign of a health problem. The sooner you address them, the sooner you can get treatment and resolve the issue.
If you or someone you love is facing a health challenge, coping with a new diagnosis or chronic illness, or needs support maintaining their good health, reach out to an expert health advisor.
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