The phrase “knowledge is power” rings particularly true when it comes to health. For most illnesses, the sooner we know about it, the sooner we can get needed treatment. Subsequently, the most dangerous illnesses are often the ones we know nothing about. For certain hard-to-detect illnesses, doctors may treat symptoms without realizing an underlying condition is involved. Knowing the symptoms of these common but often overlooked health conditions can be a first step in taking charge of your health.
Diabetes
Diabetes is an illness in which the body cannot properly process food due to problems with the hormone insulin. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 29.1 million people in the United States have diabetes, but the symptoms are so minor that 8.1 million people are undiagnosed. Diabetes occurs when the body produces very little or no insulin or does not respond appropriately to insulin. The warning signs can be so mild that many people don’t notice them. Untreated diabetes can cause nerve damage and kidney disease.
Common symptoms include
1. Hunger and fatigue
2. An increase in thirst and more frequent urination
3. Recurring yeast infections
Doctors can measure blood glucose to discover if a patient has diabetes. Visit a health clinic and take the fasting plasma glucose test or the oral glucose tolerance test. Typically, doctors will repeat the test on a different day to confirm the diagnosis.
Autoimmune disorders
An immune system disorder causes the body to mistake certain types of tissues for harmful substances and decreases the body’s capability to fight invaders. According to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, 50 million Americans suffer from autoimmune diseases. Three-fourths of those affected are women. Many people who have autoimmune disorders have a difficult time getting an accurate diagnosis, because the symptoms are vague.
Common symptoms include
1. Joint and muscle pain or weakness
2. Changes in weight
3. Rashes and hives on the skin
4. Extreme tiredness and fatigue
Diagnosing an autoimmune disorder can be difficult for health care professionals. For some autoimmune disorders, there are blood tests that can look for auto-antibodies in the blood. Tracking your symptoms and asking your doctor to take an autoimmune disorder test is the best place to start.
Heart disease
Cardiovascular disease encompasses a range of conditions that affect the heart, including heart defects, coronary artery disease and blood vessel diseases. They are caused by narrowed, blocked or stiffened blood vessels that stop the body from receiving the correct amount of blood. According to the CDC, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women, causing one in every four deaths. High blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking are risk factors for heart disease. On the other hand, making healthy lifestyle choices can decrease the odds.
Common symptoms include
1. Difficulty breathing
2. Discomfort or pain in the chest, arm or below the breastbone
3. Dizziness or lack of energy
4. Changes in heartbeat
Doctors often use blood tests and chest X-rays to check for heart disease. Individuals who are at high risk for heart disease or have symptoms should check with their doctor to determine the next step.
Kidney Disease
Kidneys affected by kidney disease have difficulty keeping the blood clean, causing waste products and other fluids to build up in the body. Over 20 million adults in the United States have kidney disease, however people in the early stages of this disease tend to not notice of feel any symptoms. If left untreated, kidney disease can lead to organ failure and be life threatening.
Common symptoms include
1. Feeling tired, queasy, dizzy or weak
2. Having shortness of breath with little effort
3. Food tasting like metal
4. Loss of appetite
5. Changes in frequency or texture of urine
Blood and urine tests are the most common ways to diagnose kidney disease. If a patient is diagnosed, doctors offer medications and give suggestions for changes in diet.
