Wheezing, Coughing and Trouble Breathing All of these symptoms may indicate heart failure, particularly if they are occurring in combination with chest pain. However, they may also signal problems with the lungs, such as emphysema, chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis or pneumonia. According to the Mayo Clinic, wheezing indicates a narrowing of the airways that may also be caused by inflammation from a variety of factors such as asthma, an infection, an allergic reaction, or a physical obstruction, such as a tumor or foreign object. Whatever the cause, your provider should investigate.
Weakness in Your Arms and Legs, Leg Discomfort and Fatigue
There are literally hundreds of conditions that may cause weakness and fatigue, along with leg discomfort. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), five percent of adults ages 60 and older had weak muscle strength and 13 percent had intermediate muscle strength, with the prevalence increasing with age. Guillain-Barre is a rare nerve disorder that causes weakness in the legs, as does multiple sclerosis and chronic fatigue syndrome. Some medica- tions, sleep disorders, depression and chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart, lung and kidney disease may also cause these symptoms. How- ever, bear in mind that lack of use will also cause muscles to weaken and sap your energy, so a sedentary lifestyle may be another reason you are feeling this way. Consider it a wake-up call and consult your provider to make sure you are not experiencing something more serious.
Blood in Your Urine or Stool
There are numerous conditions associated with blood in urine or on stool — ranging from hemophilia to hemorrhoids. While some causes may be irritating, such as an anal fissure from passing large or hard stools, others can be life-threatening, such as bleeding due to some forms of cancer or stomach bleeding resulting from aspirin use. Blood in the stool sometimes looks like coffee grounds, or makes the stool dark and tarry. Report such changes — as well as the presence of fresh blood — to your provider.
Vision Problems
Blurred vision can also be a symptom of numerous conditions, includ- ing cataracts, diabetes, high blood pressure and multiple sclerosis. The American Optometric Association notes that some medications — such as those taken for high cholesterol, anxiety or depression and arthritis — can also cause vision to blur.
Because vision problems can be dangerous, and because they may be symptomatic of something much more serious, it’s important to bring this symptom to the attention of both an eye doctor and a primary care physician.
