If You Notice This on Your Body Have Your Blood Checked
Nobody enjoys getting blood work done, but regular blood testing is a necessary part of keeping track of your physical health. Certain external symptoms could be related to serious health conditions, so if you notice any of the following things on your body, make sure to speak to a health professional. Read on to find out more—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs COVID is Hurting You—Even After a Negative Test.
Pale, Yellowish Skin
Many people have naturally pale skin, but skin that has recently turned pale or yellowish-looking could be a sign of iron-deficiency anemia. "Causes of an iron deficiency can range from poor diet to a serious illness," says family medicine physician David Brill, DO. "Other factors to consider are your age, gender and medical history."
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Unexplained Weight Lossl
Dramatic, unexplained weight loss could be an early sign of Type 2 diabetes—glucose builds up in your blood instead of being transported to your cells. "This weight loss can occur relatively quickly — over a few weeks to a couple of months," says registered nurse Sue Cotey, RN, CDCES. "When the glucose doesn't arrive in your cells, your body thinks it's starving and finds a way to compensate. It creates energy by burning fat and muscle at a rapid pace. This causes unexplained weight loss."
Clusters of Waxy Bumps on Skin
Waxy bump clusters that suddenly appear on skin could be a sign of high cholesterol in the blood. According to the Cleveland Clinic, "When considering cholesterol numbers, it's important to remember that you really have the ability to make those numbers go in your favor. What you choose to eat, how much you are able to move and how you deal with life's ups and downs are things that you can influence." Either way, make sure to meet with a medical professional to get help and guidance.
Constant Need to Urinate
Feeling the need to urinate more often (and excessive foam in urine) could be a sign of kidney disease, according to the National Kidney Foundation. "There are a number of physical signs of kidney disease, but sometimes people attribute them to other conditions," says Dr. Joseph Vassalotti, Chief Medical Officer at the National Kidney Foundation. "Also, those with kidney disease tend not to experience symptoms until the very late stages, when the kidneys are failing or when there are large amounts of protein in the urine. This is one of the reasons why only 10% of people with chronic kidney disease know that they have it."
Swelling In Arms Or Legs
Swelling in your arms or legs—known as edema—could be a sign of liver disease. "You don't want to turn yellow with jaundice or feel pain in your upper right abdomen because those are signs your liver is already very sick," says Dr. Saleh Alqahtani, director of clinical liver research for Johns Hopkins Medicine. "It is far better to stop liver disease before it gets too serious."
What Should I Do If I Have These Symptoms
If you have any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor and discuss having further tests to rule out any serious issues. Most blood tests don't need any special preparation, but others might require you to fast for up to 12 hours before blood is drawn. And to live your healthiest life, don't miss this life-saving advice I'm a Doctor and Here's the #1 Sign You Have Cancer
