The human body is an interesting vessel. One of the things the body is good at is letting you know when there is a problem somewhere. The most common way that the body gives you this message is through the use of pain. Ignoring certain types of pain can leave you miserable and may lead to more serious problems. Ignoring other types of pain especially pain that starts suddenly or is more intense than normal can lead to possible death.
Pain That Could Indicate Impending Stroke or Heart Attack
Among the most serious conditions are heart attack and strokes. Smaller episodes can happen with only a few cues that tend to be overlooked by most people. Those can lead to more serious attacks which will lead to lengthy hospital stays or possibly death. The most common warning signs of a heart attack according to the American Heart Association:
- Chest pain or tightness
- Pain that starts in the chest and then moves to the neck, jaw, back or shoulder
- Abdominal pain with no known cause
- Nausea/vomiting
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
The American Heart Association warns that women are more likely to have nausea and vomiting, fatigue and cold sweats than men and are also more likely to either ignore the symptoms or have medical professionals overlook them leading to worse outcomes for a first heart attack.
For a stroke, the acronym F.A.S.T is key. It stands for Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call 911. Every second counts with a stroke. Any of these issues with or without a sudden, severe headache should be considered an emergency.
Abdominal Pain
Pain after a huge meal is probably indigestion and if it is the only pain involved, it can be ignored; but an abdominal pain that starts suddenly, is more intense than normal, or has no known cause could be a warning sign of a number of serious conditions. Any time pain in the belly coincides with other problems it should be evaluated immediately. Some of those problems include:
- Sweating
- Blood
- Radiating pain to other areas
- Fever
- Tearing pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting
- Yellowing skin
Tooth Pain
Certain types of tooth pain can be treated by a dentist at a regular visit. Other types should be considered an emergent situation and should be cared for immediately. This includes sudden pain that starts as a toothache but then moves to the jaw, neck or head. It could be an abscess, a broken tooth with exposed roots or even the warning sign of a heart attack. According to dental experts, symptoms of infected teeth may include sensitivity to hot/cold or sweets, pain, swelling, pain with biting or pressure, and a bad taste in the mouth. If not treated quickly, it can even weaken the entire immune system, making it very dangerous and painful.
Of course, this is not a comprehensive list of all the warning aches and pains that could indicate a serious problem. Take good care of your body, and pay attention to the signals it sends you. Seek appropriate treatment, be honest with your physicians, and follow their instructions in order to live a happy and healthy life.
