Symptoms
General Symptoms of Diseases
1. Fever
Fever is the body's natural response to infections, signaling that the immune system is actively fighting off harmful pathogens. A mild fever is often harmless and can be managed with rest and fluids. However, a high or prolonged fever may indicate a more serious infection, such as pneumonia or dengue.
2. Fatigue
Unexplained exhaustion or persistent tiredness could be a sign of underlying conditions such as anemia, thyroid disorders, or chronic infections. Fatigue may also result from sleep disorders, poor nutrition, or excessive stress, making it important to identify and address its root cause.
3. Coughing
A cough can be a protective reflex to clear the airways of irritants, mucus, or foreign particles. While a mild cough is common in colds and allergies, a persistent or worsening cough may indicate bronchitis, tuberculosis, or even lung conditions like COPD.
4. Shortness of Breath
Difficulty breathing or feeling breathless can be a symptom of respiratory diseases like asthma, pneumonia, or COVID-19. In some cases, shortness of breath is linked to heart problems, such as heart failure or blockages in the arteries. Immediate medical attention is needed if it occurs suddenly or severely.
5. Unexplained Weight Loss
Losing weight unintentionally, especially when combined with other symptoms, can be a red flag for chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, or thyroid disorders. Rapid weight loss may also be due to digestive conditions that affect nutrient absorption, like Crohn’s disease or celiac disease.
If any of these symptoms persist, it’s crucial to seek medical evaluation for an accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.
Breast Cancer Symptoms
Lumps
A lump or mass in the breast or underarm is the most recognized symptom of breast cancer. Cancerous lumps are often hard, painless, and irregularly shaped, though some may feel tender or soft. They can develop in any part of the breast tissue, including near the chest wall or armpit. While most breast lumps are benign (e.g., cysts, fibroadenomas), any new or growing lump requires evaluation via mammography, ultrasound, or biopsy. Regular self-exams and clinical breast exams help detect changes early.
Nipple Changes
Changes to the nipple may signal underlying tumors affecting milk ducts or lymphatics. Symptoms include:
Key Signs
- Nipple inversion or discharge
- Unusual discharge (bloody, clear, or yellow fluid unrelated to breastfeeding)
- Scaling, crusting, or redness (resembling eczema, which could indicate Paget’s disease, a rare breast cancer type). These changes often occur alongside other signs, such as a lump or thickening behind the nipple.
Skin Dimpling
Skin dimpling, where the breast skin appears puckered or resembles an orange peel, is caused by cancer cells blocking lymphatic vessels, leading to fluid buildup and inflammation. This symptom is particularly associated with inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), a rare but aggressive form that may also cause redness, warmth, and swelling. Skin thickening or persistent rash on the breast should never be ignored.
Lung Disease
- Asthma A chronic condition where airways become inflamed and narrow, causing breathing difficulties.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Includes conditions like chronic bronchitis and emphysema, leading to long-term breathing issues.
- Pneumonia A lung infection causing inflammation, fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
- Pneumonia A lung infection causing inflammation, fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
Skin Disease
Skin diseases refer to a variety of conditions that affect the skin, causing symptoms such as rashes, itching, redness, dryness, or infections. They can be caused by infections, allergies, immune system disorders, or environmental factors. Common Skin Diseases
- Eczema (Dermatitis): A chronic condition causing itchy, inflamed skin, often triggered by allergies or irritants.
- Psoriasis: An autoimmune disorder leading to red, scaly patches on the skin due to rapid cell turnover.
- Acne: A common skin condition caused by clogged pores, bacteria, and excess oil production, leading to pimples and blackheads.
- Fungal Infections: Conditions like ringworm and athlete’s foot, caused by fungi, leading to itchy, scaly skin.
Colorectal Disease
Colorectal diseases affect the colon (large intestine) and rectum, leading to various digestive and bowel-related issues. These conditions range from mild inflammation to severe disorders like cancer. Early detection and lifestyle changes play a crucial role in managing these diseases. Common Colorectal Diseases:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A functional disorder causing abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits without structural damage.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, where chronic inflammation affects the colon and rectum.
Brain Tumors
- Often worsen in the morning or with activities that increase intracranial pressure (e.g., coughing, bending)
- Persistent and unrelieved by over-the-counter painkillers
- Blurred/double vision, loss of peripheral vision, or sudden blindness (e.g., pituitary tumors compressing optic nerves)
- Light sensitivity or seeing "floaters"
- Confusion, difficulty concentrating, or personality changes (e.g., frontal lobe tumors)
- Short-term memory lapses or trouble finding words (temporal lobe involvement)
- Sudden, severe headaches (like "the worst headache of your life")
- Seizures (especially without a prior history)
- Persistent nausea/vomiting unrelated to gastrointestinal issues
- Speech difficulties (slurring, inability to articulate words)
- Loss of consciousness or balance issues (e.g., frequent falls)
Self-Examinations & Tests
- Track headache patterns (frequency, triggers, severity)
- Monitor vision changes (use an Amsler grid to test peripheral vision)
- Test coordination (e.g., finger-to-nose exercises, walking in a straight line)
- Assess cognitive function (e.g., memory quizzes, clock-drawing test)
- MRI/CT scans: Gold standard for detecting brain tumors
- Neurological Exam: Tests reflexes, muscle strength, and sensory function
- Biopsy: Confirms tumor type (e.g., glioblastoma, meningioma)
Hidden Symptoms
- Irritability, apathy, or impulsivity (frontal lobe tumors)
- Monitor vision changes (use an Amsler grid to test peripheral vision)
- Unexplained weight gain/loss, infertility, or irregular periods (pituitary tumors)
- Persistent vomiting without gastrointestinal cause (linked to increased intracranial pressure)
- Olfactory groove tumors may impair sensory perception