In life sometimes it is hard to determine when a pain that seems “normal” could be a sign of something more serious. Here are four you should never ignore…
1. Mid-back pain along with a fever
This could be a sign of kidney infection. This infection usually develops following a urinary tract infection. In order to prevent kidney infections see your physician immediately if you suspect you may have a urinary tract infection. They elderly are especially susceptible to unitary tract infections. Although your aging loved one may not express their discomfort in a way that is obviously interpreted as pain from an infection. Many seniors express this discomfort by way of severe agitation, restlessness and delirium.
2. A “thunderclap” headache
If you experience head pain that comes very suddenly and severely call 911 immediately. This can be a sign of an aneurysm. Aneurysms occur when part of a blood vessel (artery) or cardiac chamber swells. An aneurysm can occur in any part of the body. However, they occur most commonly on the wall of the aorta – the large trunk artery that carries blood from the left ventricle of the heart to branch arteries. Other symptoms of a cerebral aneurysm include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Eyesight problems
- Seizures (fits)
- Loss of consciousness
- Confusion
- A drooping eyelid
- Stiff neck
- Light sensitivity
3. A tender spot on your calf
If one small portion of your leg is sensitive to touch you may have deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is a blood clot deep in the vein. This condition is more likely to occur in people who have been on long car or plane rides, or are on birth control pills. The danger comes when the blood clot breaks off from its place in the leg and begins to move toward the lungs.
4. Unexplained ache between shoulder blades
This can be a sign of a heart attack. Each year 715,000 people have a heart attack. About 30% of people who have heart attacks do not experience the classic symptoms. If you experience this symptom, especially in conjunction with shortness of breath and nausea seek medical attention immediately.
Information provided by: Woman’s Day Magazine. June 2014 Issue. Page 91.