Your Body’s Warning Signs

Posted: Oct. 1, 2004

Your body has ways of telling you when something is out of its usual healthy balance. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your health care provider.


Changes in the breast
Breast nipple discharge.
Unusual breast tenderness or pain.
Breast or nipple skin changes: ridges, dimpling, pitting, swelling, redness or scaling.
Lump or thickening in or near breast or in underarm area, or tenderness.


Gynecological warning signs
Bleeding or spotting between periods.
Itching, burning or irritation (including bumps, blisters or sores) of the vagina or genital area.
Pain or discomfort during sex.
Severe or painful bleeding with periods.
Severe pelvic pain.
Unusual (for you) vaginal discharge of any type or color, or with strong odor.


Breathing, coughing or lung problems
Coughing up blood.
Persistent cough that gets worse over time.
Repeated bouts of bronchitis or pneumonia.
Shortness of breath.
Wheezing.


Stomach, intestinal or digestive problems
Bleeding from the rectum.
Blood or mucus in the stool (including diarrhea) or black stools.
Change in bowel habits or not being able to control bowels.
Constipation, diarrhea or both.
Heartburn or acid reflux (feels like burning in throat or mouth).
Pain or feeling of fullness in stomach.
Unusual abdominal swelling, bloating or general discomfort.
Vomiting up blood.


Urination or bladder problems
Difficult or painful urination.
Frequent urination or loss of bladder control.
Blood in urine.
Feeling the urge to urinate when bladder is empty.


Skin warning signs
Changes in skin moles; moles that are no longer round or turn blacker.
Frequent flushing and redness of face and neck.
Jaundice (skin and whites of eyes turn yellow).
Painful, crusty, scaling or oozing skin lesions that don't go away or heal.
Sensitivity to the sun.
Small lump on skin that is smooth, shiny and waxy (red or reddish-brown).


Muscle or joint pain and stiffness
Muscle pains and body aches that are persistent, or come and go often.
Numbness, tingling (pins and needles sensation) or discomfort in hands, feet or limbs.
Pain, stiffness, swelling or redness in or around joints.


SYMPTOMS THAT COME ON SUDDENLY
Note: If you have any of these symptoms, do not wait to see your health care provider. You need to go to an emergency room or call 911.

Sudden or developing problems with speech.
Sudden or developing problems with sight.
Sudden or developing trouble with balance and coordination.
Sudden numbness or weakness in face, arms or legs.


Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health

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