18 Symptoms of Dangerous Health Conditions Hiding in Plain Sight
Persistent heartburn
You may not consider heartburn as such an unusual symptom, as most people experience it more than a few times in their lives, especially after eating fatty or fried foods. But this is where you are wrong. Heartburn, especially if it persists for longer periods of time, can be a sign of a serious health condition known as Barrett’s esophagus.
As explained by The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, those who suffer from this condition have a higher risk of developing esophageal cancer. Therefore, it’s important to see a doctor is this burning sensation occurs too often. Also, here’s how to tell the difference between Heartburn or Acid Reflux? (+Treatments).
Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath refers to the difficulty of fully getting air into your lungs. It’s actually quite common and occurs at least once in a while after physical exertion, when traveling to a high altitude, or due to major temperature changes.
While in most cases, it’s generally risk-free, in some cases, shortness of breath could also indicate heart issues. “The most common symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath, particularly upon exertion,” explains Andrew T. Darlington, DO, specialist in advanced heart failure at the Piedmont Heart Institute in Atlanta.
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