Headaches, Fatigue and More Symptoms To Never Ignore

New symptoms can sneak up on us, especially as we get older. How do you know if your symptoms are nothing to worry about or a sign of something more? 

Michael Tilson, MD, a family medicine provider with ProMedica Physicians Family Medicine – Monroe, addresses common questions to explain concerning health symptoms and when it’s time to see a healthcare professional. 

Is it a headache or a migraine? 

Headaches can come from dehydration, stress or lack of rest. They can also be a sign of something more serious, such as migraines or an aneurysm. 

“It is concerning if you have headaches without a trigger or reason, or you’re suddenly getting more headaches or more intense headaches,” says Dr. Tilson. 

There are different types of headaches and migraines. For instance, episodic migraines occur 14 days or fewer per month, while chronic migraines occur 15 or more days per month, with headaches lasting 4 hours or longer (for over three months). 

If you have migraines, getting treatment soon is important so that the condition doesn’t get worse. There are lifestyle changes, over-the-counter medications, prescriptions and even preventive therapies that can help get migraines under control.

Is constipation normal?

There’s not a standard “normal” bathroom habit. Some people poop multiple times a day, whereas others may only poop once a week. The important thing to note is any deviations from your “normal.” Look for any changes in stool, such as the color or consistency. 

Developing chronic diarrhea or constipation could be a sign of a more serious health problem, such as Crohn’s disease, growths in your colon (polyps) or colon cancer. If you see blood in your stool, that’s also a sign that something may be wrong.   

“Tests and diagnostic tools, such as a colonoscopy, can help us determine the cause and steps towards improving the medical condition,” Dr. Tilson explains.

Why am I always tired?

Dr. Tilson shares that fatigue is one of the more common complaints heard at his practice. “Between work, school and social events, we do not have a lot of downtime these days,” he says.

Sometimes, fatigue is a sign that you need to schedule more time to sleep at night. You may want to consider lowering your caffeine or alcohol intake to support better sleep. Or you can try avoiding screen time and artificial light before bedtime.   

If more sleep doesn’t help your fatigue, your primary care provider can help you sort out possible causes. Fatigue could be the result of a vitamin or mineral deficiency. Depression, anemia, thyroid disorders, sleep apnea or a heart condition could also be an underlying cause. 

You don’t have to figure it out alone; your healthcare provider can help. 

How do I stop a chronic cough?

A cough can be a sign of viral or bacterial infection. Medications can help manage a bacterial infection, and supportive care can be provided for a viral infection. 

If an infection is not the cause of your cough, your doctor can look at your lifestyle and history to determine a possible cause.

“We healthcare providers look at the bigger picture. A cough could be a medication side effect, a result of an occupational exposure in the past, or a lung tumor if you have smoked or currently smoke, or have other risk factors,” Dr. Tilson shares.

A cough could also be a sign of asthma, acid reflux, an environmental respiratory irritant or lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Why is it so hard to exercise?

Physical activity is important for our overall health. If you’re having a hard time exercising, it could be a matter of lifestyle changes, or something deeper.

“Generally, decreased endurance or stamina is usually a sign of physical deconditioning. This happens when the body is not accustomed to a certain level of activity,” shares. Dr. Tilson. “If a sedentary person tries to start a difficult exercise routine without ramping up, they may experience less stamina than what they may have had earlier in life.”

When you’re starting a new workout routing, remember to go slow and steady. Check in with your healthcare provider if you have any existing health conditions. If you continue to struggle with stamina, follow up with your provider. 

Decreased stamina can be a sign of heart disease or issues with blood flow to the heart itself. A provider may use stress tests, blood tests and imaging to look for heart blockages. It’s important to do this when you first notice symptoms to avoid an emergency. 

Do I need to see my doctor?

“You should always trust your instinct. If you feel something is not right with your body, that’s a good enough reason to call your doctor and schedule an appointment,” Dr. Tilson recommends.

Your primary care provider is a great place to start. They know your whole medical history and can either treat your symptoms or refer you to more specialized medical care.

If you can’t get an appointment right away and feel that you to be seen soon, visit an urgent care. Urgent care experts are trained to address minor illness and injuries.   

If you do decide to wait to see your primary care provider, Dr. Tilson recommends paying attention to your symptoms. Take note of whether they are improving, stable or worsening. If they don’t improve, call your doctor so that they can guide you on the next best steps.

The Importance of Preventive Care

Visiting your primary care provider once a year, before any symptoms present themselves, is the best prevention method.

“Routine primary care visits allow you to be screened for diseases that may not have any symptoms yet,” says Dr. Tilson. “Your provider can identify budding chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure and elevated blood sugar, before they cause permanent damage.”

At each visit, update your primary care provider with any changes to your personal or family health history and let them know if you have any concerns with current medications.

“Yearly well-checks are an excellent chance to speak with a medical expert and get their opinion about health-related news that you have heard on the television, radio, internet or in general conversation,” Dr. Tilson shares.

Dr. Tilson also recommends bringing a list to your well-check. “It helps establish the flow of the visit, and we can work on answering all the questions that have been on their mind.”

Early Detection is Key

No matter the health issue, early detection is key. “Routine, age-appropriate health screenings are an important tool to avoid the consequences of many diseases,” Dr. Tilson shares. 

Get comfortable with your primary care provider. Have an open and honest dialogue about your current symptoms and concerns. This allows them to create a good plan of action, leading to quicker treatments and resolutions. 

Michael Tilson, MD

This article was reviewed for accuracy and approved by Dr. Tilson. Dr. Tilson is a family medicine provider with ProMedica Physicians Family Medicine – Monroe. View his profile.