While mild chronic pain is an integral part of life for many people, certain sharp and sudden pains are clear warnings from the body that something is definitely not right, writes WebMD.
Therefore, at the first symptoms of extremely intense pain, see a doctor immediately, advises Dr. Brunilda Nazario, who published a list of types of pain that should not be ignored.
1. An intense headache is not harmless
A sharp and stabbing pain in the head, especially if it is the worst headache you have ever felt, is a reason to see a doctor immediately.
"That kind of pain can be a sign of internal bleeding due to a ruptured aneurysm, which can cause death in a short period of time," says neurologist Sharon Brangman.
2. Discomfort in chest, jaw, shoulder and arm
An unpleasant feeling in the chest is most often the first symptom of a heart attack or a late symptom of pneumonia.
"Most people think that a heart attack is characterized by stabbing pain, but it's really just a strange feeling in the chest," explains cardiologist Jerome Cohen.
Cohen points out that pains in the shoulder, arm and jaw appear earlier than around the heart itself, and if they are accompanied by shortness of breath, call an ambulance immediately. If you arrive at the hospital in time, the chances of saving your life increase by more than 60 percent, the doctor points out.
3. Pain in the lower back and between the shoulder blades
The cause is usually arthritis, but other possibilities include heart attack and abdominal problems. One of the dangers is the rupture of the aorta caused by the expansion of that blood vessel. If you suffer from high blood pressure for a long time, and the pain does not go away but intensifies, be sure to see a doctor.
4. Constipation and severe stomach pains
The most common cause of severe abdominal pain is inflammation of the appendix, which is located in the right half of the lower abdomen between the hip and the navel. If the place is extremely sensitive to the touch, and there is also constipation, rush to the hospital. If the appendix ruptures, the chances of internal bleeding and developing sepsis are high.
5. Calf pain
One of the lesser-known dangers is deep vein thrombosis, a blood clot that most commonly occurs in the veins of the legs. Such thrombosis can be life-threatening if the clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs or heart.
Cancer, obesity, pregnancy or prolonged rest are risk factors. As the first symptom of a blood clot is swelling on the leaf accompanied by gradual pain, visit a doctor to rule out suspicion of a blood clot.
6. Tingling in the feet
Chronic burning in the feet is common in diabetics, and it can also be caused by vitamin B deficiency, kidney disease, poor circulation, blood vessel disease, and thyroid disorders. The first thing you should do is to do a complete blood count, and then look for a possible cause of this unpleasant symptom with the doctor.
7. Stomach pain with flatulence and indigestion
If your appetite and digestive habits change, and you also feel discomfort in your abdomen for more than two weeks, be sure to see a doctor. These are the most common symptoms of various types of cancer that patients notice, but usually do not react to. Although the causes can often be harmless, it's not something you can take chances with, experts point out.
8. Shooting pain in the leg
If the cause of the pain is not a heavy activity you were engaged in, but it seems that it appeared without any reason and does not go away, and it is accompanied by the symptoms of swelling, redness and burning - then it can be a question of the occurrence of a life-threatening thrombosis. This disease most often affects the legs and pelvis, and less often the hands. Although venous thrombosis usually occurs in the elderly, it can occur at any age. Genetic predisposition, use of hormone therapy, prolonged sitting and recent surgical procedures are the most common causes, although bumps and falls can also trigger it.
Bonus video:
