Silent Signs Of Hidden Health Problems
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- You may not think it's anything, but sometimes seemingly innocent issues can point to hidden health problems.
Doctors warn that some of the following could be silent signs.
- Worn Down Teeth
Allegheny General Hospital internist, Dr. Marc Itskowitz:
"Some patients who have acid reflux may not have classic symptoms, but we find their tooth enamel is deteriorated and damaged, that may be a sign of underlying acid reflux, that needs to be evaluated and treated."
- Shrinking Handwriting
Allegheny General Hospital internist, Dr. Marc Itskowitz:
"There was a fascinating study that was published in 2013 showing that when handwriting got smaller over time, it was a signal that the patient may develop Parkinson's disease."
- Bursts of anger may not just be a difficult personality
Allegheny General Hospital internist, Dr. Marc Itskowitz:
"Not all patients with depression will come in and say I'm depressed. Sometimes it can be an atypical presentation. So bursts of anger may signal a mental illness, such as depression."
- Trouble with finances can tip off Alzheimer's disease.
Allegheny General Hospital internist, Dr. Marc Itskowitz:
"It can be as simple as forgetting to pay a bill, or not understanding the bill you receive at a restaurant, the inability to calculate a tip, we're looking for early signs of cognitive dysfunction."
- Erectile dysfunction can hint at other conditions
Allegheny General Hospital internist, Dr. Marc Itskowitz:
"We want to make sure patients don't have untreated high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol."
- Even frequent trips to the bathroom can indicate illness
Allegheny General Hospital internist, Dr. Marc Itskowitz:
"One of the ealy signs of diabetes is frequent urination."
At your visit, your doctor will do a review of systems, which is a long checklist of questions about all parts of your body.
This is a good opportunity to bring up any concerns, even if you don't think they're serious.
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