Warning signs in older adults

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Extract from the article: As we age, it is normal to experience a decline in abilities and to attribute this to age; however, we should not blame everything on old age. It is essential that older adults consult a doctor to check their health and, in the event of illness....

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As we age, it is normal to experience a decline in abilities and to attribute this to age; however, we should not blame everything on old age. It is essential that older adults consult a doctor to check their health and, in the event of illness, take timely action. If we are not careful, we can easily consider unusual symptoms to be normal.

Some symptoms can be caused by serious health problems. Consult a doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms. Waiting for them to disappear magically can be very costly to your health.

Unusual shortness of breath

Chest pain is one of many symptoms of a heart attack. And they can vary from person to person. For example, if you have trouble catching your breath after a short walk, it may be an early sign that one of your arteries is partially or completely blocked. This can lead to a heart attack. If you notice chronic or unusual difficulty, feel pressure in your chest, or experience nausea, make an appointment with your doctor.

Sudden nausea or problems with balance and coordination

The symptoms of a brain hemorrhage can be very subtle. Whether in older people or young adults, a brain hemorrhage has the following symptoms: sudden difficulty walking, sudden loss of balance and coordination. You should also pay attention to these signs: extreme nausea, difficulty speaking, slurred speech, changes in vision, weakness or numbness in the face, legs, or arms.

Vaginal bleeding after menopause

If you experience vaginal spotting after menopause, it is best to consult a gynecologist as soon as possible, as this is not normal. Some cases of bleeding may be less serious than others. However, the possibility of a serious illness, such as cancer, must be considered. It should not be taken lightly. Even if you do not have this bleeding, you should have regular check-ups.

Erectile dysfunction

This is a very common condition in older people, and as the years go by, it is very likely to occur. In Togo, a large proportion of men suffer from erectile dysfunction. In addition to being an obvious concern in terms of sexual satisfaction, it can also be associated with heart disease and diabetes. Although it is common for it to occur due to age, other causes are possible, such as increased stress or depression.

Constipation

Constipation causes more effort than necessary when going to the bathroom. This action increases the risk of developing hemorrhoids. When constipation is occasional, it can be considered normal, but in older people, it can be more frequent than expected.

It can also be a sign of a tumor, polyp, or other obstruction. When constipation is chronic, it can make it too difficult to pass stool, causing it to harden. The intestine then fills up and it becomes impossible to evacuate. This is called fecal impaction.

Colored stools

This can vary depending on what you eat on a daily basis. Iron supplements and anti-diarrhea medications, for example, can darken stools. However, if you notice black stools or stools containing blood, this may be a symptom of bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract. This can be caused by ulcers, hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, and other gastrointestinal diseases that require more attention in adults.

Breast abnormalities

While breast cancer can be detected by lumps, there are other less well-known symptoms: swelling, tenderness or discoloration of the breasts, nipple discharge, and changes in the tone of the breast skin. Breast cancer is common in women. Have regular health checkups.

Skin lesions

It is very common for older people to develop skin cancer. This type of cancer can appear regardless of skin pigmentation. Pay close attention to any sudden lesions on the skin and the appearance of moles : when a skin lesion does not heal, it can become cancerous.

William O.