Our body is our strongest defense against disease, but when it does get sick, it sends out signals.
They are quiet, easy to ignore, easy to blame on stress or assume they would heal on their own.
However, in some cases, these small changes can be early signs that something else is going on beneath the surface.
Pharmacists are often the first point of contact if something is “not quite right”, especially if the complaints do not seem urgent enough for an appointment with the GP.
From quick checks to advice on whether further testing is needed, they can help identify problems early and hopefully before the problem escalates.
While many problems are mild and easy to treat, some symptoms may be more significant than they seem.
Here are seven symptoms that may be masking an underlying health problem – and when it may be time to seek professional advice.
1. High blood pressure
As for the UK, 4.2 million people in England could be living with undiagnosed high blood pressure, according to NHS figures.
If left untreated, it can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney problems and vascular dementia.
Many people assume that high blood pressure comes with obvious warning signs; in reality, it often has no symptoms, which is why it is called a ‘silent killer’.
Chief Pharmacist Inspector and Director of Pyramid Pharmacy Group Amir Bhogal explains: “You can have elevated levels and still feel fine.”
Without regular monitoring, Bhogal warns: “You won’t know if your blood pressure is elevated until the damage has already occurred.” That’s why routine check-ups with a pharmacy or your GP are important, especially if ‘you have a family history of high blood pressure, heart disease or stroke’.
2. Persistent fatigue
Feeling tired after a long week is normal. But as Bhogal explains, “waking up exhausted after a full night’s sleep is not.”
When fatigue lasts longer than normal for no apparent reason and begins to affect daily life, your body may be signaling something more serious.
According to the NHS, persistent fatigue may be related to:
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disorders
- Anemia
- Iron deficiencies
“That’s why it’s essential that you take into account when fatigue goes beyond normal,” says Bhogal.
3. Blood sugar fluctuations
If you sweat or feel nervous occasionally, this is normal, especially if you feel stressed or anxious. But as Bhogal explains, “frequent episodes may indicate that your body is not regulating glucose properly.”
When blood sugar levels are not controlled effectively, it can be an early sign of an underlying condition, such as diabetes, and also cause symptoms such as:
- Dizziness
- Feeling hungry
- Difficulty concentrating
- A racing heart
“Diabetes often develops gradually, and these symptoms can be early indicators. You may feel shaky or have an unexpected racing heart,” Bhogal said of the disease.
4. Frequent headaches
Most people experience headaches from time to time, often related to stress, dehydration or muscle tension. However, Bhogal emphasizes that when headaches become more frequent or change in intensity, they should not be ignored.
5. Changes in digestion
Digestive symptoms can be caused by a number of things, including stress or changes in routine, and many go away on their own.
However, Bhogal says that persistent changes without explanation could indicate other problems, including problems affecting organs such as the liver, pancreas or gallbladder.
Digestive changes may include:
- Going to the toilet more or less often than normal
- Persistent diarrhea or constipation
- Persistent bloating
- Stomach pain that does not subside
- Changes in the color or consistency of stool
