10 Common Health Problems – When to Worry and When to see a Doctor

10 Common Health Problems – When to Worry and When to see a Doctor

The following conditions are frequently seen in both primary and hospital care.

They may appear suddenly and last a short time (acute), or they may develop gradually and persist over months or years (chronic).

1. Heart & Blood Vessel Disease (Heart Attack & Stroke)

What it is: Fatty build-up narrows arteries.
Prevention: Healthy diet, exercise, stop smoking, control weight.

When to worry:

• Chest pain, especially left-sided and on exertion
• Sudden weakness, slurred speech, face drooping

See a doctor:

• Immediately (emergency) for chest pain or stroke symptoms
• Routine checks if you have risk factors (high BP, diabetes)

2. High Blood Pressure

What it is: Persistently raised blood pressure.
Prevention: Exercise, reduce salt, healthy weight, don’t smoke.

When to worry:

• Usually no symptoms
• Headaches or dizziness (rarely)

See a doctor:

• If readings stay high (> 140/90; > 180/100 .. today)
• For regular blood pressure checks

3. Cancer

What it is: Uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells.
Prevention: Screening, sun protection, don’t smoke.

When to worry:

• New lump (e.g. breast lump)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Change in a mole
• Ongoing bleeding or pain

See a doctor:

• If symptoms last more than 3 weeks
• Attend all screening tests

4. Diabetes (Type 2)

What it is: High blood sugar over time.
Prevention: Healthy diet, exercise, weight control.

When to worry:

• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Tiredness
• Slow-healing wounds

See a doctor:

• If typical symptoms appear
• For blood sugar testing if at risk

5. Osteoarthritis

What it is: Wear-and-tear of joints.
Prevention: Keep active, healthy weight, strengthen muscles.

When to worry:

• Increasing pain or stiffness
• Reduced movement

See a doctor:

• If pain affects daily life
• If joints swell or lock

6. Lung Conditions (Asthma & COPD)

What it is: Long-term breathing problems.
Prevention: Do not smoke, avoid triggers.

When to worry:

• Wheezing or breathlessness#
• Night-time coughing

See a doctor:

• If symptoms are frequent
• Urgently if severe breathlessness

7. Dementia

What it is: Progressive memory and thinking problems.
Prevention: Stay active, healthy diet, control blood pressure.

When to worry:

• Memory loss affecting daily life
• Confusion or personality change

See a doctor:

• Early assessment is important
• If family notices changes

8. Digestive Problems (Reflux & IBS)

What it is: Common gut conditions.
Prevention: Avoid trigger foods, healthy weight.

When to worry:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Ongoing pain
• Blood in stool
• Weight loss

See a doctor:

• If symptoms persist
• Immediately for red-flag symptoms above

9. Mental Health Conditions

What it is: Depression and anxiety are common and treatable.
Prevention: Talk about feelings, exercise, seek support.

When to worry:

• Low mood or anxiety lasting weeks
• Poor sleep or appetite
• Loss of interest in life

See a doctor:

• Early — treatment works best
• Urgently if you feel unsafe or overwhelmed

10. Low Back Pain

What it is: Very common, usually muscle-related.
Prevention: Exercise, good posture, safe lifting.

When to worry:

• Pain lasting more than 6 weeks
• Pain with numbness or weakness
• Pain after injury

See a doctor:

• If pain is severe or persistent
• Immediately if bladder/bowel problems occur