Serious Diseases You Shouldn't Ignore

While we have all heard of diseases like skin cancer, diabetes or eating disorders, few of us actually know the symptoms. But, knowing them can save your life, because the rule in medicine is usually - the sooner the treatment the much higher chances of successful treatment and even a cure. So the more knowledgeable and aware you are, the better your chances of getting off much lighter. Here are the health warning signs of 10 serious diseases you shouldn't ignore.

1. Diabetes

This disease affects your blood glucose or blood sugar - in which they tend to be too high. Signs of diabetes include:

• Constant hunger
• Bruises and cuts that slowly heal
• Weight loss or gain, without reason
• Fatigue
• Intense thirst
• Numbness and pain in hands

2. Skin cancer

Cancer exists in many forms. In skin cancer, it is the abnormal growth of skin cells which most often develops on skin exposed to the sun. The most common symptoms are:

• Skin lesions that don’t heal
• Thick, red skin with silvery patches
• Jaundice
• Redness of the face and neck
• Changes in skin moles
• New moles

3. Muscle or joint disease

Multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and polymyalgia rheumatica are three types of autoimmune disorders that affect the muscles, joints, and nerves. Symptoms of muscle disease include:

• Swelling, inflammation, stiffness, or redness in or around the joints
• Numbness or tingling
• Constant muscle pain
• Reduced range of movement of any joints

4. Lung disease

Any problem in the lungs that prevents them from working properly is considered to be a form of lung disease. Watch out for these signs: 

• Chronic chest pain (lasting for a month or longer)
• Coughing up blood
• Chronic cough (lasting for a month or longer)
• Wheezing
• Chronic mucus production (lasting for a month or longer)
• Difficulty breathing
• Shortness of breath

5. Breast disease

Breast changes such as lumps, bumps, and discharge are common. Some causes can be aging, hormones, and medicines. Nevertheless, it's always recommended you be aware of the symptoms of breast disease, which include: 

• Thickening in the underarm area
• Thickening near or in the breast 
• Unusual breast tenderness or pain
• Nipple discharge
• Nipple or breast skin changes

6. Female reproductive health problems

Women experience specific sexual and reproductive health issues throughout their life. Common signs of female reproductive health problems include: 

• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Painful menstrual bleeding
• Severe abdominal or pelvic pain
• Itchy genital area
• Frequent urination

7. Digestive and stomach diseases

Digestive diseases exist in many forms including polyps and cancer, infections, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, malabsorption, short bowel syndrome, and intestinal ischemia. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, and hiatal hernia. Symptoms of stomach and digestive problems are:

• Changes in bowel habits
• Vomiting blood
• Rectal bleeding
• Diarrhea
• Heartburn 
• Blood in the stool
• Black stools
• Inability to control your bowels
• Acid reflux
• Constipation

8. Bladder problems

The bladder is a hollow organ in your lower abdomen that stores urine. A number of conditions can affect your bladder. The signs of bladder disease can include:

• Wetting the bed at night
• Painful or frequent urination
• Excessive urination at night
• Loss of bladder control
• Blood in the urine

9. Eating disorders and weight problems

People who suffer from an eating disorder intentionally avoid eating and often starve themselves to achieve an excessive amount of weight loss. Common signs of eating disorders and weight problems include:

• Starvation
• Depression
• Distorted body image
• Excessive hunger
• Dehydration
• Compulsive exercise
• Fatigue
• Extreme thirst
• Vomiting
• Preoccupation with weight and food

10. Deep vein thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more of the deep veins in your body, usually in your legs. Thrombosis can be accompanied by these symptoms:

• Leg or arm spasms
• Leg or arm pain 
• Leg or arm is warm to the touch
• Swelling in the leg, and sometimes in the arm
• Bluish or reddish skin discoloration