Yahoo News ITV's Dr Amir Khan lists five common symptoms to 'definitely' see a GP about
It can be difficult to know at what point you should see a GP when something doesn't feel right, with many of us guilty of brushing off potentially serious warning signs.
However, TV doctor Amir Khan has urged patients to find the time to make a doctor's appointment if they experience a few common symptoms, as they could be an indication of an underlying health problem. Taking to TikTok, Dr Khan, who is a full-time GP as well as the resident doctor on ITV's Good Morning Britain and Lorraine, said: "The bottom line is, any persistent and unexplained symptoms should be checked by a healthcare professional."
While the symptoms listed by the doctor are usually nothing to worry about, it's always best to get them looked at in order to rule out the more serious causes, with patients assured that they should never feel embarrassed to present their concerns. Here are the five things Dr Khan said he would "definitely want to see you for" as a GP, Gloucestershire Live reports.
Mouth
Dr Khan warned: "An unexplained mouth ulcer that has been there for three weeks or more. Mouth cancer can affect anyone but it's more common in those who smoke or use alcohol excessively. So please do get that checked."
The NHS advises seeing a GP or dentist if your ulcer lasts longer than three weeks, or is different to other mouth ulcers you've had before - for example if it's bigger than usual or near the back of your throat. An ulcer that bleeds or becomes more painful and red should also be checked out, as this may be a sign of an infection.
Throat
Dr Khan explained: "The feeling of getting food or drink stuck in your throat when you try to swallow. This is called dysphagia. It can sometimes cause coughing, choking and vomiting. Now there are different causes but we need to rule out a cancer of the food pipe or upper parts of the digestive tract."
Causes of dysphagia can include some medicines, having a learning disability, heartburn or acid reflux. However, it can also be a sign of a condition that affects the nervous system or brain, such as a stroke, dementia or multiple sclerosis, or cancer, therefore the NHS urges anyone who experiences difficulty swallowing to seek an urgent GP appointment.
Neck
The TV doctor said: "Now I know that new, unexplained lumps anywhere should be checked. But if you have a new lump in your neck, even if it feels like a lymph, if it's more than one centimetre or feels hard, rubbery or remains there for three weeks or more and you can't explain it, please do get that checked."
According to the NHS, you should see a GP if you have a lump anywhere on your body that lasts more than two weeks, is hard and does not move, gets bigger, and/or is painful, red or hot. If your doctor is unsure what may be causing your lump, they may refer you to hospital for tests such as an ultrasound scan or biopsy.
Sweating
The doctor adds that if you have "unexplained or drenched night sweats" you should see a GP. He adds: "Now I know you can get them from menopause, which needs to be treated desperately, but if you can't explain those sweats away, come and speak to us."
The NHS website explains that excessive sweating, also called hyperhidrosis, is common and a pharmacist may be able to recommend products that can help. However, the health service advises seeing a GP if you have excessive sweating that has lasted for at least six months and happens at least once a week or at night, and treatments you have tried are not working and/or it stops you getting on with daily activities.
Bone pain
And finally, Dr Khan said that unexplained bone pain should warrant a GP trip - especially if you are over 50. He listed that this can include pain in your back, pelvis or rib area, adding: "If you don't remember any kind of injury or movement that can explain it away, get it checked out now."
