If you’re suddenly seeing firework-like flashing lights or lightning streaks (unlike migraine flashes, which are not like a fireworks display) go to your ophthalmologist or the emergency department as soon as possible, advises Dr. Sanjay Sharma, a professor in the department of ophthalmology and epidemiology at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ont. Other eye symptoms to get checked out immediately include a noticeable increase in floaters (dark specks that seem to move across your field of vision), a sudden “curtain” over your eye and the sense that you’re looking through a red filter.
Possible causes: a retinal tear or detachment, which can lead to vision loss and even blindness.
9. Feeling full after eating very little
If you find that you are feeling full sooner than you normally do after eating, or if you’re vomiting or experiencing nausea or weight loss, see your family doctor as soon as possible. These types of symptoms develop slowly, so we tend to adapt to them and ignore them, says Armstrong. “You have to ask yourself, Was I like this a month ago, or six weeks ago?”
Possible causes: gastrointestinal disorders and some cancers such as pancreatic, stomach and ovarian.
10. Hot, red and swollen joints
It’s not uncommon to get some swelling and discomfort in the joints as we age, but if you’re getting all three symptoms together – the joint is hot, it’s red and it’s really swollen – get it checked out, advises Gillis. A bacterial infection requires immediate medical attention to save joint function and keep the bacteria from spreading elsewhere in the body.
Possible causes: joint infection, gout, rheumatoid arthritis.
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