Our bodies often give us signs that tell us when things are not right and oftentimes we ignore these signs. As TEENagers it is very important that we pay close attention to our bodies and there are certain symptoms we should never ignore as they might be life-threatening.

While the signs and symptoms may not tell us exactly what is wrong, they let us know that something may be wrong somewhere so we should take notice. So TEENage urges everyone, do not wait until it's too late, pay attention to the little and big signs and symptoms. Here are 10 signs and symptoms that we often brush aside as menial disturbances, which could be much more than that.

1 Severe Weight Loss or Weight Gain: If you lose or gain between 10 to 15 pounds in one month without intending to do so, you need to get yourself checked out by a doctor. This drastic change in weight may be due to depression, an overactive thyroid, liver disease or cancer.

2 Lumps: Most lumps or swollen glands are not cause for concern. The glands (lymph nodes) on either side of the neck, behind the ears or under the jaw commonly swell when you have a cold or sore throat. However, more serious infections may cause the glands to enlarge or become tender and firm. Glands may also swell and become tender after an injury, such as a cut or bite, or when a tumour or infection occurs in areas such as the mouth, neck or head. This is usually the time when one should be aware. Swollen glands and other lumps under the skin can be caused by various things including non-cancerous growths, infections, hernias or aneurysms or swelling caused by cancer.

3 Extended fever: Fever may be defined as a rectal body temperature above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. An extended fever is often a sign of infection as the body raises its temperature in order to fight infections. However, the height of fever is not necessarily related to the severity of the illness. So, high fever does not always indicate a serious illness nor does a low fever signify a minor illness. But just to be safe, get a check-up.

4 Severe headaches: If you experience the following, you should not take them lightly without seeing a doctor. Firstly, a sudden and severe headache, also called thunderclap headache due to its sudden nature, or a headache accompanied by a rash, speaking difficulties, seizures, pain with chewing, numbness, vision changes, fever, mental confusion, weakness or stiff neck; also a headache that persists after a head injury. These symptoms may be caused by meningitis, stroke, brain tumour, blood vessel inflammation or aneurysm (bleeding on the brain after head trauma).

5 Unexplained bowel habit changes: Bowel patterns may alter with diet, travel and age; however, there are some changes that signal more than a mild bout of constipation or short-term bug. You need to visit your doctor if you have severe diarrhoea that lasts for more than two days, mild diarrhoea that lasts more than a week, and constipation that lasts more than two weeks, or unexplained urges to have a bowel movement. Other signs are bloody, black or tar-coloured stool. Potential causes of these symptoms can range from infectious agents, bacteria or viruses to inflammatory bowel diseases and colon cancer.

6 Shortness of breath: If you find yourself feeling short of breath beyond the typical stuffy nose or after exercise, you should not ignore this sign. If you realise that you are gasping for air or wheezing, you should seek a doctor. Feeling breathless with or without exertion or when reclining are symptoms that need to be medically evaluated without delay. Causes for breathlessness may include panic attacks, chronic bronchitis, heart problems, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, anxiety and pulmonary embolism.

7 Hot, red and swollen joints: If you realise that a particular joint is hot, red and swollen you should get it checked out as it may be a bacterial infection. This requires immediate medical attention in order to save the joint and keep the bacteria from spreading to other parts of the body.

8 Severe abdominal pain: If severe abdominal pain persists, do not take it lightly. However, do seek medical help as there may be a serious problem. Causes of severe abdominal pain could be one of the following: a ruptured appendix, stomach ulcers, gall bladder and pancreatic problems or intestinal blockages.

9 Flashes of light: If you are suddenly seeing fireworks or flashing lights you should go to your ophthalmologist right away. This sign may be as a result of retinal tear or detachment, which can lead to vision loss.

10 Changes in mental state: If you experience jumbled thoughts and confused thinking, get hallucinations or experience drastic changes in your behaviour, you need to visit your doctor. This could be as a result of a head injury, stroke, diabetes, infection or psychotic breakdown.

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