When it comes to health, there are some issues that men are more likely to experience — and some that only men are going to experience (concerns like erectile dysfunction, for example). But there are also health concerns that men are going to be more likely to ignore than women because they're taught to "man up" more than address issues in their body and go to the doctor when they need to. Not just men, but any person who has a man in their life who may need a little extra help taking care of himself — perhaps a partner, husband, parent, brother, or son — should consider taking a look through this article to identify issues that men should be aware of so they can help them hone in on potentially troubling concerns before they develop into something worse. Being aware of one another's health can be a truly loving act for family and friends.
In addition to these symptoms, there are other things men ignore when they age, which they should not. Wouldn't it be great if there were health classes for adults? It seems like all we learn about is puberty and then we're on our own forever after that. Reading articles about our health can be like taking a crash course in our own health issues — and the issues of the people we love. For those who are older, it's important understand there's no age limit for getting in shape, and it can make a huge difference in overall health. It really is never too late to get on a path to better health, but a lot of people seem to think they're set in their ways and can't change. The truth is, we all can change for the better if we want to — and staying active can help all of us prevent disease and discomfort as we get older (and can help us feel better emotionally and physically, too).
Persistent Cough
Men are far less likely than women to go to the doctor when they show signs of something being wrong with their bodies or health. Certain symptoms could indicate serious health problems and should not be ignored — like, for example, a persistent cough. Sure, if someone has a cold, it will pass. But if they've had a cough that they can't shake for more than two weeks, definitely make a doctor's appointment.
Swollen Legs or Feet
Edema, which is the medical term for swelling and water retention, can be a sign of a number of health problems, including diabetes, heart disease and cancer. If legs or feet are swollen, prop them up on pillows while lying down. If the swelling persists, see a doctor.
Chest Pain
Chest pain can be a sign of a long list of health problems, not all of them serious. But men shouldn't ignore sharp pains in their chests, arms, or upper abdomens. This could be a symptom of a coronary blockage, heart attack, or lung inflammation, among other problems.
Stomach Pain & Nausea
If this occurs after eating an enormous meal, it makes sense. But if it's persistent or frequently recurring pain, it could be a sign of something chronic, such as Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, a hernia, or another condition that needs to be treated.
Snoring
Snoring is common, but loud snoring — enough to wake us or others up in the middle of the night — might be a symptom of another health issue, such as sleep apnea or other difficulties with breathing. This could result in the blood being low in oxygen. Snoring isn't just a nuisance; it's a sign of a health problem.
Blood in Stool
Intestinal or rectal bleeding can be a sign of cancer or some other serious health issue. Men who notice blood in their stool should not wait for it to go away and, instead, should head straight to the doctor.
Changes in the Skin
The first signs of a health issue often show up in skin. Changes in color, the softness or texture, or lumps and strangely shaped moles might be indications of something more serious, such as melanoma. It's not just aging in some cases, and it shouldn't be ignored.
Persistent Fatigue
Feeling sleepy all the time isn't just a sign that someone is overworked. Persistent fatigue is a symptom of a wide range of health issues, such as not getting enough sleep, depression, heart or lung issues, vitamin deficiencies, diabetes, or certain allergies.
Depression
Feeling low, whether or not someone has experienced some recent sadness, shouldn't be ignored. Men shouldn't ignore feelings of depression, the inability to get out of bed, the desire to never be around people, or sudden irritability. These are signs of depression, which is a treatable condition.
Heartburn
A burning sensation in the stomach or throat, or in the chest and behind the breastbone, could be heartburn, a condition where acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus. It has a number of causes, but whatever the reason, it shouldn't be left untreated.
Mouth Sores
Most of us have had a canker sore at one time or another. But not all mouth sores are so benign. Some are symptoms of health problems — anything from a bacterial infection to cancer. Sores that don't go away should be flagged with a dentist or doctor. At the least, they should be treated to avoid spreading to others.
Unexplained Bruising
Men who participate in physically demanding activities might experience frequent bruising. But don't ignore dark purple bruises that appear without explanation. Bruising easily can, in rare cases, be a sign of bone marrow or lymph node cancers, often showing up as small red dots from bleeding under the skin.
Difficulty Urinating
Difficulty urinating can be a sign of an obstruction either at or near the bladder, or somewhere along the urethra. It could also indicate reactions to certain medications, an enlarged prostate or even prostate cancer.
Headaches
There are many types of headaches and even more causes of them, and not all are symptoms of something worse. But men shouldn't ignore headaches, especially ones that started coming more frequently after age 50, won't go away, have increased in intensity, change personality or mental abilities, cause red eyes, wake the person from his sleep, or prevent what had once been normal daily activities.
Frequent Fevers
Fevers are the body's way of fighting infections. But when they're happening frequently or for longer periods of time, that fight has become difficult for the body to handle and shouldn't be ignored. Frequent fevers could be a sign of some cancers or a serious virus, especially if it's accompanied by other symptoms, like headaches, rapid weight loss, fatigue, and otherwise inexplicable aches.
Difficulty Swallowing
As we age, it can become increasingly difficult to swallow. But it can also be the sign of an underlying health problem, such as some throat cancers, tumors, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), stroke, or acid reflux. Before deciding it's something he'll have to just live with, flag it with a doctor to rule out a more serious problem.
Sudden Weight Loss
Sometimes, weight loss is the result of a more active lifestyle and better food choices. Other times, it's a symptom of a health matter that should not be ignored. Men who experience sudden weight loss could possibly be affected by certain conditions and diseases: HIV/AIDS, some cancers, diabetes, depression, thyroid issues, Crohn's disease, or many others.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is defined as the inability to have or keep an erection, as well as reduced sexual desire. It can be the result of a host of different medical issues — such as circulatory or heart problems, diabetes, depression, or injury — and shouldn't be cause for shame and ignored.
Testicular Changes
Changes in the size, shape, and feel of testicles could be a sign of something more serious, such as cancer. Pain or numbness may occur with or without swelling. It may also be accompanied by a dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin. A doctor will know whether more tests are needed. The earlier any problems are addressed, the better the outcome.
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath can be a sign of a host of medical issues and, as a symptom, it shouldn't go ignored. Shortness of breath accompanies asthma, certain allergic reactions, and carbon monoxide poisoning. It's also a symptom of heart attacks, low blood pressure, pneumonia, and anemia. Ignoring it means leaving these larger medical issues untreated.
