TikTok star and GP Dr Amir Khan has revealed five key symptoms he wants to speak to people about if they begin experiencing them. Here is everything you need to know
A GP has warned of the five key symptoms you should always speak to your doctor about.
If ever you are concerned about some of the symptoms you are having, it is vital you speak to your doctor even if you suspect it is probably something minor or nothing at all. Some symptoms can go undetected, or people assume they are a sign of something else before they turn into a more serious illness.
TikTok user and GP Dr Amir Khan said there are five things “I would definitely want to see you for as a GP” in a video released earlier this year. So what are they?
Heavy night sweats
You should speak to your GP if you are experiencing “unexplained heavy or drenching night sweats”. Dr Khan said people going through the menopause may also experience the same thing and needs to be “treated separately”, but that “if you can’t explain those sweats away, come and speak to us”.
Feeling like you are getting food or drink stuck
Feeling like you are getting food or drink stuck in your throat is something your GP will want to speak to you about, Dr Khan said.
“This is called dysphasia,” Dr Khan said. “It can sometimes cause coughing, choking and vomiting. Now, there are several different causes, but we need to rule out a cancer of the food pipe or upper parts of the digestive tract.”
Lump in neck
Any new lumps should automatically be checked, but Dr Khan emphasised the importance of getting a lump in your neck looked at. He said: “Even if it feels like lymph gland, if it more than one centimetre or feels hard or rubbery or remains there for three weeks or more and you can’t explain it, please do get that checked.”
An unexplained mouth ulcer
Dr Khan said that an unexplained mouth ulcer there for three weeks or more is something that should be checked out. “Mouth cancer can affect anyone, but it is more common in those who smoke or use alcohol excessively,” he said.
Bone pain
Again, if you are unable to explain a symptoms, it is a good idea to get it checked out. Unexplained bone pain, especially for people over 50 and with pain experienced in the back, pelvis or rib area, should be something to get seen to.
Dr Khan said: “If you don’t remember any kind of injury or movement that can explain it, get it checked.”
A number of the comments were positive about Dr Khan’s video, but several people pointed out problems with getting an appointment.
“Babe, I’d LOVE to see my GP but trying to get past the receptionist is like the hunger games,” one person wrote.
Another said: “Can’t even get a GP appointment sadly it’s like mission impossible. People are being left to suffer in pain.”
In its election manifesto earlier this year, the Labour party now in government pledged NHS reform to bring down appointment wait times.
Dr Khan also said: “I promise you we are doing our best, but the bottom line is any persistent unexplained symptoms should be checked by a healthcare professional.”
