12 Health Symptoms You Need To Stop Dismissing, According To Doctors

When it comes to health, most of us have been guilty of brushing off a symptom or two. That headache? Probably dehydration. Constant tiredness? Just a busy week. Bloating? Must've been last night's takeaway. And, to be fair, most of the time, those explanations are probably right.

"The point at which I start paying attention is when the usual explanation no longer fits," says Dr. Waqqas Jalil, a doctor who frequently sees patients whose symptoms have gone unchecked for longer than they should. "Most people do not ignore symptoms because they are careless. They ignore them because the symptoms feel ordinary. We tell ourselves that we are tired because work has been busy, that the headache came from staring at a screen or that the bloating was caused by lunch."

That's exactly why it's so easy to miss the signs that deserve a second look. While there's no need to panic over every ache or pain, doctors say there are a handful of symptoms people routinely dismiss that are worth getting checked if they persist, worsen or simply don't feel like your normal.

Here, GPs and health experts share the 12 symptoms they wish patients would stop ignoring.

"Most people see it as an annoyance for their partner, but persistent, loud snoring can sometimes be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This doesn't just leave you feeling tired. Poor-quality sleep can disrupt the hormones that regulate appetite, increase insulin resistance and make it harder to maintain a healthy weight. Left untreated, it can also raise the risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

"Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, so there's no need to be alarmed. But if your snoring is loud, regular, accompanied by choking or gasping, or you wake feeling unrefreshed despite a full night's sleep, it's worth speaking to your GP. We spend a lot of time talking about healthy eating and exercise, but sleep is just as important." Dr. Naila Aslam, GP at Central Health London

"Unexplained weight loss is actually quite common, and while small fluctuations of a couple of pounds are usually nothing to worry about, ongoing weight loss without changing your diet or exercise habits shouldn't be ignored. Losing around 5% to 10% of your body weight within three to six months can be a warning sign that needs checking out. While it can sometimes be linked to stress, anxiety or depression, it may also point to underlying conditions such as diabetes, an overactive thyroid or digestive disorders. Having a conversation with your GP can help identify the cause and get you the right treatment if needed." Dr. Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy

"Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms we see in general practice, but it’s different from simply feeling tired after a busy week. True fatigue is a persistent exhaustion that doesn't improve with a good night's sleep or a restful weekend, and it can start to interfere with work, family life and everyday activities. While it's often caused by stress, poor sleep or a recent viral illness, it can also be linked to conditions such as iron deficiency, an underactive thyroid, diabetes, low vitamin levels, anxiety or depression.

"The important thing is not to jump to the worst-case scenario, but equally not to ignore a symptom that persists. If fatigue lasts for more than two to four weeks, is getting worse, or is affecting your daily life, it's worth speaking to your GP. In many cases there's a straightforward, treatable explanation, and getting assessed can help you get back to feeling like yourself." Dr. Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor

"I'm a menopause and women's health specialist, and almost every woman I see mentions broken sleep, but it's rarely why they booked the appointment. They come in saying they are exhausted, anxious, or no longer feel themselves. Only when we dig, do they mention waking at 2 a.m. or 3 a.m. for months, sometimes years.

"A Serenova study suggests 2 a.m. is when lots of women experience the most disturbed sleep at night, before 'admitting defeat' and starting their day as early as 5 a.m., feeling far less rested than they should. Poor sleep also amplifies almost every other sign of perimenopause (which can start late thirties) and menopause. The good news is that it is treatable." Dr. Nikki Ramskill, a menopause GP working with women's health supplements brand Serenova

"Brittle or changing nails are incredibly common and, in most cases, nothing to worry about. They naturally become more brittle with age, while frequent handwashing, repeated exposure to water or cleaning products, and regular use of nail polish or gel manicures can all contribute. Because the changes happen gradually, many people assume it's 'just one of those things.'

"It's worth mentioning nail changes to your GP if they're persistent, affect several nails, or come with symptoms such as tiredness, hair loss, weight changes or skin problems. You should also seek advice if a nail becomes significantly discoloured, separates from the nail bed, develops a new dark streak or changes shape without an obvious cause." Dr. Claire Agathou, Co-founder of The A-Z General Practice at The Wellington Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK

"Feeling unusually thirsty and needing the bathroom more often can slip under the radar. Someone may blame the weather or assume they have simply been drinking more, but what matters is whether this is a new pattern. Waking repeatedly during the night to urinate, feeling thirsty soon after drinking or noticing that the change continues for days can be a reason to check blood glucose or look for another urinary issue.

"One thirsty afternoon is not the concern. A clear change from what is normal for that person is; the body often whispers before it shouts, and a symptom that keeps returning deserves to be heard." Dr. Waqqas Jalil is the founder of Aspect Plastic Surgery and a board-trained surgeon specialising in reconstructive and aesthetic procedures

"Many people think moles that have been there for years are 'safe,'but even long-standing moles can become cancerous, particularly as we age. Regular self-checks are important, and you should report any changes in a mole's shape, size or colour, as well as symptoms such as itching, tenderness, bleeding or oozing.

"The biggest mistake is assuming only large moles are dangerous. Small moles can change too, so it's the change that matters, not the size. If one mole looks different from the rest, it's worth getting it checked. Suspicious moles can also appear in unexpected places, including the soles of your feet, between your toes or under your nails, places that rarely see sun." Dr. Karishma Hemmady, consultant dermatologist at The Harley Street Dermatology Clinic

"One of the biggest misconceptions is that a heart attack always causes the severe, crushing chest pain we see portrayed on TV. While chest pain canoccur, women are more likely to experience symptoms such as unusual fatigue, nausea, breathlessness, dizziness, indigestion, or pain in the jaw, neck, back or shoulders. Because these can seem vague, they're often dismissed as stress, menopause, anxiety or simply feeling run down.

"Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in women, and women are more likely to be misdiagnosed during a heart attack—so if you experience sudden, unexplained symptoms that feel unusual for you (especially if they occur together) don't ignore them. They should be assessed urgently." Dr. Elise Dallas, women's health GP at The London General Practice

"One of the biggest myths about hearing loss is that it's only something to worry about later in life. In reality, hearing changes can happen at any age and often develop so gradually that they're easy to dismiss. Common signs include asking people to repeat themselves, struggling on the phone, turning the TV up louder than everyone else, or feeling exhausted after conversations because listening takes so much effort. Many people mistake these signs for tiredness or distraction, but ignoring them can have longer-term consequences." Charlotte Clements, expert Audiologist at Boots Hearingcare

"Persistent bloating is one symptom I would never advise ignoring. Many women, particularly in their twenties and thirties, put it down to stress, hormonal changes or something they've eaten, so it's often overlooked for weeks or even months. Most of the time there’s a straightforward explanation, such as diet, constipation or IBS, but if you're bloated on most days for three weeks or more, it's worth booking a GP appointment. You know what's normal for your body." Dr. Reem Hasan, Chief Medical Officer at Vista Health and NHS GP

"New or worsening breathlessness is one symptom I wish people took more seriously. Many people put it down to being unfit, stressed, busy or 'just getting older,' but if climbing the stairs or carrying the shopping suddenly feels much harder than it used to, it's worth paying attention to. The pattern matters—especially if it's getting worse, happens at rest, wakes you at night, or comes with chest discomfort, dizziness, palpitations or unusual fatigue.

"It can be linked to common, treatable issues such as asthma, anemia, low iron, anxiety or poor sleep, but it can also be a sign of heart or lung disease. I always tell patients to compare themselves with their own normal. If you could do something comfortably a few months ago and now you can't, it's worth speaking to your GP." Dr. Naheed Ali, MD, PhD, Health Expert and Physician and Senior Contributor at Vera Clinic

People often feel embarrassed discussing bowel symptoms, meaning they delay seeking help. A persistent change in bowel habits, blood in the stool, ongoing diarrhea or constipation should always be assessed. In many cases the cause is benign, but these symptoms can sometimes indicate inflammatory bowel disease or bowel cancer, where early diagnosis makes a real difference. Dr. Nadia Ahmad, a UK doctor and Medical Director of The Weight Care Clinic, with a special interest in preventative medicine, weight management and women's health

This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

This article originally appeared on Cosmopolitan.com/uk. Minor edits have been made by the Cosmo.ph editors.