Knowing the difference between the symptoms of such conditions can help you avoid the confusion of whether or not to consult a doctor on a priority basis. Here is a list of seven such ailments which we often confuse between:
1. Acid indigestion and Stomach cancer
Acid indigestion normally results in abdominal fullness, belching and heart burn, whereas Stomach cancer includes weight loss, difficulty in swallowing, persistent vomiting and black, tarry stools.
2. Allergies and Asthma
All allergies may not lead to asthma. But allergy is one of the symptoms of asthma. Asthma features allergy, wheezing, coughing having chest tightness and shortness of breath.
3. Tummy infection and Appendicitis
Tummy infection causes vomiting, intermittent stomach ache and diarrhea. But the pain in case of Appendicitis starts with central abdomen that develops into constant below and to the right of belly button after about 12 hours. This area will be tender and would not let you stand up.
4. Headache and Brain tumor
Tension induced headaches feel like a pressure on or tight band around the head. These headaches may recur for months or even years. Although headache is one of the symptoms of brain tumor, it is also associated with vomiting, fits, severe unsteadiness, numbness on one side of body, confusion and hazy vision.
5. Pulled muscle and heart attack
A pulled chest muscle hurts us while laughing and coughing. This kind of pain is very sharp, mild and is often limited to a small area. Heart attack on the other hand is a severe pain with a feeling of crushing weight on the center of your chest which lasts up to an hour. The pain might even spread to your left arm and neck.
6. Piles and Colon cancer
Piles are varicose veins in anus which produce bright blood and cause pain when you open your bowels. Colon cancer results in weight loss, recurrent diarrhea, abdominal pain and bleeding associated with a mucus-like discharge from the back passage.
Note: Occasional cases of colon cancer can be symptom free, so check with a general physician if there is any rectal bleeding, especially over the age of 40.
7. Trapped nerve and Stroke
A trapped nerve causes numbness, pins and needles of pain in one area only. Symptoms may be intermittent and are often affected by movement. Stroke causes persistent numbness and pain along one whole side of the body and possibly the face.
The above article can be used as a general guide to assess your condition. Any confusion of the symptoms should be clarified by a consultant physician. Healthy living!
This is such a great article. It helps to know the differences between ailments. Well done, thank you!