While we would love to believe that doctors know everything, keeping a person healthy can be even more difficult than you think. The human body is complicated, and there are a lot of factors to consider when trying to diagnose a person’s health problems. Let’s take a look at some of the most commonly misdiagnosed ailments and conditions you should watch out for.
Celiac Disease
While many people write off gluten-free diets as just another fad, for some people, they are a lifesaver. Hundreds of thousands of people in the UK have been diagnosed with coeliac disease. But researchers think there may be another half a million who are undiagnosed. Symptoms include mild to severe cases of stomach discomfort and pain, bloating, migraines, chronic fatigue, and more. If you are struggling with an undiagnosed stomach issue, consider contacting a gluten-free coach for advice. A coeliac coach like Ali Walsh can help you find out more about the disease and how to adjust your lifestyle to live gluten-free.
Myocardial Infarctions and Heart Disease
A myocardial infarction, or heart attack, may seem like something impossible to miss. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Some of the relatively common symptoms of a heart attack include nausea and vomiting, indigestion, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Because all of these symptoms can also be caused by minor ailments, many people don’t even know they have had a cardiac episode, meaning they cannot prevent another one from taking place. That is why you must know all the possible symptoms of heart attacks and heart disease so you can spot them and get treated ASAP.
Hypothyroidism
A disease that is often mistaken for other less serious disorders is hypothyroidism. It’s easy to understand why. The thyroid produces hormones that help to regulate various systems in our body. When a person has hypothyroidism, their body doesn’t get enough of these hormones. This can cause tiredness, depression, sleeping problems, memory loss, and even psychosis. For this reason, it is often mistaken for mental health disorders. If left untreated, hypothyroidism can cause high cholesterol and even myxedema coma, so an early diagnosis is vital. If you have a family history of hypothyroidism, you should have your hormone levels tested regularly to make sure you stay healthy.
Lupus
While on the topic of diseases that can be inherited, lupus is a commonly mistaken autoimmune disease that is known to be hereditary. Lupus has a vast range of symptoms, making it difficult to nail down. Some people experience chronic muscle and joint pain, while others suffer from chest pain, kidney problems, and even blood clotting issues. This means that lupus is extremely easy to misdiagnose, despite being extremely dangerous if left untreated. If you have a family history of autoimmune disease, it is always a good idea to be tested regularly for lupus.
When it comes to your health, knowledge is power. Knowing your family’s medical history is a key part of staying ahead of some potentially life-altering diseases. Make sure your doctor is aware of any hereditary conditions so they have the best chance at diagnosing your health problems.