Many serious health conditions start with mild symptoms that people dismiss as “normal tiredness,” “weather change,” or “stress.” But ignoring early warning signs can delay diagnosis and make treatment more difficult.

Here are 10 common symptoms that residents of Cleveland, Ohio often ignore — and when you should visit a doctor at Cleveland Care Clinic or another healthcare provider.

1. Persistent Fatigue

Feeling tired occasionally is normal, but constant fatigue that lasts for weeks can indicate:

• Thyroid problems

• Anemia

• Sleep disorders

• Depression

• Diabetes

• Heart disease

See a doctor if:
Fatigue persists even after rest or affects your daily activities.

2. Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath, even during simple activities, should never be ignored.

Possible causes include:

• Asthma

• Heart failure

• Lung disease

• Anemia

• Obesity

• Anxiety disorders

See a doctor if:
Breathing becomes harder or is accompanied by chest tightness or dizziness.

3. Frequent Headaches

Cleveland’s changing weather, stress, or dehydration can trigger headaches — but frequent or intense headaches may signal:

• High blood pressure

• Migraines

• Eye problems

• Brain-related conditions

See a doctor if:
Headaches occur more than 2–3 times weekly or interfere with daily life.

4. Chest Pain or Pressure

Chest pain is one of the most commonly ignored but dangerous symptoms.

Possible causes:

• Acid reflux

• Anxiety

• Heart attack

• Angina

• Lung conditions

See a doctor immediately if:
The pain spreads to the arm, jaw, or back, or is accompanied by sweating or nausea.

5. Unexplained Weight Loss or Gain

Sudden changes in weight without lifestyle changes may indicate:

• Thyroid disorders

• Diabetes

• Cancer

• Digestive issues

• Hormonal imbalance

See a doctor if:
You lose or gain more than 10 pounds within a month.

6. Constant Thirst or Frequent Urination

This combination often points to diabetes, especially type 2, which is common in Ohio.

Other causes:

• Kidney disease

• Hormonal imbalances

• Infections

See a doctor if:
Symptoms last for more than a few days.

7. Persistent Cough

Coughs that last longer than 3 weeks could indicate:

• Allergies

• Asthma

• Bronchitis

• Pneumonia

• Long-term lung disease

• Heart problems

See a doctor if:
You cough up blood, have chest pain, or experience weight loss.

8. Numbness or Tingling

Pins-and-needles sensations in the hands or feet might seem harmless but can be early signs of:

• Diabetes

• Pinched nerves

• Poor circulation

• Stroke warning signs

See a doctor if:
The numbness is persistent or affects one side of the body.

9. Abdominal Pain

Occasional stomach pain may be normal, but recurring or intense abdominal pain could be due to:

• Gallstones

• Ulcers

• Appendicitis

• Kidney infections

• Food intolerance

• Digestive disorders

See a doctor if:
Pain is severe, constant, or accompanied by vomiting or fever.

10. Vision Changes

Sudden or gradual vision changes may indicate:

• Diabetes

• High blood pressure

• Cataracts

• Glaucoma

• Eye infections

See a doctor if:
You experience blurred vision, light flashes, or difficulty seeing at night.

When in Doubt, Get Checked

Ignoring symptoms may delay treatment and increase risks.
If you experience any of these warning signs, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider.

Cleveland Care Clinic encourages all Cleveland residents to prioritize their health through:

• Regular checkups

• Annual wellness exams

• Early symptom screening

• Timely medical consultations

Your health is important — paying attention to small symptoms today can prevent major complications tomorrow.