Our Aging Parents

"If only I'd known ... I would have done things differently!"

Symptoms Not to Ignore

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In this section, we cover many of the major issues that challenge older adults, including:

But, our list is far from complete. Here are other major symptoms not to ignore:

Unexplained weight loss

Losing weight without trying might sound like a dream come true. But, in reality, it can signal a health problem. If you’re not obese and you’ve lost more than 10 percent of your body weight during the past six months — for instance, 15 pounds if you weigh 150 pounds — consult your doctor.

An unexplained drop in weight could be caused by various conditions — including overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), diabetes, depression, liver disease, cancer or disorders that interfere with how your body absorbs nutrients (malabsorption disorders).

Persistent or high fever

A fever isn’t necessarily a cause for alarm. Fever seems to play a key role in fighting infection. Persistent fever can signal a hidden infection, which could be anything from a urinary tract infection to tuberculosis. In some cases, cancerous (malignant) conditions — such as lymphomas — cause prolonged or persistent fevers, as can some medications.

Call your doctor if your temperature is 103°F or higher or you’ve had a fever for more than three days.

Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath could signal an underlying health problem. Very strenuous exercise, extreme temperatures, massive obesity and high altitude all can cause shortness of breath. Outside of these examples, shortness of breath is likely a sign of a medical problem. If you have unexplained shortness of breath, especially if it comes on suddenly and is severe, seek emergency medical care.

Causes for breathlessness might include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, asthma (yes, older people can develop asthma), pneumonia, a blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism), as well as other heart and lung problems. Difficulty breathing can also occur with a panic attack — a sudden episode of intense anxiety that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause.

Unexplained changes in bowel habits

What’s considered normal for bowel movements varies widely. Consult your doctor if you notice unusual or unexplained changes in what’s normal for you, such as:

  • Bloody, black or tarry-colored stools
  • Persistent watery diarrhea or constipation
  • Unexplained urges to have a bowel movement

Changes in bowel habits could signal a bacterial infection — such as campylobacter, salmonella or clostridium difficile (C. diff), the latter most likely to affect patients in hospitals or long-term care facilities — or a viral or parasitic infection. Other possible causes include irritable bowel disease and colon cancer.

Confusion or personality changes

Seek medical attention if you have sudden:

  • Poor thinking skills
  • Difficulty focusing, sustaining or shifting attention
  • Behavior changes

These changes could be caused by many problems, including infection, poor nutrition, mental health conditions or medications.

Flashing lights in your peripheral vision

The tiny specks that drift across your field of vision, especially if you haven’t noticed them before, can be worrisome. The good news is that these floaters are generally not a cause for concern.

But, if you suddenly get lots of new floaters, pain in your eyes, persistent images of flashing lights or loss of your peripheral vision, see an ophthalmologist right away. Your retina may have become detached. This is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment. Putting it off can mean permanent loss of your vision.

Feeling full after eating very little

If you consistently feel full sooner than normal or after eating less than usual, get checked by your doctor. This feeling, known as early satiety, also might be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, bloating or weight loss. If so, be sure to tell your doctor about these signs and symptoms as well.

Possible causes of early satiety include gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly known as GERD, and peptic ulcers. In some cases, a more serious problem — such as pancreatic cancer — could be a factor.

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