Many times, the body warns us about the need to pay more attention to our health by indicating that something may be wrong. Some symptoms are easy to identify as potentially serious health problems, but sometimes our bodies warn us in more subtle ways. While some people may not understand these signs or realise that they require medical attention, some are more alert and take necessary actions. The following are symptoms that you should pay particular attention to:

Swollen or discoloured breast

Breast swelling can be normal, especially before a period or during pregnancy. However, if you have unusual or new swelling, you need to be concerned. Rapid swelling or discolouration (purple or red spots) may be signs of inflammatory breast cancer - a rare type of advanced breast cancer that develops quickly with significant fatality rates. Breast infections can also have very similar symptoms. If you see skin changes or other changes in your breast, it is wise to see your healthcare provider.

Abdominal bloating

Abdominal bloating is a common menstrual symptom, but some food sensitivities can also make you feel bloated for a day or two. Abdominal bloating that lasts more than a week can also be an early sign of ovarian cancer. Other ovarian cancer symptoms include feeling full quickly after eating, difficulty eating, a frequent need to urinate, a persistent lack of energy, post-menopausal bleeding, abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge in pre-menopausal women. These symptoms are easy to overlook and many cases of ovarian cancer aren't identified until later stages.

Bloody or black stools

Stool colour can vary depending on the foods you eat and the medications you take. For example, iron supplements and diarrhoea medications may turn your stool black or tarry. Black stool suggests you have bleeding in your upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Maroon-coloured or bloody stool suggests bleeding lower in the GI tract. These are signs you should see your doctor. Bleeding may be caused by haemorrhoids, ulcers, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer and other gastrointestinal conditions.

Shortness of breath

It's normal to feel short of breath after climbing up the stairs or running to catch a bus. But being short of breath after a light activity could be an early sign of a serious lung or heart problem. One potential cause of shortness of breath is coronary ischemia - a lack of blood flow in the heart muscle caused by a partial or complete arterial blockage. Both a partial and complete arterial blockage may also cause a heart attack. Heart failure, pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs) can also cause shortness of breath. Seek immediate medical help if you have shortness of breath and begin to experience chest pain or discomfort, nausea and light-headedness.

Constant fatigue

Ever so often you may likely experience bouts of tiredness due to issues such as lack of sle