Do not wait to request a medical advice in this situation.
After 60 years, some symptoms are considered trivial when in reality, they deserve special attention. And for good reason, they can reflect a silent disease that progresses at low noise. This is the case with any sudden chest pain, unusual or persistent respiratory discomfort, as well as palpitations or discomfort, which can reveal a heart or pulmonary problem. “”Neurological disorders are also to be taken very seriously: weakness of an arm or one leg, speech disturbances, sudden visual disturbances or unusual headache can announce a stroke“, Adds Pré Éric Boulanger, geriatrician, specialist in aging medicine at the Lille University Hospital.
Another symptom that requires medical consultation: presbycusia (gradual loss of age -related hearing) which is very common after 60 years. “”If it does not have an emergency character, it should not be overlooked because, in the absence of a correction, it can cause social isolation, loss of autonomy, memory disorders and increased risk of depression. Today, suitable care (hearing equipment, auditory hygiene advice, ENT follow -up) clearly improves quality of life and reduces cognitive complications “continues the specialist. Presbyacousia is a reversible fragility
But the most worrying symptom of everyone is undoubtedly involuntary weight loss. Indeed, when it occurs without voluntary modification of the diet or the level of physical activity, it can translate a serious underlying disease. “”A loss of more than 5 % of body weight in less than twelve months is considered significant. This situation can have multiple origins: a chronic pathology such as heart, pulmonary or renal failure, endocrine disorder such as hyperthyroidism, a digestive disease responsible for malabsorption, or even a psychic disorder such as depression “develops the specialist. However, major fear remains the presence of cancer, the weight loss of which can be an early revealing sign.
The association with other manifestations – persistent fatigue, unexplained fever, night sweats, pains, prolonged cough, bleeding or abnormal ganglia – further strengthens the need for medical advice without delay. At this age, it is essential not to minimize this alarm signal, because an early diagnosis considerably increases the chances of effective management and healing.
Thank you to Pr Éric Boulanger, Gériatre, specialist in aging medicine at the Lille CHU, Medical Director of Tempoforme®
