A GP has shared some concerning phrases patients use which signal to him that there might be a serious underlying health issue.
Dr Ahmed, known as dra_says on social media, gives his followers medical advice and information about various health conditions. He recently posted a video on TikTok explaining that when a patient tells him certain things, it suggests “something may be going on.”
He outlined three key phrases that particularly alert him to the possibility of a deeper problem. He said one in particular raises immediate alarm bells.
‘It wakes me from my sleep’
Dr Ahmed said: “Okay so number one: ‘It wakes me from my sleep.’ And the thing is this can be any symptom, whether it’s pain, breathing problems, nightmares, whatever it is. If something’s waking you from your sleep, we have to look into it further.”
The NHS advises that while occasional sleep disturbances are common and usually not cause for alarm, persistent sleep issues should be taken seriously as they can impact daily functioning. Adults typically require seven to nine hours of sleep per night, although individual needs may vary based on age, health, and personal circumstances.
According to the NHS, signs or symptoms of sleep problems include difficulty falling asleep, lying awake for long periods at night, waking up several times during the night and waking up early without being able to return to sleep. The health body suggests that a variety of factors can influence our sleep quality, including our physical and mental health, upbringing, life events, and even our mood.
‘It stops me from doing everyday activities’
Moving onto the second phrase, the GP stated that if something is preventing you from carrying out your daily tasks, such as feeling tired, experiencing pain, back stiffness or joint stiffness, this could “indicate a red flag that needs investigating.” There are numerous reasons why you might stop engaging in everyday activities, including physical and mental health issues.
WebMD lists stress, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), fatigue and anxiety as conditions that could prevent you from performing daily tasks. Fatigue can also hinder your daily activities, as can physical ailments like joint pain and stiffness, as well as illnesses.
‘Others notice this problem and said I should see a doctor about it’
Dr Ahmed warns this phrase “personally” sets off alarm bells and is, for him, the most concerning of the three. He added: “Now, often what happens after any of these three things can be anything.
“It can be just taking a bit more of a detailed history all the way to investigations and tests but it really depends on the conversation, the problem you’re presenting with and what the doctor finds during that conversation.”
Dr Ahmed also acknowledged patient frustrations. “Now I know a lot of people are going to say doctors don’t take them seriously and don’t listen to their complaints and a lot of the time and most of the time the doctor may just not be communicating it to you that well because of time constraints.
“So if you’re unsure about a treatment or a plan, just make sure you ask your doctor and they will clarify it.”