become more common as we age, but don’t worry if there’s no swelling or discomfort.
According to Cleveland Clinic orthopedist Kim Stearns, the cartilage wears down as we age, making joint surfaces noisier. Cedar Sinai orthopedic specialist Robert Klapper says nitrogen bubbles exploding in synovial fluid cause the popping sound. Popping the knuckles or moving might cause this. However, cracking followed by discomfort or inflammation may indicate a concern. Ask your doctor.
2. Swollen Lymph Nodes
Have you ever touched your neck with a sore throat or cold and felt a little bean-shaped lump that startled you into investigating your symptoms? You probably felt a swelling lymph node. Swollen lymph nodes usually suggest infection. Swelling is prevalent in children with viral infections.
Humans have hundreds of lymph nodes. The lymphatic system’s main function is to fight infections, but it also has additional functions. A large lymph node may just be your body protecting you. See a doctor if you have enlarged lymph nodes and significant exhaustion for more than a few weeks.
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1. Chest Pain
An odd chest sensation may terrify you since most people associate it with a heart attack. Other health problems might induce chest pain. Various disorders in the lungs, digestive organs, muscles, rib cage, bones, and heart may cause chest discomfort.
Knowing your heart disease risks and the CDC’s most common heart attack symptoms is important, but knowing that most chest discomfort has a benign cause may be soothing. Twenty-five percent of Americans have non-cardiac chest discomfort. Up to 75 percent of emergency department patients with chest discomfort are sent home without a cardiac diagnosis.
Most significant chest discomfort occurs suddenly and does not go away. Wexner Medical Center recommends seeking medical attention for chest discomfort, which might indicate life-threatening conditions.
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