[Fan Letters].Grandma Li, 67, has recently been worried about her family's health. She suddenly began to lose weight, and in addition to the drastic loss in weight, her appetite also deteriorated significantly. She has told her family that her appetite used to be okay but now seems to be getting worse, and she finds that she drinks more water and often feels dry. At night, she often wakes up at one or two in the morning and has difficulty falling back asleep.
Grandma Li's daughter, Aunt Zhang, thought that it was just an ordinary symptom of "getting on fire" and suggested that she take some medicine to clear away heat and relieve fire. However, the younger generation of the family, especially Grandma Li's grandson, Liu Hao (not his real name), did not buy this explanation. He worries that his grandmother's symptoms could be a sign of a more serious illness.
To confirm the diagnosis, Liu Hao recommended that his grandmother undergo a series of tests, including blood count, tumor marker testing, gastroscopy, thyroid function tests, and blood sugar level tests. He stressed that only through these comprehensive examinations can the reasons behind Grandma Li's symptoms be pinpointed out. Grandma Li eventually agreed to have an examination. Accompanied by her family, she went to the hospital and underwent a series of tests. The process of waiting for the results of the test is fraught with anxiety. Excuse me, why is it frequently "on fire", it may be a cancer alarm?
[Doctor's reply].While there may be multiple explanations for a patient's symptoms, some of them, such as sudden weight loss and loss of appetite, may indeed be associated with certain types of cancer. In addition to cancer, these symptoms can also be a sign of diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or other endocrine disorders.
In recent years, with the improvement of living standards, people have paid more and more attention to health issues, especially to traditional Chinese medicine. In TCM theory, it is common to hear the saying about "going to the fire", and many people will attribute some physical discomforts to "going to the fire". But what you think is "on fire" may be an alarm of cancer, and there are three symptoms that need to be checked as soon as possible to ensure your health if they appear repeatedly.
1. What is "on fire".
In traditional Chinese medicine, it is often used to describe a state of physical discomfort called "going to fire". This condition usually manifests as symptoms such as dry mouth, sore throat, constipation, bad breath, and fatigue. Many people use Chinese medicine, dietary therapy, or TCM acupuncture to alleviate these discomforts. These symptoms are not always caused by "getting on fire", sometimes they can be alarm signals from the body.
2. The relationship between cancer and "fire".
Cancer is a serious disease that can grow silently inside the body until obvious symptoms appear. Some cancers don't cause severe pain or discomfort in the early stages, but they can cause some symptoms similar to "getting on fire". When we feel symptoms such as dry mouth, sore throat, etc., we should not take it lightly, but should have a timely check-up to rule out the potential risk of cancer.
3. The three symptoms are recurring, and they should be investigated as soon as possible
1. Dry mouth.
Dry mouth is one of the common symptoms of "getting on fire", but it can also be one of the early symptoms of some cancers. The growth of cancer cells can cause the body's energy and water to be depleted, causing a feeling of dry mouth. When dry mouth recurs and is accompanied by other uncomfortable symptoms, you should be alert and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
2. Sore throat.
A sore throat is usually a common symptom of a cold or laryngitis, but it can also be a symptom of some cancers of the mouth, throat or esophagus. Sore throat caused by cancer usually lasts longer and is not easily relieved. If the sore throat recurs, especially if it is accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, a foreign body sensation in the throat, or a change in voice, you should see a doctor for a detailed examination.
3. Weight loss and fatigue.
Cancer patients often experience significant weight loss and fatigue. When cancer cells in the body continue to grow, they consume a lot of energy and nutrients, causing patients to experience symptoms of emaciation and fatigue. If you notice that you or someone close to you is losing weight rapidly for no apparent reason, accompanied by a constant feeling of fatigue, this could be a potential warning sign of cancer.
Fourth, timely investigation to protect health
1. Medical consultation.
If you experience symptoms such as dry mouth, sore throat, weight loss and fatigue, especially if these symptoms persist for a long time or come and go, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible. The doctor will do a detailed interview and physical examination to determine the possible cause.
2. Imaging examination.
Your doctor may recommend imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs or ultrasounds to look for abnormal tumors or lesions inside your body. These tests can help your doctor determine and develop an appropriate regimen.
3. Biopsy. In some cases, doctors may need to do a biopsy, in which is to take a sample of tissue or cells from the affected area. This can be done through endoscopy, fine needle aspiration, or surgery. A biopsy can provide conclusive evidence of a diagnosis of cancer.
4. Specialists.
If cancer risk is suspected, it is advisable to consult a specialist such as an oncologist, otolaryngologist or gastroenterologist who will conduct further evaluation based on symptoms**.
5. Prevention and health management
1. Eat a healthy diet.
Maintain a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat proteins, and healthy fats, and reduce your intake of high-sugar, high-fat, and processed foods. Drinking water in moderation can also help reduce the problem of dry mouth.
2. Quit smoking and limit alcohol.
Long-term abuse of tobacco and alcohol has been linked to several types of cancer. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake are important measures to reduce the risk of cancer.
3. Exercise. Moderate physical activity can help maintain weight, strengthen the immune system, and reduce the risk of certain cancers. It is recommended to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.
4. Regular physical examination.
Regular checkups can help detect underlying health problems, including cancer, early. Follow your doctor's advice for regular check-ups and screenings.
5. Decompression. Long-term psychological stress and anxiety can have a negative impact on physical health. Learning to cope with stress and staying happy is also important for cancer prevention.
The wisdom of TCM tells us that the balance and health of the body is the most important thing, and cancer is a serious challenge. I hope that you can take care of your health and not only pay attention to the symptoms on the surface, but also have a deep understanding of the internal situation in the body, so that you can detect potential problems early and take appropriate measures. Only in this way can we stay away from the threat of cancer and live a healthy and happy life.
Healthy Wintering Program