ITV’s Dr Amir Khan shares five warning signs you should never ignore

GP and ITV doctor Amir Khan has shared five urgent warning signs that mean you should see your GP as soon as possible

Advertisement

A GP has identified five critical warning signs that should prompt an immediate visit to the doctor. He stated he would “definitely want to see you” should any of these symptoms present themselves.

In a video posted on Instagram, ITV doctor Amir Khan highlighted several potentially serious symptoms that ought not to be ignored. Speaking to his one million followers, Dr Amir said: “Here are five things I would definitely want to see you for as a GP.”

These include:

• The sensation of food or drink becoming lodged in your throat during swallowing (dysphagia)
• Mouth ulcers persisting for three weeks
• Unexplained heavy night sweats
• Unexplained lumps
• Unexplained bone pain

Dysphagia

This could signal oesophageal cancer. Dr Amir explained: “The feeling of food or drink getting stuck in your throat when you try to swallow – this is called dysphagia.

“It can sometimes cause coughing, choking and vomiting – there are several different causes but we need to rule out a cancer of the food pipe or other parts of the upper digestive track.”

Mouth ulcers

While most mouth ulcers prove benign, persistent ones require examination. Dr Amir added: “An unexplained mouth ulcer that has been there for three weeks or more.

“Mouth cancer can affect anyone but it is more common in those who smoke or use alcohol excessively – please do get that checked.”

Night sweats

Nocturnal perspiration can be perfectly normal, though excessive amounts may warrant attention. “Unexplained heavy or drenching night sweats,” Dr Amir explained.

“Yes, I know you can get these from the menopause, but if you can’t explain these sweats away, come and speak to us.”

Lumps

He continued: “Now new unexplained lumps anywhere should be checked, but if you have a new lump in your neck even it feels like a lymph node, if it is more than 1cm or feels hard rubbery or remains there for three weeks or more, please do get that checked.”

Bone pain

“And lastly unexplained bone pain especially if you are over 50, especially in the back, pelvis, and ribs, if you don’t remember any kind of injury or movement that can explain it – do get it checked out,” he said.

Dr Amir concluded: “Now I know it’s hard to get an appointment and we are doing our best, but the bottom line is any persistent unexplained should be checked by a healthcare professional.”