FINGERNAIL ABNORMALITIES

Most fingernail abnormalities are caused by a localized problem -- eczema of the nails or a fingernail infection, for instance. But certain abnormalities stem from disease processes occurring elsewhere in the body...

Bluish tinge suggests poor oxygenation of the blood caused by lung or heart disease.

Brown or black spots are typically a sign of infection. Discoloration that has spread to the surrounding tissue could indicate gastrointestinal polyps or malignant melanoma.

Chipped "sawtooth" nails can be caused by vitamin deficiency or exposure to radiation or toxic chemicals.

Clubbing -- in which the nail and skin adjacent to the base of the nail bed become rounded and bulbous -- may mean cirrhosis of the liver, lung disease, heart disease or ulcerative colitis.

Horizontal grooves can be caused by malnutrition, measles, mumps or even a recent heart attack.

Spoon nails -- in which the nails flatten or become depressed like a spoon -- can be caused by anemia, thyroid disease, rheumatic fever or syphilis.

White streaks may be a sign of kidney failure, Hodgkin’s disease, sickle-cell anemia or a recent heart attack.

HEARTBURN

A burning sensation in the chest usually means heartburn -- but not always. Sometimes it means a heart attack.

If you experience a "funny heartburn," call 911 or have someone take you to the emergency room. Immediately chew and swallow an aspirin tablet.

Aspirin’s clot-busting properties will minimize damage to your heart, should you be having a heart attack.

COUGH

A cough that lasts for two weeks or more could be symptomatic of tuberculosis, emphysema or even lung cancer.

Coughing that seems to be triggered by strenuous physical activity is also cause for a doctor visit. You may have exercise induced asthma.

CONSTIPATION

Constipation can usually be cleared up by getting more exercise... consuming more water and dietary fiber... and perhaps by taking a laxative. If these steps fail to solve the problem within two weeks, consult a doctor.

Persistent constipation can mean colorectal cancer, prostate enlargement in men and fibroid tumors or uterine cancer in women.

FATIGUE

Fatigue that cannot be explained by lack of sleep can be symptomatic of depression. That’s especially true for fatigue accompanied by irritability and/or listlessness.

Fatigue can also be caused by diabetes, hypothyroidism, anemia, lupus, arthritis, AIDS or chronic fatigue syndrome.

FREQUENT URINATION

Increased urinary frequency that is associated with fatigue, weight loss, increased thirst or sweet-smelling urine may mean adult-onset (type II) diabetes. Other potential causes of increased urinary frequency include sexually transmitted diseases, bladder infection, irritable bladder and prostate or kidney trouble.

RECTAL BLEEDING

Most rectal bleeding stems from hemorrhoids, anal fissures or other minor problems. But some cases -- especially those that involve significant bleeding -- can mean intestinal ulcers or colorectal cancer.

SCALY SKIN

No doubt you already know to see a dermatologist if a birthmark or mole changes size or color. Such changes can be symptomatic of skin cancer.

You may not know that small, scaly patches on a woman’s nipple can mean a precancerous condition known as Paget’s disease. Any woman who notices such patches should see a doctor right away.