BBC doctor explains when to see your GP over ‘tiredness’ symptom

Tiredness is a common complaint in the modern world and most people easily dismiss it as a minor issue that could be fixed with sleep, exercise or better diet. While for most people this could be true , Dr Punam Krishan highlighted some signs that your tiredness has a more serious origin. Appearing on BBC’s Morning Live on May 5, the GP explained the difference between ‘normal tiredness’ and the tiredness that should prompt a doctor’s visit. She noted that with “ordinary tiredness”, you can usually pinpoint the root cause on your own. Dr Punam explained the more serious type of tiredness people should not be overlooking: “The one I'm talking about is when you're feeling absolutely fatigued and wiped out no matter how much you rest and you don't know why you're feeling tired all the time. “It might be something as simple as a vitamin deficiency, low iron levels. It might be your thyroids, it might be blood sugar issues. “But it can also be a sign of something with sinister. That's why going in, getting your bloods done, getting a history, getting us to diagnose it could be really really helpful.” The NHS recommends seeing a GP if you feel tired and: It has been going on for a few weeks without a clear reason It affects your daily life It is paired with other symptoms like weight loss or mood changes Someone has said you make gasping, snorting or choking noises when you sleep Dr Punam shared these insights after speaking about the new healthy life expectancy figures, which showed that Brits are now getting ill around two years earlier than they were a decade ago. This is leaving many people in ill health for longer portions of their lives than before. But Dr Punam was particularly worried about those not getting help when their symptoms first start. While the GP urged people not to panic, she also warned: “Sometimes I have people that go; ‘Oh, it started six months ago’. You know what, six months ago if had we seen you, it would be a different outcome.” She highlighted some other “essential red flags” that could be your body’s way of saying something is wrong includes lumps, unexplained weight loss, bleeding and coughs. Dr Punam specifically pleaded with women and carers who are often reluctant to put themselves and their health first even when they’re ill. She said: “The sooner we act, the sooner we recognise early symptoms and take action, the better it is for us.”