If you have any of these symptoms stop what you're doing and see a doctor

The most innocuous symptoms may indicate the most serious illness, and being aware of changes in your body might be the difference between taking a course of tablets and undergoing surgical procedures.

Doctors of Reddit have come together to share a list of symptoms which could indicate serious illnesses.

Here they are, below:

1. If you have lost a significant amount of weight in a short period of time, unintentionally

There are a number of reasons, some benign, some not so benign, why you might be losing weight without wanting to.

The sudden weight loss can be linked to emotional distress, an eating disorder or a symptom of an underlying illness, like an overactive thyroid gland, depression, or in some cases, cancer.

2. Fainting spells

Fainting happens when the flow of oxygenated blood to the brain is reduced.

Watch out for symptoms of a faint, which include a sudden, clammy sweat, confusion, blurred vision and ringing in your ears.

If you are fainting frequently, it could be a sign of a serious health issue, such as diabetes, coronary heart disease, or neurological conditions.

3. Being tired all the time

Exhaustion can simply be a sign that you are overworking your body.

As a result, a lot of the time all you need is rest.

However exhaustion can also indicate other health problems, like anaemia.

It could also be chronic fatigue syndrome, which can come about as the result of a viral/bacterial infection, a hormonal imbalance and stress.

4. Having regular pain in your side

If you have pain in the same place for an extended length of time, it may be your body’s way of indicating a problem.

One of the symptoms of Polycystic Kidney Disease, which can lead to kidney failure, is a pain in the side or lower back, as well as blood in your urine.

5. If you have heavily freckled lips

You could have Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.

This is an inherited condition that increases the risk of a variety of cancers, and is characterised by dark blue or dark brown freckles around the mouth, lips, fingers and toes.

It's could be wise to go for regular cancer checks.

6. Drinking an abnormally large quantity of water.

One of the main symptoms of Type One Diabetes is being constantly thirsty.

If you find yourself drinking frequently, and passing a lot of urine, you should consider a visit with the GP.

If you, or someone you know has any of the above symptoms, you can contact the NHS helpline, 111 for professional medical advice. If symptoms worsen, visit the hospital.

More: If you have any of these symptoms stop what you're doing and go to hospital

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