Every sniffle and sore throat doesn't require an appointment with your primary care physician, but there are certain health-related issues that you should not ignore. While these issues may not be a result of a serious underlying medical problem, they are serious enough that they warrant an exam and a medical consult. Make a doctor's appointment immediately if you are experiencing any of the following four symptoms.

Severe Fever

If you have been experiencing a fever of more than 103 degrees Fahrenheit or even a milder fever that lasts several days, then you likely have an infection somewhere within the body. This may require antibiotics to fight the infection off. In some cases, a severe fever may be an indication of cancer. Regardless, it is important to seek the medical attention of your primary care physician when you have a mild fever that lasts several days or a severe fever of over 103 degrees.

Shortness of Breath

There are many reasons why you may experience shortness of breath, but you should be concerned any time that you find it difficult to breathe when you are not exercising. Shortness of breath may indicate asthma, pneumonia, blood clots in your lungs, heart disease, and a wide range of other health conditions that need professional medical attention.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Most people assume that losing weight is a good thing, but if you lose weight too quickly or for no reason, then it may be an indication that something is wrong. Sudden weight loss can be a sign of parasitic infections, cancer, and many other things, so it is important that you talk to your family doctor about any unexplained weight loss so that the root cause can be identified.

Severe or Sudden Pain

Any time that you have severe or sudden pain, especially if the pain is in your abdomen or chest, you need to talk to your family physician immediately. Significant pressure, discomfort, or pain in the upper abdomen or chest may be a sign of heartburn or even a heart attack. If you have a severe headache that is worse than previous headaches or sudden or sharp pain in other areas of the body, it is generally a sign of some kind of illness or injury, and you need to be examined by a professional.

If you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms, contact your primary care physician to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.