When it's time to call a doctor

If you ignore it, it'll go away.

People sometimes adopt this attitude when they're feeling ill. Although it might be true for a cold or other common ailments, doctors say some symptoms need to be taken more seriously.

But how do you know if your symptoms warrant a visit to the doctor?

A general rule is to follow your gut, doctors say. If you feel something is serious enough to be checked out, get it checked out.

Although doctors say there is no way to make a comprehensive list of what needs to be evaluated, there are some common symptoms that should put you on alert.

Here are symptoms that should always be taken seriously, according to Jamal Hyder, an internal medicine physician at St. John Medical Center, and Blaine Price, a family medicine physician at Utica Park Clinic, both in Oklahoma.

Infections: Symptoms can include a sore throat or cough that lasts more than two or three days without getting better or a change in the color of your phlegm. Bloody drainage is also a concern, as is a fever that develops several days after your initial symptoms.

Swelling can also be a sign of infection.

Headaches: While many can be brushed off, especially if they are infrequent and improve with over-the-counter medicines, others might call for a doctor's visit. They include a headache that is different in character than what you are accustomed to and one that is accompanied by problems with eyesight, such as double or blurred vision. Another type to worry about is a sudden, debilitating headache, which could be a sign of internal bleeding in the head, depending on the age of the person experiencing them.

Abdominal pain: "If you are having pain that is unusual, or that is not going away, or is on your right side, or pain that is radiating backward or downward, those should be evaluated," Price said.

Any pain starting in the belly button and accompanied by projectile vomiting is indicative of some sort of blockage and should be immediately evaluated, as should pain that is accompanied by blood in your stool or a change in its color.

Back pain: If it stems from strenuous activity, or doing something such as bending over to pick something up, it is probably a muscle spasm or strain. Doctors can't do much about it other than recommend time for healing and prescribing anti-inflammatory medicine.

If back pain gets progressively worse, or is accompanied by weakness or numbness in the lower extremities, there could be a pinching of the nerves. If the symptoms are accompanied by a loss of control of stool or urine, see a doctor immediately.

If the pain is severe and accompanied with fever, this could indicate a spine infection and also requires immediate attention.

Diabetes: "If you have been thirsty for no reason, or fatigued for no reason, or gaining or losing weight for no reason, these are signs of endocrine abnormalities," Hyder said -- abnormalities including diabetes or involving the thyroid.

Ear pain: If there is a ringing in your ears, or discharge from your ears, or if you feel a loss of balance, see a doctor immediately.