When Should I Go See a Doctor?
Whether it’s a bad cold, funny ache, or worrisome lump, knowing when to see a doctor can be difficult. Some symptoms are common and don’t warrant a medical appointment, but others could be a sign that something more serious is going on.
Here are 9 signs it may be time to see a doctor and get treated.
9 signs you should see a doctor
- Change in bowel movements: If you notice a sudden change in your bowel patterns, such as constipation, diarrhea, or black stools, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about it.
- Persistent cough: Coughs come and go, but a cough that is severe lingers for more than a few weeks or brings up blood should not be passed off as normal. A new, continuous cough may also be a symptom of COVID-19. Smokers and ex-smokers should be especially vigilant about getting persistent coughs checked out.
- Sudden weight loss: Unexplained weight loss can be a sign of digestive problems, infection, depression, diabetes, and even cancer.
- Headaches: Headaches are fairly common, but one that is more severe than normal, sudden, and accompanied by other symptoms may need medical attention. See a doctor if you experience a headache after a serious head injury or the headache gradually gets worse over many days, doesn’t go away, or is exacerbated by lying down, coughing, or sneezing.
- Back pain: In most casse, back pain may go away with a few home remedies. However, you should consult your doctor if your back pain is constant, doesn’t improve with rest, causes swelling in your neck or weakness in your legs, and is accompanied by chest pain or fever.
- Chest pain: When the heart is starved of oxygen due to a heart attack or angina, it typically feels dull and heavy, a bit like an elephant sitting on your chest. This type of chest pain usually gets worse with exercise and stress, can radiate into either arm, and may be accompanied by sweating or shortness of breath. Reach out to your doctor as soon as possible if you experience these symptoms.
- Chronic tiredness and fatigue: If you never feel refreshed even after a good night’s sleep, or you find yourself regularly dozing off during the day, you may have a sleep disorder that warrants a doctor’s visit.
- Vision problems: Blurry vision, sudden flashes of light, floaters in the eye, gradual vision loss, itchy and watery eyes could indicate serious issues with your eye health..
- Hearing and speech problems: Symptoms that may need medical attention include a hoarse voice, change in voice quality, constant nasal and throat irritation, earache, ear discharge, ringing in the ears, or reduced hearing.
Why should I see a doctor for routine check-ups?
Routine doctor visits are important, even if you aren’t experiencing worrisome symptoms. Primary reasons for visiting the doctor include:
- Establishing your health risk: If your family has a history of diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, cancer, or other serious diseases, a doctor can examine you and determine which screening tests you need.
- Getting assessed for asymptomatic diseases: Even if you feel fine, your heart rate and blood pressure should be monitored over time. Routine mental health screenings can also help in identifying warning signs of depression or anxiety before they go from bad to worse.
- Getting immunization advice: Both adults and children alike require immunization to stay healthy and avoid infectious diseases.
Remember, you and your body are unique. So instead of diagnosing yourself, talk to your doctor to get a personalized evaluation and a fuller understanding of your overall health.
What do you need for telemedicine?
Telemedicine or telehealth is a great way to seek health advice and treatment remotely. Here’s what you need for a telemedicine consultation:
- Phone, tablet, or computer
- Reliable internet connection
Tips for making your session go smoothly:
- If there is an app for the consultation, download it in advance.
- Make sure that you have a comfortable place to sit for the visit and that you are in clear view of the camera.
- Consider using headphones or earphones for better interaction.
- Have easy access to any pictures or medical reports you want to share with the medical provider.
- Have a piece of paper and pen ready.
Because you are talking to a healthcare provider, your information will be covered by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), meaning that it stays with your health provider and can only be shared with your insurer for payment. Your health provider will likely record your information in an electronic health record, which is kept securely by the health system.