When you need to see a doctor, it’s important to know when you should seek treatment and when to just take care of the problem yourself.
This will save you time and money. With that in mind, we bet you could use a guide on when and when not to consult a doctor right?
Consult a Doctor When:
Here are some of the instances when you should seek professional help.
You Suspect Pregnancy
It is important to see a doctor if you suspect that you are pregnant. Why? Because you need to begin prenatal clinics as soon as possible if you are pregnant and if you wait, chances are that you may experience problems that could have been avoided if you had seen a doctor earlier.
Breathing Difficulty
Sudden onset of rapid heartbeat and difficulty breathing, usually with sweating could be a sign of anemia which would then need to be addressed promptly.
You may also want to book an appointment with a physician if you are experiencing extreme tiredness possibly accompanied by loss of appetite and fever as it is a possibility sign of malaria which can be fatal if not treated on time.
Sudden and Heavy Bleeding
This is particularly for women. Abdominal pain or heavy bleeding that lasts longer than 1 hour or that occurs with bleeding not related to your period is not a good sign.
As such, it would be wise to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Abnormal Itching
If an itch is accompanied by a rash or unusual blistering, it’s probably best to see a doctor. The same goes if the itch is intense, doesn’t go away after two weeks or seems to be spreading.
If the itch is just annoying but not bothersome, wait a while and see how it goes.
A Sore Throat
A sore throat accompanied by fever, difficulty swallowing or breathing, pain in the neck and symptoms of tonsillitis — such as swollen lymph nodes — may be a sign of strep throat.
If you have any of these symptoms, get in to see your doctor right away. Other symptoms that are more common — like a cough or having trouble sleeping because of the pain — are less likely signs of strep and can often be treated at home with over-the-counter medications.
Chest Pain
You may experience a heart attack or stroke and not know it. Therefore, if you experience chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath and pain in the arm, back and neck that spreads to the jaw and throat, it would be best to see a physician.
Painless Lumps
Lumps can appear anywhere on your body. Usually, they will be cysts or boils but they can also be tumors.
If you have a painless lump anywhere on your body, that doesn’t seem to go away, you may want to visit a doctor just to rule out that it is not a tumor that may be detrimental to your health.
Do Not Consult If:
Some conditions do not necessarily call for a doctor’s attention and these include:
- Physical discomfort, such as back pain or headache, is usually caused by muscle strain or stress. Consult a doctor to find out the exact cause, and learn how to prevent the problem from reoccurring and how to deal with it.
- If you have a small cut or burn, it is usually better to treat it with an at-home remedy rather than going to the hospital for treatment.
If the cut won’t stop bleeding or if there’s something in the wound that needs removing, go see a doctor for treatment.
- When your child has flu-like symptoms, it is often better to wait and see if they clear up on their own. If they don’t, you can take them to the doctor then.
Children must be kept reasonably warm as well.
- If you have a problem that can be treated with over-the-counter medications, such as colds and flu.
In this case, speak to your pharmacist or check out the “Patient Information” section on the packaging for other possible remedies for your symptoms.
Conclusion
There are many situations in which a physician is needed. But there are also times when you can take care of a health issue yourself. In the end, it’s up to you to choose whether or not to see your doctor. It’s a decision you should make by weighing the symptoms and your treatment options.
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