6 Signs You Should See The Doctor
It can sometimes be difficult to know when to see the doctor. Contrary to popular belief, major symptoms and occurrences are not the sole reasons to go to the hospital. According to a recent US study, cold accounts for more hospital visits than any other condition. Cold is a common symptom in several medical conditions, so it can be challenging to tell what you are dealing with. However, early detection is crucial for effective treatment and outcomes. Apart from this, below are a few signs to visit a doctor.
- Intense, abnormal headaches
Some experts believe that most daily chronic headaches and migraines aren’t life-threatening irrespective of their severity. However, it is essential to know when it is unusual. Consider visiting the doctor when the pain is more than you have felt before or in an area you don’t recognize. Your doctor may assess you for cognitive impairment, concussion, or internal bleeding, which is more common in people aged 50 or above. Headaches can be life-threatening if accompanied by a rash, so ensure to visit your doctor immediately.
- Sudden weight loss
An unexplained weight loss could be caused by overactive liver disease, diabetes, thyroid, diabetes, depression, and other health issues. Book an appointment with your doctor if you are not obese and have dropped over 10% of your body weight in the last six months. It is easier to treat unexplained sudden weight loss by identifying the underlying condition. However, this is no one-size-fits-all solution, so your doctor may recommend a wait-and-see approach to remedy your situation. Your physician may also recommend a special diet to compensate for the loss in no time.
- Unusually bad cold
The lungs are one of the body’s most sensitive parts, and the immune system always strives to keep it clean by removing the dirt and bacteria you breathe in daily. It is not always clear when to get hospital care when experiencing a cold. However, see your doctor if it doesn’t go away or worsen. Additionally, there are a few things to look out for, such as difficulty in swallowing, shortness of breath, or chest pains. A severe cough or flu that stays for over a week may suggest a whooping cough. And this can cause a sinus infection when left untreated. Pregnant women, seniors, and people with heart-related problems should exercise special caution in cold treatment to avoid developing flu complications.
- High fever
A fever of 103°F or above is considered high and requires immediate medical attention. Your body may be fighting off an infection or virus when you notice your body temperature rising. It could last several days or weeks, depending on the causes and treatment. Some fevers may not indicate serious problems and can be treated at home. However, see your doctor immediately if you or your child is experiencing high temperature and symptoms such as confusion, sensitivity to light, vomiting, and skin rash or irritation. The doctor can help you get the most effective treatment and relief you deserve.
- New or growing mole
It is okay to spend some time outside during the summer to get vitamin D. However, too much exposure can harm your skin. A study suggests that one in every three Americans reports sunburns every year. Too much sunbathing or sessions at the tanning salon has resulted in surging cases of skin cancer or abnormal development of skin cells over the years. Fortunately, early detection and treatment can ensure skin cancer is removed without causing any long-term harm. Few platforms can help you find oncologists you can visit if you notice the mole is getting larger, itchy, or has different shades of brown to respond with the right countermeasures. The abnormal development of skin cells causes moles. However, abnormal growth is not always indicative of cancer.
- Sore muscles
Being patient when dealing with sore muscles is vital since they are usually induced by physical activities the body isn’t used to. Fortunately, there are some medications you can use to alleviate the symptoms in a few days. However, consider seeing the doctor when muscle soreness persists for more than a week. Persistent muscle soreness, albeit rare, can result in kidney damage when left untreated. Visit the doctor immediately if you have an acute episode of soreness while doing tasks, bruising, swelling, or can’t completely use your arms or legs.
Remember that the above list isn’t exhaustive, so you may want to trust your instincts if something doesn’t feel right. Be careful when researching your issues online because you may find incorrect information. It would be best to visit the doctor and get early treatment.
