Do you know what your body is trying to tell you? Here are the signs you need to go see a doctor!
You know your body better than anybody else. This is why it’s a bit confusing as to why so many people resist visiting the doctor. Here’s a thought to chew on: people aren’t meant to feel sick. Do they get sick? Obviously. But is it ever okay to feel sick all the time and think that it’s normal? Not really.
Knowing when to go see a doctor (and getting there on time) speeds up your recovery and stops further damage in its tracks. Even if your symptoms are subtle, it’s better to know if they’re worth visiting the doctor over. Read on to learn about the 7 symptoms that warrant swift medical attention.
Related: 4 Tips for Choosing the Best Family Doctor Plus How You Can Afford It
Before that, remember that there isn’t a doctor sitting behind this screen. Avoid self-diagnosis and, most importantly, avoid panicking. If you’re suffering from any of the below, jump on the phone to book an appointment to go see a doctor.
Colds that last longer than 7 days
Most people can handle and recover from a cold from home without a doctor’s visit. If your symptoms go past 7 days or if they worsen, you should seek medical attention. A lingering cold could be something more serious like a chest infection, the flu, or COVID-19.
Struggling to breathe, chest pain, and a sore throat that prevents swallowing are not symptoms of the common cold and should be seen to.
You’re running a fever
Persistent and high fever is most likely to indicate an underlying issue like an infection. A fever occurs when the body is fighting off infections, whether that be a UTI or an infected wound.
If your fever is higher than 39.4˚ Celsius you need to give your doctor a call. The same goes for if your fever lasts longer than 3 days.
Drastic weight loss
Humans, such vain creatures. It may sound great to suddenly drop a ton (not literally) of weight, and it is if you are doing it in a healthy and controlled manner. That means a gradual weight loss after a period of eating well and moving your body.
If you have lost a significant amount of weight for no reason, this is a sign that it’s time to go see a doctor.
Weight loss could be a symptom of cancer, diabetes, depression, or hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid). It could also be due to your body not being able to absorb vitamins and nutrients properly.
Confusion or mood changes
It isn’t just your body you need to keep an eye on. It’s essential you tend to your mind, too. If you notice you’re having difficulty concentrating or a hard time remembering things, that might be an indication that its time to go see a doctor.
You don’t need to try and deal with your mental health on your own. Your doctor can help guide you towards the right medication or if that isn’t the route you want to take, they could recommend a professional to speak with.
Short of breath
Anything that affects the lungs and chest should be overseen by a doctor. If you are short of breath after minimal activity or even after doing nothing, you need to chat with your doctor. Shortness of breath could be indicative of an oncoming heart attack, which is a medical emergency.
Bowel movement and urination changes
What comes out of your body says a lot about what is going on inside your body. Diarrhoea, constipation, or changes in the colour of your stool or urine could be symptoms of an underlying issue. If these changes last for more than a few days, book an appointment.
Symptoms that come after a blow to the head
If you have suffered a blow to the head, you must MUST see your doctor if any of the following symptoms occur:
- memory loss
- fatigue
- dizziness
- vomiting
- slurred speech
It doesn’t have to be a mission to go see a doctor! If you’re worried about the costs of visiting the doctor, remember two things. Firstly, your health is always worth putting first. Secondly, you won’t have to worry about costs if you have health insurance. It gets better when you have health insurance that covers routine care, AKA has cover for you to go see a doctor. And even better when you have health insurance that pays you before you visit the doctor, AKA Oneplan.
Discover: 3 reasons why our Oneplan Blue Plan is both budget-savvy and benefit bliss!
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