We’ve all had that internal debate.
You wake up with a sore throat, pounding head or a cough that seems to have appeared overnight and wonder: Do I actually need to see a doctor, or do I just need some rest and a day on the couch?
Knowing when to see a doctor isn’t always straightforward. Some everyday illnesses may improve with rest, fluids and over-the-counter medication, while other symptoms may need medical attention.
And while nobody wants to make an unnecessary trip to the doctor, you also don’t want to ignore something that could be more serious.
Here are a few signs that can help you decide when it may be time to stop waiting it out and get medical advice.
When it’s more than just feeling under the weather
There’s a big difference between feeling a little run-down and feeling like something is seriously wrong.
Some symptoms need urgent medical attention rather than a “let’s see how I feel tomorrow” approach.
Severe shortness of breath, sudden or intense chest pain, a serious burn, a suspected broken bone or a significant head injury are all reasons to seek urgent medical help.
You should also take serious injuries following a car accident, fall or assault seriously, even if you initially think you’re okay. Some injuries and symptoms may not be immediately obvious.
Sudden, severe or unexplained pain that doesn’t go away is another reason to seek medical advice.
When you’re experiencing severe symptoms or believe you may be having a medical emergency, seek emergency medical assistance rather than waiting for the symptoms to improve on their own.
That cold has overstayed its welcome
Most of us know the routine. The tissues come out, the kettle goes on and suddenly your bed becomes your favourite place in the world.
Colds and other minor respiratory illnesses can often improve with time, rest and plenty of fluids. But what happens when you’re several days in and you’re not feeling any better? Knowing when to see a doctor can help you decide when it’s time to get checked out.
It may be time to see a doctor if your symptoms continue to get worse rather than improve.
A cough that hangs around for weeks, chest pain, difficulty breathing, a severe sore throat or symptoms that suddenly become much worse are all worth paying attention to.
A persistent high fever can also be a sign that your body is dealing with something that needs medical attention, particularly when it lasts for several days or you’re becoming increasingly unwell.
When it comes to when to see a doctor, pay attention to how your illness is progressing. Feeling rough on day one is one thing. Feeling significantly worse several days later is another.
When a stomach bug becomes more concerning
A stomach bug is never fun.
Between the nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and general exhaustion, you may want to spend the entire day within a few metres of your bathroom.
While some stomach illnesses clear up relatively quickly, ongoing vomiting and diarrhoea can lead to dehydration, particularly when you’re struggling to keep fluids down.
Signs of dehydration can include feeling unusually weak or dizzy, having a very dry mouth or passing much less urine than usual.
If you can’t keep fluids down, you’re worried about dehydration or your symptoms aren’t improving, it’s a good idea to speak to a healthcare professional.
Babies, young children, older adults and people with certain health conditions may be more vulnerable to dehydration, so getting medical advice sooner may be necessary.
When the headache keeps coming back
Everyone gets a headache from time to time.
Maybe you didn’t drink enough water. Maybe you’ve spent the entire day staring at your laptop. Maybe it’s been one of those weeks.
An occasional headache may not be anything unusual, but frequent or particularly severe headaches are worth paying attention to.
If you’ve suddenly started experiencing headaches more often than usual, they keep returning or they’re affecting your ability to go about your day, consider speaking to your doctor.
A sudden and extremely severe headache, particularly when accompanied by symptoms such as confusion, weakness, difficulty speaking or changes in vision, may require urgent medical attention.
It’s less about panicking every time your head hurts and more about noticing when something is different from your normal.
When unexplained changes start adding up
Sometimes, knowing when to see a doctor isn’t about one dramatic symptom.
It can be the smaller changes that stick around.
Perhaps you’ve lost a noticeable amount of weight without changing your diet or exercise routine. Maybe you’re constantly exhausted despite getting enough sleep. Or perhaps there’s a pain, lump, change in appetite or other symptom that keeps returning.
One unusual day doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong. But unexplained changes that persist or start interfering with everyday life shouldn’t simply be ignored.
Make a note of what you’ve noticed, how long it has been happening and whether anything makes it better or worse. This information can also help your doctor understand what’s been happening when you go for your appointment.
Understand the 7 signs that show you need to go to the doctor.
Don’t forget about the symptoms you can’t see
Your health isn’t only about physical symptoms.
Changes in your mood, sleep, concentration and general wellbeing can also be worth discussing with a healthcare professional, particularly when they persist or start affecting your everyday life.
You don’t have to wait until something becomes unbearable before asking for help.
If you’re concerned about a change in your physical or mental wellbeing, speaking to a qualified healthcare professional can help you understand what your next step should be.
When to see a doctor? And when to wait.
When you’re not sure on when to see a doctor, think about three things: how severe your symptoms are, how long they’ve lasted and whether they’re getting better or worse.
A mild symptom that improves over a day or two may simply need some rest and TLC.
A symptom that sticks around, keeps returning, becomes more severe or starts interfering with your normal day may be worth getting checked.
And if a symptom is sudden or severe, don’t wait for it to become worse before seeking medical attention.
You don’t need to diagnose yourself before making an appointment. That’s what healthcare professionals are there for.
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Make the most of your doctor’s appointment
Once you’ve decided it’s time to see your doctor, a little preparation can help you make the most of your appointment.
Think about when your symptoms started, whether they’ve changed and anything you’ve already tried to help manage them.
It’s also helpful to mention any medication you’re currently taking, including over-the-counter medication, and any other symptoms you’ve noticed, even if they don’t seem connected.
And don’t be afraid to ask questions.
If you don’t understand something your doctor has explained, ask them to go through it again. Understanding what’s happening and what you need to do next is an important part of looking after your health.
Understand how you pay for your doctor’s visit with Oneplan Pet Insurance.
Your health is worth paying attention to
There isn’t always a perfect rule for deciding when to see a doctor.
Not every sniffle needs an appointment, but you also shouldn’t ignore symptoms simply because you’re hoping they’ll disappear.
Pay attention to what your body is telling you. Notice when something changes, when a symptom isn’t improving or when you simply don’t feel like yourself.
And if you’re unsure, getting advice from a qualified healthcare professional can give you a clearer idea of what to do next.
Having health cover can also make accessing everyday healthcare a little easier when you do need it.
With Oneplan Health Insurance, you can access healthcare benefits depending on your chosen plan and conveniently manage eligible claims through the Oneplan App.*
Because when you’re not feeling your best, figuring out how to access your cover should be the easy part.
Explore Oneplan Health Insurance and find cover that suits your needs and budget.
Your Health Insurance Family,
