You may feel like rushing off to the doctor to get medicine as soon as possible when you are feeling ill. However, visiting a doctor unnecessarily can deplete your health insurance funds and, in some instances, your ailment will right itself with a few days’ rest and some over-the-counter (OTC) medication from a pharmacy.
For example, although you may feel rotten from a common cold or the flu, chances are you are simply battling a virus that cannot be relieved by antibiotics anyway. However, there are definitely some instances that warrant a trip to the doctor.
Firstly, let’s look at symptoms and instances that should not be ignored when it comes to seeking medical attention. If you notice or experience any of the following, phone an ambulance or visit your nearest emergency room as soon as possible:
- extreme shortness of breath
- a suspected broken bone
- after a motor vehicle collision
- burns or severe scalding that breaks the skin
- an injury such as a fall, stabbing or assault
- sudden, sharp pain in the chest, which may or may not be accompanied by shortness of breath
- any head injury – if consciousness was lost and you suspect a concussion, and
- sudden and severe pain in any part of your body – pain that has no apparent cause, is debilitating and sharp and does not go away.
Aside from emergency situations, it can be hard to determine exactly when you should visit a doctor, and when you are perhaps being slightly paranoid. Have a look at the signs below that may indicate it’s time to make an appointment with your general practitioner:
A persistent, high fever: Although a fever is your body’s way of naturally fending off an infection, a persistent high fever that lasts more than three days or a fever above 39.5 degrees Celsius could mean that you have a more serious infection and need medical attention.
Cold complications: Most common colds clear up in a few days when paired with rest and plenty of fluids. However, some signs that you need to visit a doctor include:
- a severe cough that lasts more than two weeks.
- a cough that keeps you awake at night and causes pain in your chest.
- coughing up thick, discoloured (green or dark yellow) sputum, might be tinged with blood
- severe pain in the throat that isn’t adequately alleviated with OTC medications.
- if you are a senior, or an expectant mother, you should seek medical attention as soon as your cold symptoms worsen (even slightly)
- sudden, inexplicable weight loss: if you haven’t been trying to lose weight but notice a very apparent drop in weight, then you may have an underlying condition such as thyroid or liver disease or even diabetes, and
- if your inexplicable weight loss is accompanied by night sweats, endeavour to see your doctor as soon as possible.
You have been unable to ‘keep anything down for more than two days: If you have a stomach virus that causes you to defecate and repeatedly vomit for too long a period, you may find that your body gets dehydrated. Dehydration can be life-threatening. If you are not passing urine anymore, and are only retching up bile, it is time to seek medical attention and get a drip.
Persistent, chronic headaches: If you find that you are regularly getting headaches or migraines, such as at least three times a week for at least a month, you may have an underlying condition that needs medical attention.
The above signs and symptoms of needing to seek medical help are simply guidelines for common ailments that require medical attention. Above all, trust your body and your instincts and seek a doctor’s attention whenever you see fit. You know your body better than anyone else!
If you are looking for affordable health insurance from South Africa’s first provider that pays YOU before you have to pay your medical practitioner then be sure to reach out to Oneplan here for an obligation-free quote.
Yours in trusted health insurance,
Oneplan
