Tips to Live By

10 Signs You Should See a Doctor

Feb. 15, 2022 - Katie McCallum

Do I really need to see a doctor?

It's a question many people ask — especially when the symptoms you're experiencing don't seem particularly concerning, like a lingering cough.

"Despite what you may tell yourself, major symptoms and incidents aren't the only reasons to go see the doctor. Certain symptoms that may not seem immediately alarming can be a sign of an underlying issue or health condition that requires treatment," says Dr. Joshua Septimus, medical director of Houston Methodist Primary Care Group Same Day Clinics.

Plus, some symptoms can be indications of a life-threatening emergency that warrants immediate medical attention.

Below are the times you might need to see a doctor.

10 signs and symptoms that warrant seeing a doctor

1. An unusually bad cold

It’s not always easy to know when to go to the doctor for a cold.

If your symptoms linger or continue to worsen, it could be a sign that you have more than just a cold and you may benefit from doctor-prescribed treatment or care. Cold-like symptoms that linger and are left untreated can also cause other health issues, such as a sinus infection or dehydration.

2. A change in urinary or bowel habits

The frequency of urinating and having a bowel movement varies from person to person. But a sudden change in your own pattern — whether urinating more frequently or experiencing diarrhea, constipation or bloody or black stools — can be a sign it’s time to see a doctor.

3. Sudden weight loss without explanation

An unexplained drop in weight could indicate a chronic health issue.

As a general rule of thumb, if you’ve lost more than 10% of your body weight in the last six months (without trying), make an appointment with your doctor.

4. A persistent or high fever

A fever is one way your body naturally fights infection, so it isn’t always an immediate cause for concern. However, if you have a fever above 103˚F or a low-grade fever that lasts more than three days, call your doctor. A more serious infection could be at play.

Seek immediate medical attention if a high fever is accompanied by a severe headache, unusual skin rash, mental confusion, stiff neck, sensitivity to bright light, difficulty breathing or chest pain.

5. Unexplained shortness of breath

There are some reasonable explanations for being temporarily short of breath, including being at high altitude, experiencing extreme temperatures or during intense exercise.

But if you have unexplained shortness of breath, let your doctor know. It could be a sign of an underlying health issue that requires treatment.

If shortness of breath is severe and comes on suddenly, seek emergency medical care.

6. Chest, stomach or pelvic pain

Abnormal, intense and sustained pain in the chest, abdomen or pelvis can indicate an underlying issue that demands a doctor’s attention.

Seek immediate medical attention if you have prolonged and severe chest pain accompanied by difficulty breathing or mental confusion, or if you have abdominal pain that is severe, unrelenting, extends to your back and causes your stomach to be painful to the touch.

7. New confusion or changes in your mood

Your mood can certainly fluctuate, but sudden confusion or a personality change can be a sign of an infection or drug interaction. If you have new feelings of anxiety or depression and are experiencing irregular sleep and trouble thinking or focusing, alert your doctor.

8. Unexpected symptoms after starting a new medication or after a procedure

Anytime you start a new medication, get an immunization or undergo a medical procedure, ask your doctor in advance about the potential side effects you may experience.

Monitor for these and if anything out of the ordinary occurs, call your doctor’s office to see if an appointment is advised.

9. You suspect you have a concussion

If you’ve fallen or suffered a blow to your head, monitor yourself for the symptoms of concussion, which include:

  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Headache
  • Irritability
  • Change in sleep pattern

If any of these develop, see your doctor immediately.

10. Seeing bright flashes of light

If you suffer from migraines, you may sometimes experience bright flashes or spots in your vision. Otherwise, sudden bright flashes might be a sign of a retinal detachment, a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention to prevent permanent vision loss.

"Keep in mind that this list is by no means exhaustive and, above all, always go with your gut. If instinct tells you something is wrong, it's a good idea to seek medical attention," adds Dr. Septimus.

When are cold-like symptoms actually more than a cold?

As mentioned, it can be hard to know if and when cold-like symptoms warrant attention from your doctor.

"In most cases, cold symptoms can be managed at home via plenty of sleep and fluids, as well as over-the-counter medications if needed. However, there are some signs that you might benefit from seeing a doctor for," says Dr. Septimus.

If you have a worsening cold, watch for the following:

  • A severe cough that lingers more than two weeks, which could potentially indicate bacterial bronchitis
  • Sustained congestion accompanied by fever and yellow, white or brown nasal drainage, which can lead to a sinus infection if left untreated
  • Fever, muscle aches or other flu-like or COVID-like symptoms, since your doctor can prescribe medications that help prevent severe illness, in some cases (Related: Can Heart Disease Increase Your Flu Risk?)
  • Persistent vomiting, since you may need an IV to get fluids to help your body function
  • Difficulty swallowing, chest pain and shortness of breath, which aren't normal cold symptoms and may instead indicate a more serious condition

Which symptoms are signs that you need to go to the ER?

A medical emergency is a rapid onset of serious, debilitating or painful symptoms that have the potential to impact your life, limbs or bodily function.

Symptoms that require immediate medical attention include:

  • Abdominal or stomach pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting
  • Bodily trauma, especially to the head or spine
  • Fever of 100.4 degrees F or higher that persists
  • Headache accompanied by fever and confusion
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • Severe and sudden shortness of breath
  • Stroke symptoms, including face drooping, arm weakness, difficulty talking, dizziness, blurred vision, intense headache and confusion
  • Severe burns

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, seek emergency care as soon as possible. (Related: An Emergency Is Still an Emergency — Even During the COVID-19 Pandemic)

Some serious symptoms, such as chest pain and those associated with stroke, are time-sensitive — and the risk of losing function or even your life increases the longer medical attention is delayed. In these events, consider calling 911 so you can receive immediate medical attention.

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Categories: Tips to Live By