Top 8 Signs To Visit a Doctor

Dr. Anzhela Dvorkina Internist Brooklyn, NY

Dr. Anzhela Dvorkina is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician with over 30 years of experience. Dr. Dvorkina graduated from the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center in the year 1983 and was awarded a doctor of medicine degree. Since then she has received numerous awards from local authorities in... more

Severe symptoms and accidents aren’t the only reasons to visit a doctor. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the main reason why many people visit doctors is a cough. Regardless of your situation, the early diagnosis of numerous conditions is essential to prevent irreversible health damage. 

Continue reading to discover the eight telltale signs you should seek medical attention. 

1. Persistent high fever

A fever indicates that your body tries to naturally fight the infection. But if your body temperature is higher than 103˚ Fahrenheit (39.4˚ Celsius) and your fever lasts for more than a few days, you should visit a general doctor ASAP. This can be a sign of a severe infection. 

2. Unusually bad cold

Sometimes it’s difficult to determine whether you should visit a physician for a cold. If your cold is continuous and worsens with each day, seek medical attention. Some of the warning signs to watch for include:

  • A severe cough that continues for more than a few weeks. It may be a sign of a highly contagious respiratory tract infection. Besides, persistent congestion can result in a sinus infection if neglected.
  • Sore muscles, fever, or other flu-like symptoms. These may indicate that you have the flu. It’s essential to visit a specialist for a Tamiflu prescription. Older people, pregnant women, and those with cardiovascular disease should be very cautious, as they’re at increased risk of developing flu complications.
  • Extreme dehydration. In this case, you may require an IV to get fluids to help your body function.

3. Sudden weight loss

Inexplicable weight loss may occur due to a thyroid disorder, diabetes, liver disease, and depression. If you’re not obese and have lost above 10% of body weight within a half-year period, schedule an appointment with a general physician.  

4. Shortness of breath

Vigorous physical activity, excess body weight, high altitude, and abnormal temperature are all common culprits of shortness of breath. If you’re not affected by any of these, consult a doctor about the possibility of bronchitis, or asthma. Especially if your symptoms occur suddenly and are severe.  

5. Confusion or mood swings

Rapid mood swings and sudden confusion can occur due to mental health problems, and conditions like infections or drug-drug interactions. If it’s hard for you to focus, sleep, or even think, or if you feel anxious or depressed, seek medical attention.

6. Severe pain in the chest, abdomen, or pelvis

Persistent and severe abdominal, chest, or pelvic pain can signal an underlying problem that requires a specialist’s attention. Some examples are gallstones when pain is in the abdomen, heart attack when in the chest, and kidney infection or appendicitis when in the pelvis. 

7. Concussion

If you’ve injured your head due to a fall or a blow, watch for the symptoms of concussion. These include head pain, concentration difficulties, irritability, and irregular sleep pattern. If you experience any of these, visit a doctor. 

8. Bright flashes in eyes

If you experience migraines, you may sometimes have bright spots of flashes in your eyes. If not, these sudden bright flashes may indicate a detached retina. This is a serious problem that needs urgent medical care to prevent vision loss. 

The bottom line

If you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms, consider visiting your doctor immediately. Timely treatment is essential to prevent irreversible health consequences and avoid costly treatment in the future. Even if your symptoms have just occurred and are mild, don’t let them develop into health-damaging problems.