Four Reasons Why Doctors Also Seek Medical Help and When You Should Do the Same

Faced with symptoms in the body, determining whether to seek medical attention can often be confusing. Many people may hesitate to see a doctor due to worry or a sense of luck. However, doctors also face the same dilemma when dealing with their own health issues. So, what factors do doctors consider when deciding whether to seek medical help? Here are their insights, which also provide a reference for you to judge when you should seek medical attention.

Doctors Get Sick Too, and They Seek Help from Peers

Despite possessing medical knowledge, doctors also need to seek medical help when they are ill. Medical ethics prohibit doctors from treating themselves, so they also choose to consult other doctors. When facing their own health problems, doctors may feel uneasy and hesitant, but they usually make decisions based on the following factors.

1. Assessing the Likelihood of the Worst-Case Scenario

Angela U. Tucker, MD, a family physician at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, said she evaluates the worst-case scenario and its probability based on her medical training experience. If the likelihood of a serious condition is low, she may choose to wait. However, if she has risk factors such as a history of heart attacks, she will be more vigilant and seek medical help.

2. Severity or Deterioration of Symptoms

Peter Yangga, MD, an internist at Northwell Health, believes that medical evaluation should be sought when symptoms become severe or concerning. Even if symptoms do not seem urgent or life-threatening, one should contact a doctor if they persist or worsen. Any progression in the severity of illness is a danger sign for seeking medical help, often requiring more extensive diagnostic testing and treatment.

3. Impact on Quality of Life

Sulagna Misra, MD, an internist and founder of Misra Health Center, emphasizes that medical help should be sought when symptoms affect quality of life. She believes that symptoms are the body's way of communicating with us, and we should listen and find the underlying cause. If symptoms persist and are concerning or interfere with daily activities, one should immediately contact a doctor.

4. Effectiveness of Over-the-Counter Medications

Laura Purdy, MD, a family medicine physician and founder of JellyMed and Swell Medical, said she usually waits for symptoms to resolve naturally or tries over-the-counter medications for treatment. However, if over-the-counter medications are ineffective after a few days, she will choose to see a doctor. Additionally, she reminds that certain symptoms, such as signs of a urinary tract infection, should not be waited on and should be immediately addressed to avoid more serious consequences like kidney infections.

In summary, when facing their own health problems, doctors also make decisions on whether to seek medical help based on the nature of symptoms, severity, impact on quality of life, and effectiveness of over-the-counter medications. Similarly, when you face similar situations, you should refer to these factors to judge when you should seek medical attention. Remember, it is very important to listen to your body and trust your intuition. If you are worried or uneasy about any symptoms, please communicate with a doctor as soon as possible.