There are many reasons that sick or injured people do not go to the doctor. Many people are just too busy to take the few hours out of their day that a trip to the doctor’s office would require. Now, more than ever, many people want to avoid the high costs associated with medical care. Others are afraid of the potential diagnosis. There is also a certain percentage of people who just avoid the doctor out of laziness. For whatever the reason that individuals avoid visits to the doctor, everybody should know when enough is enough. At what point does seeking a medical professional become a need rather than a luxury?

With Sickness:

Obviously, not every cold requires the help of a doctor. In fact, the common cold is still incurable to date. That is because the “common” cold is anything but common. It is actually a series of different viruses that cannot be killed by typical antibiotics. Sometimes doctors may be able to prescribe drugs to treat the symptoms, but these are more about the sufferer’s comfort than overall health concerns.

Instead, it is important to recognize the standard cycle of most colds. Most last about a week, with the victim beginning to feel better around days number six or seven. If you are suffering from what feels like a common cold and not getting better after seven to 10 days, then you may want to make an appointment with your doctor. At this point, it begins to be possible that the cold is not so common and help may be required.

In addition, look for any symptoms outside the normal realm. A cough, sneezes, & stuffy nose are normal with a cold. But seek a medical professional immediately if your cold leads to persistent diarrhea, headaches that will not go away, high levels of pain, blood in urine or feces, or any other symptom that you do not usually encounter when you are sick.

With Injuries:

Not every stubbed toe requires a trip to the doctor’s office either. But there are definitely some things to look for when you incur an injury. First, a hard and fast rule, any kind of real trauma to the head should result in a doctor’s visit. We are constantly learning the harmful immediate and long term effects of concussions and visiting with a professional can help determine the best course of action.

For other injuries, obviously anything resembling a broken bone, impalement, or trauma that results in intolerable pain should lead one to the emergency room. Other things to look for would be symptoms out of the ordinary – e.g. bleeding that cannot be curtailed, bruising that expands beyond expectations, strange coloration around a wound, and other things of that nature.

While a trip to the doctor can incur time and expense, it is important to note that avoiding the doctor when there reason to go may result in much more of both down the line.

Disclaimer: This article was written based upon information provided by medical professionals. The author is not personally a medical professional and the advice provided, while based on medical best practices, should be treated as such.

Our friends:
MSNBC Health News: www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032076/
AUA College of Medicine: www.auamed.org/medical-schools-in-the-caribbean
Bureau of Labor for Physicians: www.bls.gov/oco/ocos074.htm

Our friends:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032076/
http://www.auamed.org/medical-schools-in-the-caribbean
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos074.htm

Author Bio: Our friends:
MSNBC Health News: www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032076/
AUA College of Medicine: www.auamed.org/medical-schools-in-the-caribbean
Bureau of Labor for Physicians: www.bls.gov/oco/ocos074.htm

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: Injuries, doctors, health, sickness