There are plenty of minor illnesses and injuries that can be treated at home, but it’s important to know when the time has come to seek medical care. Patients who are looking for advice about when it’s worth scheduling an extra doctor’s appointment can read on to see what kinds of symptoms justify calling an Austin physician instead of waiting until the next scheduled appointment.
Cold and Flu Symptoms
Most common colds and flu symptoms can be treated at home by getting some rest, drinking lots of fluids, and taking over-the-counter medications as necessary. There are, however, some symptoms that justify a trip to the doctor, even if patients are convinced it’s only the flu or common cold that’s to blame. They include:
- Persistent and/or severe vomiting
- Fevers that don’t go away
- Coughs that last more than two to three weeks
- Earaches
- Painful swallowing that is worse than an ordinary sore throat
Digestive Issues
Just about everyone has gotten an upset stomach after eating too much or as a symptom of a minor bug. Some digestive issues are more serious, though, especially if they don’t go away. Persistent nausea, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, and/or abdominal pain can all be symptoms of more serious problems, so it’s worth heading to the doctor if the symptoms don’t go away after a day or two or are particularly severe.
Head Injuries
A minor bump on the head is usually nothing to worry about, especially if there’s no blood involved. Sometimes, though, head injuries can cause concussions. Both children and adults should be aware of new or worsening symptoms following a head injury. Symptoms that could be caused by a concussion include:
- Dizziness
- Balance problems
- Confusion
- Concentration or memory problems
- Fatigue
- Sensitivity to light
- Sensitivity to noise
- Mood changes
- Sleep problems
- Nausea and vomiting
Headaches that don’t get better after taking OTC medications should also be evaluated by a primary care doctor. This is especially true if the headaches are keeping patients from sleeping, working, or performing daily activities.
Back Pain
Back pain usually goes away on its own after a few days or a few weeks, and it’s generally mild enough to be treated successfully with OTC medication and heat/cold therapy. In some cases, though, back pain can be a sign of other problems.
Back pain that feels like it’s spreading down one or both legs can be a sign of a nerve problem, as can pain that’s accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness. If the pain is accompanied by swelling, redness, or a fever, it could be a sign of an infection. Scheduling an exam with a primary care physician is always a good idea when this is the case.
It’s Not Worth the Wait
Some people are more hesitant to schedule extra doctor’s appointments than others. Anyone struggling with the symptoms described above or with severe mental health issues, menstrual disruptions, unexplained weight loss, or other concerning symptoms should call to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. If a patient’s condition is worsening rapidly before he or she is able to visit the doctor, a visit to an urgent care clinic or an emergency room may be a better option.
